Jaw Clicking Pain Treatment (TMJ Disorders)
If you’re experiencing jaw clicking, pain, or discomfort when opening or closing your mouth, you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder. At Santosha Aesthetics in Beverly Hills, we specialize in advanced, non-surgical treatments—including Botox—for jaw clicking pain, TMJ disorders, and related symptoms. Our expert care can help you find lasting relief and restore your quality of life.
Symptoms: Jaw Clicking, Pain, and TMJ Dysfunction
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull, allowing you to speak and chew comfortably. When this joint is affected by stress, injury, or misalignment, it can cause symptoms such as:
- Jaw clicking or popping (especially on one side)
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty or pain when chewing
- Locking of the jaw
- Headaches or earaches
Jaw clicking is often a sign that the cartilage disc in your TMJ is moving out of place or that the joint is under strain. If you notice persistent clicking, it’s important to seek professional evaluation to prevent further damage and pain.
What Causes Jaw Clicking and TMJ Disorders?
Common causes of TMJ disorders and jaw clicking include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Arthritis in the jaw joint
- Injury or trauma to the jaw
- Misalignment of teeth or jaw
- Stress and muscle tension
Sometimes, the exact cause is unclear, but these factors can lead to inflammation, displacement of the joint disc, or muscle dysfunction.
TMJ Disorders Treatment Options
Treatment options suggested for TMJ disorders usually fall into three categories, based on how severe the pain or disorder is, or which treatment options the patient is comfortable or able to undertake.
Medications
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to reduce discomfort
- Muscle relaxants for jaw muscle spasms
- Medications for underlying conditions (e.g., arthritis)
Therapy or alternative therapies
- Custom mouthguards or splints to prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Physical therapy and jaw exercises to strengthen and relax the jaw muscles
- Stress management techniques to reduce muscle tension
Surgery or injections
Surgery can often be a last resort for patients, as it is both invasive and expensive. However, it can permanently rectify TMJ disorders. As a non-invasive option, injections such as Botox have proven to be highly effective in treating some symptoms of TMJ disorders.
Botox for Jaw Clicking and TMJ Pain Relief
At Santosha Aesthetics in Beverly Hills, Panteha Partovi offers Botox injections for patients suffering from TMJ disorders with symptoms such as jaw tension, headaches, and pain from teeth grinding, and lockjaw.
As a neurotoxin protein, Botox relaxes muscles and relieves pain, and as a safe, non-invasive, and non-surgical treatment, it offers a quick treatment time with very little downtime.
Botox is generally injected into the chewing muscle or the Masseter muscle and can also be injected into the temporalis muscle in severe cases to relieve the chewing, clenching, and grinding forces that can further damage and aggravate the joint. The muscles are prevented from contracting which decreases the movement and force that leads to tension headaches and pain. The chewing ability of the masseter muscle is still retained as it does not require all the force and strength that muscle is capable of.
Botox for Facial Slimming
When treating the masseter muscle with Botox, patients also appreciate facial slimming as an aesthetic perk of their treatment. Overuse of the masseter muscle by clenching and grinding can cause the face to look boxy, but the relaxation of this muscle provides both the easing of pain and tension, as well as a slimmer, heart-shaped facial structure.
As another positive side effect, aside from pain relief, you may notice more smiling certainly helped by the fact your pain is diminished!
Panteha is a leading aesthetic expert in Los Angeles, and a nationally-recognized aesthetic injector skilled in helping patients minimize or eliminate the pain and tenseness associated with TMJ disorders.
Botox Aftercare
After your Botox treatment, avoid rubbing or massaging the injected area, hot showers or sauna, and vigorous workouts for up to 4 hours after the treatment to avoid spreading the toxin to the neighboring muscle groups. Dont worry- talking and laughing are permitted right after your treatment.
Following your Botox injections, there is virtually no downtime. However, some patients may experience slight jaw soreness, redness, or bruising- all of which disappear after a maximum of 1-2 days. Discomfort can be offset with ice or over the counter pain medication.
Botox for TMJ Relief Results
With that being said, relief from injections in the masseter muscle tends to last longer than injections in the superficial facial muscles due to its profound and prominent structure. This allows patients up to 6 months of relief, in comparison to the superficial areas that last up to 4 months.
If you have a TMJ disorder and are considering a Botox treatment, contact Panteha to discuss your options at (310) 740-9373 or book a consultation.
FAQs
What are the most common symptoms of TMJ disorders?
Symptoms include jaw clicking or popping, pain or tenderness in the jaw, difficulty chewing, locking of the jaw, and headaches.
Can TMJ disorders cause jaw clicking on only one side?
Yes, jaw clicking can occur on one side if the cartilage disc or muscles are affected unevenly. This is a common sign of TMJ dysfunction.
How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a physical exam, review of symptoms, and sometimes imaging such as X-rays or MRI. Your provider will check for clicking, pain, and range of motion.
What non-surgical treatments are available for jaw clicking pain?
Options include oral appliances, physical therapy, medications, and Botox injections. Most patients find relief with these conservative treatments.
How does Botox help with TMJ disorders and jaw clicking?
Botox relaxes the jaw muscles, reducing tension, pain, and clicking. It’s a quick, minimally invasive treatment with little to no downtime.
When is surgery needed for TMJ disorders?
Surgery is only considered if non-surgical treatments fail and symptoms are severe. Most patients do not require surgery.
How long do results from Botox for TMJ pain last?
Relief typically lasts 4–6 months, after which repeat treatments may be recommended.
Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Some medical and dental plans may cover part of your TMJ treatment. Check with your provider for details.