TMJ Related Jaw Pain?
Brenna Smith, FNP-C is a certified nurse practitioner and has specialty aesthetics training through AMET (Aesthetic Medical Educators Training). She is qualified to administer Botox as an effective and safe alternative treatment for TMJ/temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the joints and muscles in your jaw.
Botox may help relieve the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. It is a non-surgical approach to treating TMJ. Botox for TMJ dysfunction may relax the jaw, reduce pain, and enable the person to open their mouth fully. The procedure is approximately 15-30 minutes and requires Botox injection(s) directly into the masseter muscle, allowing the masseter muscle to decrease in size and relax the joint. This can reduce pain and clicking of the jaw related to TMJ disorder.
When injected into the jaw muscles affected by TMJ disorder, Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions. By doing so, it temporarily paralyzes the muscles and reduces their ability to exert excessive force on the jaw joint. This relaxation of the jaw muscles helps alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorder. It may also reduce muscle spasms and prevent grinding or clenching of teeth, which are common symptoms of this condition.
The number of Botox units used is personalized to each patient based on muscle size/strength. The effects of Botox injections typically last for several months before gradually wearing off. This means that regular follow-up treatments may be necessary to maintain long-term relief from TMJ symptoms.
Every insurance company is different and you should check with your medical insurance provider to get specific details about your plan. If you have an FSA (flexible spending account) or HSA (health savings account), you may be able to use these funds to help cover the cost of your Botox treatment for TMJ. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine benefits for this procedure. You will be given pricing for the procedure prior to being scheduled for the procedure if you are paying out-of-pocket. Patients can self-refer for this procedure. There will be an initial appointment & patient assessment, prior to scheduling the procedure. To make an appointment with Brenna Smith, FNP-C, to determine if this treatment is right for you, call Memphis Medical Services at 660-465-2828, option 0.