Botox & Dysport for TMJ: How These Treatments Can Relieve Jaw Pain
Jaw pain and clicking? Tension headaches or trouble chewing? If any of that sounds familiar, a TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) may be the culprit. These issues can take a toll on your daily life, turning simple things like speaking or eating into painful tasks.
At Andrew Gronow Dental Care, we use Dysport for TMJ, offering our patients effective, non-invasive relief from jaw tension.
Let’s explore how Dysport for jaw clenching works, what to expect, and whether it might be the right step forward for you.
First Things First: What Is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. It’s the hinge that helps you talk, chew, yawn, and go about your day. When this joint or the muscles around it become overworked, injured, or inflamed, it can lead to TMJ symptoms like:
Jaw pain or stiffness
Aches around the ears or temples
Headaches
Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
Difficulty chewing
Jaw locking or limited movement
These symptoms fall under the umbrella of TMJ disorder, and they often show up alongside bruxism (teeth grinding or jaw clenching), a prevalent condition in 8% of adults when asleep and 31% when awake.
Dr Andrew Gronow is dedicated to his career and growing his clinical insight into TMJ diagnosis and treatment. Each year, he travels to Chicago to attend the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Equilibration Society (AES), where he’s welcomed as a lifelong member.
The AES is a global hub for the latest occlusion, TMD, and comprehensive oral care research. This ongoing education alongside world-leading experts ensures the care you receive is informed, precise, and built on advanced science and clinical application in the industry.
What Is Dysport for TMJ & How Does It Work?
Dysport is a type of botulinum toxin, similar to Botox. While best known for smoothing wrinkles, it also has powerful medical applications, especially for relaxing overactive or tight muscles.
When injected into the jaw muscles (usually the masseter or chewing muscle and sometimes the temporalis or frontalis), Dysport for TMJ helps reduce excessive jaw clenching and grinding that cause pain and inflammation.
By temporarily limiting the muscle activity responsible for bruxism, Dysport can ease the pressure on the jaw joint and allow it to heal—a helpful alternative for anyone who hasn’t found relief from other options. Most patients notice results within a few days, with full effects kicking in by the two-week mark. Relief typically lasts 3 to 4 months, and maintenance sessions can be scheduled based on your symptoms and lifestyle.
Botox vs Dysport: What’s the Difference?
Both Botox and Dysport are effective for treating TMJ pain. They work in the same way, but Dysport has a slightly smaller protein size, which means it may spread a bit more easily within the targeted muscle. For this reason, some providers prefer Dysport for jaw clenching when a slightly broader treatment area is needed.
The right option for you will depend on your anatomy, goals, and how your muscles respond to treatment—your provider will help guide that choice.
What to Expect During & After Dysport TMJ Treatment
The procedure is quick and minimally invasive, involving a few small injections into targeted jaw muscles, often taking just 10 to 20 minutes. Some patients compare the sensation to a pinch or tiny sting—brief and tolerable.
A cold pack or numbing cream can reduce discomfort, and if you’re feeling anxious, ask for options like “happy gas” (nitrous oxide).
Post-treatment care is simple:
Avoid massaging or applying pressure to the treated area for the rest of the day
Stay upright for 3 to 4 hours after injections
Skip strenuous exercise for 24 hours
Like any medical procedure, Dysport carries some risks, but side effects are generally mild and short-lived. You may experience slight bruising, tenderness, or temporary muscle weakness in the area, but these resolve quickly. In rare cases, too much Dysport in the TMJ can affect chewing or speech, which is why it’s vital to choose a skilled and experienced provider.
Currently using or have tried an occlusal splint for TMJ, but still experience discomfort? Speak to your dentist about combining splint therapy with Dysport for a more holistic approach.
Let’s Talk Results: The Benefits of Dysport for Jaw Clenching
Most patients experience significant relief after treatment. You may feel like your jaw moves more freely, your headaches ease up, or you’re finally getting a good night’s sleep without grinding.
Although there’s a common misconception that this treatment “freezes” the face, with proper application, you’re still able to chew, talk, and smile naturally. The goal is to relax the muscles enough to reduce excessive force and tension without compromising function.
Treat Your Symptoms Today
Living with constant jaw discomfort doesn’t have to be your norm. Whether you’re dealing with bruxism or want to explore options beyond your night guard, Dysport for jaw clenching is a safe and effective treatment to consider.
At Andrew Gronow Dental Care, we take a holistic approach to TMJ treatment, offering end-to-end care with trusted specialists. Want to see if this treatment is right for you? Get in touch with our friendly team today—relief could be just one appointment away.
