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:
- A full assessment of your jaw, muscles, and joint function
- If Botox is the right fit, it can often be completed that same visit — one trip
- If a different approach would be more effective, you leave with a clear plan
- Precise dosing by a provider who specializes in jaw anatomy
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.