What to Expect from Masseter Injectables for Jaw Pain
Curious about injectables for jaw pain? Here’s everything to expect from your first masseter treatment—before, during, and after—with expert guidance from Tend Dental.
Services / Therapeutic Injectables
Injectables for TMJ & Jaw Pain at Tend
Therapeutic injectables are used to relieve jaw tension, TMD or TMJ-related discomfort, and muscle-related pain. At Tend, our dentists take a conservative, care-first approach, using targeted dental injectables to gently relax muscles and support comfortable, natural jaw movement.
- Therapeutic injectables to give your jaw a rest
- Effective relief for TMJ pain and bruxism
- Ongoing support for long-term relief
- Flexible financing options
Over 8,000 five star reviews
Locations near you in
Always grinding? Ease the clench with injectables
When most people think of injectables, they think of cosmetic treatments. But injectables also play an important role in therapeutic dental care for people dealing with TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), jaw pain, and muscle tension.
At Tend, dental injectables may be offered to help manage muscle-driven issues like:
- Jaw tension/pain
- Tension headaches
- TMJ or TMD-related discomfort
- Clicking noise in the jaw when opening/closing
- Clenching and grinding (bruxism)
These issues are often linked to overworked jaw muscles, including the masseter muscles, which place ongoing strain on the jaw and surrounding structures. By calming muscle tension, therapeutic injections can help reduce flare-ups and make everyday jaw movement easier and more comfortable.
What can you expect with injectables?
Injectables for TMJ, bruxism, and jaw clenching begin with an evaluation of your symptoms and jaw function. You can expect:
Therapeutic Dental Injectables for TMJ
Therapeutic injectables help to gently relax targeted jaw muscles. Made from a purified protein, they work by temporarily limiting the muscle signals that cause excessive contraction, helping reduce strain on the jaw and surrounding structures.
Injectables for TMJ and jaw pain are delivered through small, precise injections into specific jaw muscles. These injections reduce overactivity without freezing movement, allowing muscles to rest and function comfortably. Therapeutic injectables target the large chewing muscles that contribute to grinding and clenching, helping restore balance over time.
At Tend, injectables for TMJ treatment are used in a targeted way to support natural jaw movement and long-term comfort. You deserve care that helps your jaw relax without overcorrection, so you can speak, chew, and smile comfortably.
Have questions about therapeutic dental injectables?
Below are answers to common questions about injectables for TMJ and jaw pain, treatment options, and what you can expect at Tend.
-
How much do dental injectables cost?
The pricing for therapeutic injectables at Tend is based on the severity of your condition. Treatment for mild cases is $600, while treatment for severe cases is $900.
During your consultation, we'll assess your specific needs and provide you with a treatment plan including cost.
-
What happens during the first consult?
Dental injectables for TMJ and jaw pain treatment at Tend are designed around comfort and function. Your first visit includes a thorough dental and facial assessment focused on your treatment goals.
If your dentist determines that therapeutic injectables are a good fit, they will review recommended options and help you schedule treatment.
-
How should I prepare for treatment with injectables?
To help reduce the risk of bruising:
- Avoid alcohol for about one week before treatment
- Stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications two weeks prior, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider
Your dentist will review preparation steps with you during your consultation.
-
How long does treatment take, and what’s involved?
Most dental injectable treatments typically take less than 30 minutes and do not require anesthesia. A very fine needle is used to place small amounts of injectable into specific muscles. In some cases, a topical numbing cream may be applied to help keep you comfortable.
-
How long until I feel the results of therapeutic injectables?
Most patients begin to notice results within 3 to 5 days of treatment, with the full effects usually being noticeable within 2 weeks.
The timeline can vary slightly from person to person, depending on individual response to the treatment.
-
What happens if I need to come in for additional units?
If additional units are needed, we'll discuss this with you during your follow-up appointment.
Additional units can be administered by your dentist as needed, and we'll provide clear pricing for any supplemental treatment before proceeding.
-
How long do therapeutic injectable results last?
Results from injectables for TMD, teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching typically last 3 – 6 months, depending on how your body metabolizes the treatment. Your dentist can help you understand what to expect based on your individual needs and goals.
-
Are dental injectables safe?
Yes. Dental injectables for TMJ and jaw pain treatment at Tend are provided by trained, authorized dental professionals with a deep understanding of facial and oral anatomy.
Your dentist follows strict protocols for proper storage, dosing, and precise placement. As part of your visit, they may ask about your medical history or any prior dental or facial procedures to ensure treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
-
Are there risks or side effects?
Side effects from therapeutic injectables are uncommon and usually mild and temporary. They may include:
- Tenderness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Temporary changes in facial movement, such as eyelid drooping or uneven expression
- Eye dryness or increased tearing
If you experience severe symptoms or those that last longer than expected, call us right away.
-
Who should avoid treatment with dental injectables?
TMJ treatment with injectables may not be recommended for:
- Individuals with an infection at the injection site
- Those with a known allergy to injectable neuromodulators
- People with certain muscle or neuromuscular conditions
- Patients under 18
- Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding
Your dentist will review your health history to determine what’s right for you.
-
What does aftercare look like?
After treatment with dental injectables, your dentist may recommend:
- Gently engaging the treated muscles for a few hours
- Avoiding rubbing or touching the area
- Skipping facials or massages for 48 hours
- Avoiding strenuous exercise and alcohol-based products on the treated area for 48 hours
These steps help ensure the treatment stays exactly where it’s intended.
-
What is TMJ vs. TMD?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull.
TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is the term used for conditions that cause pain, stiffness, or dysfunction in that joint and the surrounding muscles.
Therapeutic injectables may be used as part of a treatment plan for TMD or TMJ-related discomfort when muscle tension contributes to symptoms.
-
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding or clenching, often occurring during sleep or times of stress. Over time, bruxism can strain the jaw muscles, wear down teeth, and contribute to headaches or jaw pain.
Dental injectables for bruxism work by relaxing the overactive jaw muscles responsible for grinding and clenching. Injectables for teeth grinding help reduce the intensity of muscle contractions while allowing you to chew and speak normally.
Many patients find that TMJ treatment using dental injectables significantly decreases nighttime grinding, reduces morning jaw soreness, and minimizes tension headaches associated with jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
-
Can therapeutic injectables help with TMJ-related jaw pain?
Dental injectables may help manage TMD or TMJ-related discomfort caused by overactive jaw muscles. By reducing muscle tension, therapeutic injectables help ease pressure on the jaw joint and support more comfortable movement.
Why people love Tend
Other dental services at Tend Dental
Injectables vs. Night Guards: Which Is Better for Teeth Grinding?
If you wake up with sore jaw muscles, tension headaches, or worn-down teeth, chances are you’re grinding your teeth—often without even realizing it. This condition, known as bruxism, affects millions of people and can lead to significant discomfort and dental damage over time.
How Injectables Provide Relief for TMJ & Jaw Tension
If you’re living with chronic jaw pain, frequent headaches, or difficulty chewing, you might be experiencing symptoms of a TMJ disorder. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, occurs when the joints and muscles controlling jaw movement become strained or misaligned, often leading to significant discomfort.