There is a new and interesting treatment for treating TMJ and other causes of jaw stiffness and pain. These treatments are experimental currently but the research shows the treatment could be beneficial. The injection of Botox into the facial muscles around the jaw can relax the muscle and can reduce TMJ pain and even reduce headaches in people who grind their teeth. No other areas of the face are affected by the injections and the pain is brief and minimal. The procedure is also quick, lasting usually 10-30 minutes depending on the severity. After your injection you will start to feel relief nearly immediately, but how long will it last?
The Botox should last up to 5 months. It is important to follow all the after-procedure instructions carefully. Since it takes about 90 minutes for the Botox to bind to the muscle it is recommended that you do not lay down for this period of time because it could cause complications. Since the injection of the Botox into the wrong parts of the jaw could cause issues with the facial muscles, it is important to seek out a doctor that is familiar with this type of treatment.