Calming the muscle that is making your jaw hurt from a dentist who has been doing this longer than most.
Real Relief for Jaw Pain and Clenching
What TMJ Botox actually does
Botox for TMJ involves injecting small, precise amounts of Botox into the masseter the powerful chewing muscle that tightens during clenching and grinding. The Botox calms that muscle so it stops over-firing all day and all night. Patients feel less jaw pain, fewer headaches, and less wear on their teeth. You can still chew normally; the muscle is calmed, not paralyzed.
Why a dentist is the right person for this
Dentists spend years studying the anatomy of the head, neck, and jaw in dental school. As Dr. Tatum puts it, this is our domain. We know exactly where the masseter starts, where it ends, and how it interacts with the rest of the bite. That training is why dentists are increasingly the providers of choice for TMJ Botox.
The visit and what to expect
We start with a thorough exam your bite, your jaw joint, your wear patterns, your habits. If Botox is the right fit, the injections themselves take only a few minutes per side. There is no real downtime. Most patients start to feel a difference within a few days, with full relief building over the following two weeks.
What is TMJ Botox?
TMJ Botox is the use of botulinum toxin injections in the masseter muscle (the chewing muscle) to relieve jaw pain, clenching, grinding, and related headaches. At Tatum Dentistry, Dr. Tatum was one of the first providers in Charleston to offer TMJ Botox and continues to be one of the most experienced. The injections are precise, comfortable, and effective.
Does TMJ Botox hurt?
The injections themselves are quick and most patients describe them as a small pinch. We use the smallest needles available and place them precisely. There is no real recovery you can drive yourself home, eat lunch, and go back to your day. Some patients have a little tenderness at the injection sites for a day or two.
How long until I get relief?
Most patients start feeling relief within three to seven days, with full effect at about two weeks. The benefit typically lasts three to four months, after which the muscle gradually returns to its previous activity. Most patients come back two to three times a year to maintain the relief. Many also use a night guard alongside.
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➔ Two kind and highly-skilled dentists
➔ Decades of experience
➔ A team that’s been together a long time
➔ Personal care with your comfort in mind
Frequently Asked Questions
Will TMJ Botox change how I look?
For many patients, repeated treatment over time gradually softens the appearance of an over-developed jaw muscle, which some people see as a positive cosmetic side effect. The treatment does not affect your smile, your speech, or your ability to chew normally.
How is TMJ Botox different from a night guard?
A night guard protects your teeth from the force of grinding. TMJ Botox calms the muscle that is doing the grinding in the first place. Many patients use both — the night guard for protection, the Botox for the muscle. We will help you decide what your case actually needs.
Is Botox for TMJ safe?
Botox has been used in dental and medical applications for decades and is well-studied. When placed precisely by a trained provider, it has a strong safety profile. Choose a provider who knows the anatomy — that is the single biggest factor in safety and results.
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