Can Botox or other injectables fix my TMJ disorder?

If you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, you’re most likely familiar with jaw stiffness, the popping feeling every time you open your mouth, headaches and more. TMJ refers to the joint that connects your jaw to your skull in front of your ears. While there are surgical options to treat TMJ disorders, nonsurgical options include wearing a mouth guard, physical therapy and even facial injections. Dr. Zeena Nawas, a dermatologist at Baylor College of Medicine, details how effective this injectable treatment is and what you can expect once you schedule an appointment.

Question: How can Botox help treat TMJ disorders?
Answer: Botox is one of the most widely known brands of botulinum toxin injections. When injected into certain jaw muscles (most commonly the masseter and sometimes the temporalis), Botox helps those tight, overactive muscles relax. This can reduce jaw tension, pain, teeth grinding (bruxism) and even headaches caused by clenching.

Q: How effective is this treatment?
A: Most patients find neurotoxins (e.g., Botox) very effective for TMJ-related symptoms. It doesn’t cure TMJ disorders, but it can make a big difference in managing the pain and muscle tightness. Results vary, but many people report significant relief within a few weeks.

Q: How often would someone with TMJ disorder need this treatment?
A: Botox usually lasts around three to four months, so most patients come in for treatment about three to four times per year. Some people find they need it more often in the beginning and then less frequently over time.

Q: When can someone start to see results?
A: You may notice a difference in about three to seven days, but full results are typically seen around two weeks after the injections.

Q: What is the pain level for this injection? What happens during the procedure?
A: The procedure is quick and relatively painless. We use a very fine needle, and most people describe it as just a little pinch – less painful than a vaccine shot. Here’s what happens during the visit:

• We’ll have you clench your jaw so we can feel where the muscles are most active.
• After cleaning the area, we make a few small injections directly into those muscles.

The entire process usually takes less than 10 minutes, and you can return to your normal activities afterward.

Q: Are there any side effects to getting these injectables in your TMJ? Can you develop jowls?
A: Botox treatment for TMJ disorders is generally safe and well-tolerated, especially when performed by an experienced medical provider. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as slight soreness at the injection site, minor bruising or a temporary feeling of tightness when chewing. Occasionally, some patients may experience jaw fatigue, changes in chewing strength or mild asymmetry in the jaw or smile.

In rare cases, particularly when the masseter muscle is significantly weakened, the reduction in muscle volume can lessen the support for the skin along the jawline. This may lead to the appearance of jowls, especially in individuals who already have looser skin or reduced skin elasticity.

To minimize this risk, it’s important to undergo treatment with a provider who has a deep understanding of facial anatomy and uses precise injection techniques tailored to your individual facial structure.

Q: Are there injectables other than Botox that can help treat TMJ disorders?
A: Botox is the most commonly used injectable for TMJ disorders, but in some cases, other neuromodulators like Dysport, Xeomin or Daxxify can be used. They all work similarly and may be chosen based on patient preference or response to treatment.

By Taylor Barnes