Botox treatment for TMJ usually starts working within 1-2 weeks and it can last for up to 3-6 months but everyone responds differently to it so results may vary. This is based on what we see with our patients which is consistent with what Allergan says as well.
Below are some studies from Allergan which we'll go into more depth describing as well as larger images to follow.
When does TMJ botox start working?
The vast majority of people should start feeling the effects of botox for tmj within 1 week but some people may feel it sooner while others later.
The image below shows one study by Allergan where ~90% of subjects began to see the effects within 7-14 days. You can see the meteoric rise on the graph by the end of 14 days.
Fastest time it starts working: Personally, we've had multiple patients tell us that they were already feeling the botox effects by the second/third day. If this is you, consider yourself lucky because it means that you responded well to the treatment.
Longest time it takes to work: According to the chart, it isn't unusual for the TMJ botox to take as long as 2 weeks (14 days) before you begin to feel the effects.
We recommend waiting until that long before seeking out your dentist for a re-evaluation on what to do.
There is a possibility that the amount of botox you received may not be enough especially if your temporomandibular pain is on the severe side.
How long does botox for tmj last?
Botox injections for TMJ treatment will last at least 3 months but it can also persist for as long as 6 months.
Below is a second study by Allergan showing how long the botox can last.
When botox peaks: On average, the effects peak at around 4 weeks meaning that is when you see the strongest effects. You will most likely feel the greatest amount of pain relief/reduction for your temporomandibular joint around the one month mark.
What to expect timeline-wise: After the botox peaks, it will slowly dissipate over the next 6 months but you can still feel the residual effects for even longer than that.
However, some people may not get enough jaw pain relief by around 3-4 months and will need to have the muscles re-injected.
Therefore, even after 6 months there may still be residual effects but it's usually not enough for the patient to feel a difference.
Once you feel like you no longer receive any more benefits from it, you should return to have the procedure done again. After all, the goal is to minimize your pain and suffering so that you can wake up in the morning feeling refreshed without jaw pain.
Verdict
The duration of effect for TMJ botox can last 3-6 months before you need to return to your dentist to have more of it injected. Everyone will be a little different and no one will be able to tell you exactly how long yours can last. Of course the longer it lasts, the less you'll have to spend on the recurring treatment. That is the last bit of advice that our dentists in Long Island City have to give about this!
