Ask Dr. Anna!

What are the solutions for my jaw issues?

Do you experience headaches, periauricular pain, neck pain, decreased jaw excursion, locking, and clicking?

For those who don’t know, TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint in one’s jaw and acts like a sliding hinge which connects your skull to your jawbone. The nonspecific term to describe when people have a disorder relating to this area is referred to as temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and this can cause headaches, periauricular pain, neck pain, decreased jaw excursion, jaw locking, and clicking with movement. When people say TMJ they are often referring to pain along the jaw with radiation to the neck. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has estimated that around 10 million Americans are affected by the disorder.

All these problems may be helped with Botox/Dysport injections by an educated and experienced provider.

Bruxism:

Bruxism is the term given to those who avidly grind their teeth, which can result in jaw pain and headaches, it can diminish tooth enamel, chip one’s teeth, and cause sensitivity. The use of Dysport in this area paralyzes the muscles temporarily, helping to reduce jaw clenching. We had a patient at the clinic who was dealing with the inability to smile, talk properly, laugh etc. for over six years – communication issues forced her to quit her job. She was recommended physiotherapy for her mouth, which she said would relieve her pain for about three days. She had never heard of neuromodulator (Dysport/Botox), until she was referred to our clinic. A month later, she can laugh, smile, talk normally and she is not experiencing any of the pain and clenching that she was prior to her masseter injections with Dysport.

What are the solutions for my jaw issues?

What are the side effects to getting Dysport/Botox for TMJ/TMD?

Adverse effects are very uncommon and mild. The most common adverse effect from Dysport is difficulty chewing which is caused by the weakening of the muscle. Another uncommon side effect can be facial asymmetry if the masseter muscle is injected too close to the zygomaticus major. Bruising and local tenderness may occur.

What is the procedure?

This procedure takes place at the clinic, is performed by Dr. Anna, and takes less than 2 minutes. The injection feels like a quick needle poke. Dysport sets in about 72 hours. You can resume all normal activity as soon as you leave the office. It is crucial that you don’t touch or manipulate the treated area.

Come see Dr. Anna if you or anyone you know is experience jaw pain, grinding, lock jaw, or headaches – no referral required. Please note we are a private medical clinic.