Oct
While Botox is a well-known solution for effectively minimizing facial wrinkles, it’s also useful in relieving symptoms related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ disorder causes intense pain in the jaw and head, which has a profound effect on a person’s quality of life. With treatment, TMJ pain can be relieved and managed. At Cosmos Dentistry in Bellevue, Washington, Dr. Tokiko Poppe will evaluate your TMJ pain and then recommend an appropriate treatment, including Botox.
This painful condition is caused by teeth grinding, jaw injuries, arthritis, and even normal wear and tear on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ consists of a hinge that connects your skull to your lower jaw. When this joint is damaged, chronic pain can result. Also, a damaged TMJ can further hurt your inflamed joints and teeth.
TMJ disorder is a multifactorial disease caused by several factors. One of these is bruxism, which involves grinding or clenching the teeth and jaw, often during sleep. Other contributing factors include arthritis, misalignment from new dentures or orthodontic treatments, injuries to the jaw, and certain diseases like fibromyalgia and gout.
Any of these conditions may be considered symptomatic of TMJ disorder:
Botox is one of the treatments available for TMJ disorder. By injecting Botox into the jaw muscles, it paralyzes these muscles, which helps reduce symptoms and tension. This allows patients to experience a degree of relaxation. While Botox does not serve as a permanent solution for TMJ disorder, and its effects diminish over time, it provides temporary relief for individuals dealing with jaw pain.
Botox is injected into the masseter muscles, the four jaw muscles you use for chewing or any activity that involves opening and closing your mouth.
Pain relief is usually felt within a day or two of receiving injections. However, full results tend to be more noticeable after seven to ten days.
Typically, Botox pain relief lasts between three and six months. However, the effects can vary depending on the person.Â
Because Botox injections are noninvasive treatments, there’s no downtime after treatment. We recommend keeping your head elevated for two hours and avoiding strenuous physical activity for about 24 hours.Â
If you need TMJ pain relief, Dr. Tokiko Poppe and the team at Cosmos Dentistry in Bellevue, Washington, can help you find options. Call us today at (425) 448-4770 or request an appointment online.
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Dr. Tokiko Poppe graduated from the University of the Pacific's
Arthur Dugoni School of
Dentistry in San Francisco. She has received extensive training in all aspects
of
dentistry and was involved in craniofacial research and studies on cleft lip and palate
in school.
Dr. Poppe also completed a General Practice Residency in California, where she cared for
medically-compromised adults at Veterans Hospital and children under general anesthesia
at the University Medical Center. She is a member of the ADA, AAGO, AAPMD, WSDA, SKCD,
AGD, American Laser Study, TBI Ambassadors, and AMR advanced program. She has
completed
Spear Education which dentists pursue to learn complex restorative dentistry. Dr. Poppe
is also an osteopathic-trained dentist, having learned the whole-body approach from
osteopathic physicians. She follows continuing education to stay abreast of the latest
dental trends and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her community.
She also holds a Japanese dental license and speaks Japanese and English.