SEATTLE JAW SURGERY

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If you’ve been dealing with chronic jaw tension, teeth grinding, or TMJ-related pain, masseter Botox may have come up as a treatment option. This post walks through the full appointment from start to finish.

A consultation is the appropriate starting point to determine whether this treatment is right for your specific situation.

Why get Botox at an oral and maxillofacial practice?

Botox for jaw pain is not the same as cosmetic Botox. The masseter sits within a complex anatomical environment that includes the jaw joint, surrounding musculature, teeth, and bite. Getting this treatment at a practice that specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery means your provider understands that full picture before making any recommendations.

At Seattle Jaw Surgery, your visit begins with a clinical evaluation by our PA, Andrea Burgess, PA-C, to understand what is actually driving your jaw pain. From there, she determines the best next step for you specifically. That means:

The visit starts with a clinical evaluation. That way, whatever treatment is recommended is the one that actually makes sense for you, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

For a full overview of what Botox for jaw pain involves and whether it may be appropriate for you, visit our Botox for Jaw Pain service page.

What happens during the appointment?

The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Here is what to expect:

Clinical evaluation. The appointment begins with Andrea conducting a thorough assessment of jaw function, muscular tension, and joint health. This informs both the treatment recommendation and the injection protocol, including dosing, placement, and whether adjunctive treatment of the temporalis muscle is warranted.

Pre-injection preparation. Prior to injections, an ice pack is applied bilaterally to the masseter to reduce discomfort at the injection sites. This is standard practice at our clinic and does not require topical anesthetic in most cases.

Masseter injections. Four injections are placed into the masseter muscle on each side of the face. Dosing ranges from 35 to 50 units per side, for a total of approximately 100 units across both masseters. Injection placement is determined by palpation of the muscle and findings from the clinical evaluation.

Temporalis injections (if indicated). In patients presenting with tension headaches with a documented jaw muscle component, injection of the temporalis muscle may be performed within the same appointment. This involves 10 to 15 units per side and does not significantly extend procedure time. Andrea will determine whether this is clinically appropriate based on the initial evaluation.

Patients may return to normal activity immediately following the appointment without restriction.

When will you feel a difference?

Botox does not produce immediate results. The muscle relaxes gradually, and most patients begin to notice a difference within two to three weeks of treatment. Results typically last between three and six months, at which point a repeat treatment can be considered.

For patients dealing with ongoing jaw tension, pairing masseter Botox with TMJ physical therapy can be beneficial. A physical therapist who specializes in TMJ dysfunction can help address underlying muscle tension and potentially extend the time between treatments.

Schedule a consultation

To learn more or schedule a consultation with Andrea, contact our office by phone or email. If Botox is the appropriate next step, treatment can often be completed the same day.

[(206) 207-1525] | [info@seattlejawsurgery.com]

For more information on this treatment, visit our Botox for Jaw Pain service page.

Do you bill medical insurance?

Yes, we bill medical insurance as an out of network provider. We have a dedicated billing team that advocates on our patient’s behalf to get claims processed. Learn more.

I’m planning from out of state, can my consultation be done virtually?

Due to provider licensing, we must see you in person for initial consultation to establish you as a patient. Throughout your treatment journey we can arrange telehealth visits. Read more about what to expect at your initial consultation.

 Am I able to have my initial consultation and other appointments virtually, if I can provide my own imaging?

Any patient who lives outside Washington state (out of state and international) is required to have an initial consultation in person.  Because Dr. Bobek is licensed to provide medical evaluation and advice in the state of Washington, he is only able to perform initial patient assessments while you are physically present in Washington State.

If a patient is unsure if they are a candidate, we can do a quick review of imaging to make sure they aren’t wasting a trip.  Throughout your treatment journey we can arrange telehealth visits. Read more about what to expect at your initial consultation.

Video Explanations (TMJ)

Video Explanations (Jaw Surgery)

Video Explanations (Financial Process)

If you’re considering jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), your first consultation is an important step in your treatment journey. At Seattle Jaw Surgery, we want you to feel informed and comfortable throughout the entire process. Here’s what you can expect when you arrive for your initial consultation.

Scheduling Your Consultation

Whether you’ve been referred by your dentist or orthodontist, or you’re reaching out to us directly, our team is here to help you get started. Once you contact our office or we receive your referral, we’ll schedule your initial consultation at a time that works for you. We’ll also send you our New Patient Packet with important information about your upcoming appointment and request any recent records from your referring provider. Our consultation includes a complimentary Cone Beam CT Scan.

Before You Arrive: Complete Your Online Registration

 To help make your check-in process quick and seamless, please complete your online registration form before your appointment.

 

You can access the registration form in two ways:

 

  • Via text message – You’ll receive a text with a direct link to the form on your phone
  • Through our website – You can find the registration form on our website form

Completing this form ahead of time saves you time in the waiting room and allows our team to prepare for your visit. The form will ask for your personal information, medical history, insurance details, and other important information we’ll need for your consultation.

 

What To Bring To Your Appointment

Even if you’ve completed the online registration, please remember to bring:

  • Your photo ID
  • Insurance cards (both dental and medical)
  • History of any previous surgeries
  • Any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss
  • Copies of related chart notes or imaging

When You Arrive: The Check-In Process

When you arrive at our office, our front desk team will greet you and guide you through a few important steps:

 

Verifying Your Information

We’ll verify your ID and insurance cards, scanning these documents into our system. We’ll confirm that all information in our records is correct.

 

Reviewing Your Forms

If you completed the online registration, we’ll just verify that we have everything we need. If you haven’t had a chance to complete it yet, we can help you finish the paperwork in our office.

 

Financial Discussion

Any payments due will be collected by our team before your consultation.  We are out of network with medical insurance plans and encourage you to contact your insurance carrier to verify out of network coverage. If your insurance plan has out of network benefits, we will collect $253 (50% of the consultation fee) at time of service.  If you have no out-of-network benefits you will become a cash pay patient and we will collect the consultation fee of $506 at time of service. We have a dedicated billing team that helps advocate for our patients to get claims paid and we navigate the billing process on your behalf.

Meeting with Our Dental Assistant

Once you’re checked in, one of our dental assistants will bring you back to the consultation room. Before the surgeon joins you, the dental assistant will:

 

  • Review your medical history with you to ensure we have accurate and complete information
  • Take clinical photographs and/ or imaging if applicable to your case
* Our consultation includes a complimentary Cone Beam CT Scan
 

These photos are an important part of your records and help with treatment planning. The dental assistant will make sure you’re comfortable and prepared before Dr. Bobek arrives.

During Your Consultation With The Surgeon

During this time, Dr. Bobek will:

  • Review your medical and dental history
  • Discuss your concerns and treatment goals
  • Perform a thorough clinical examination
  • Review any imaging or records you’ve provided
  • Explain potential treatment options
  • Discuss the surgical process, timeline, and what to expect

This is your opportunity to ask questions and get a clear understanding of your treatment path. We encourage you to bring a list of questions or concerns you’d like to address.

After Your Consultation: Meeting Our Treatment/ Billing Coordinator

Immediately following your consultation with Dr. Bobek, you’ll meet with our Treatment Coordinator. At Seattle Jaw Surgery, we value patient access to care and price transparency, and our goal is to help you feel supported in every aspect of your care, including navigating through financial planning.

 

During this meeting, our Treatment Coordinator will:

  • Discuss the estimated costs of your specific treatment plan
  • Explain the pre-authorization procedures
  • Answer any questions you may have about the financial aspects of your care
  • Provide information about payment options

Our Treatment Coordinator will be available to support you with any questions you may have, from consultation through post-surgical care. They are your dedicated resource for understanding the financial and administrative aspects of your treatment journey.

The Road Ahead

The jaw surgery process typically involves a waiting period of 6-18 months between your initial consultation and surgery. During this time, you may need to complete pre-surgical orthodontic treatment, obtain insurance authorization, and complete pre-operative appointments.

Throughout this journey, our team at Seattle Jaw Surgery is here to support you. We’re committed to clear communication, comprehensive care, and helping you achieve the functional and aesthetic results you’re looking for.

Questions?

If you have questions before your consultation or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at (206) 207-1525.