Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) can lead to ongoing jaw pain, headaches, and limited jaw movement, making everyday tasks uncomfortable. For some patients, TMJ injections offer a targeted option to help ease pain linked to chewing muscles, muscle spasms, and other TMJ symptoms.
But how often can you get a TMJ injection? The answer depends on the type of injection, your symptoms, and how your body responds. This article explains the different injection types, general timing guidelines, and factors that influence frequency.
We’ll also touch on risks, complementary treatments like physical therapy or oral splints, and why your dentist should guide your plan. Always seek individual advice before starting or continuing TMJ pain management.
Contents Navigation
- 1 Summary of the Content
- 2 Understanding TMJ Disorders
- 3 Types of TMJ Injections
- 4 General Guidelines for TMJ Injection Frequency
- 5 Factors That Affect Injection Frequency
- 6 Risks of Frequent TMJ Injections
- 7 Complementary Treatments for TMJ Disorders
- 8 When to Consult a TMJ Disorder Professional
- 9 Final Thoughts
Summary of the Content
- TMJ injections may help relieve jaw pain, stiffness, or muscle tension when other methods have not worked.
- The type of injection, such as corticosteroids or botulinum toxin, influences how often it can be given.
- Corticosteroid injections are usually spaced at least 3 to 6 months apart to protect joint tissue.
- Botulinum toxin injections are commonly repeated every 3 to 4 months, depending on how symptoms return.
- Hyaluronic acid may be used weekly at first, followed by less frequent maintenance sessions.
- Too many injections too close together may reduce their effect and increase side effects.
- Other options like jaw exercises, oral splints, and lifestyle changes may reduce how often injections are needed.
- Each person’s schedule should be based on their symptoms, treatment response, and health history.
- Always speak with your dentist about your care plan, including how often you may need a TMJ injection.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge that connects the jaw to the base of the skull, located just in front of each ear. This joint enables essential movements such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. Surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues help stabilise the joint and support smooth jaw movement in its normal position.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) refer to a group of conditions that affect the TMJ, the surrounding jaw muscles, or both. These issues may relate to muscle tension, disc displacement, or joint inflammation.
Overuse of the chewing muscles can also play a role. Contributing habits include teeth grinding, clenching, nail-biting, and excessive gum chewing.
Common TMJ symptoms include:
- Jaw pain:
This typically presents as tenderness or aching in the jaw, especially when opening the mouth, chewing, or speaking. - Facial pain:
Patients may feel discomfort in the cheeks, temples, or around the ear, and it may radiate to the neck or shoulders. - Clicking or popping sounds:
These are noises that occur in the joint during jaw movement, with or without associated pain or a feeling of instability. - Jaw locking or limited opening:
People may find it difficult to open or close their mouths fully, and some describe the jaw as feeling stuck or locked. - Headaches:
Many patients experience tension-type headaches, especially around the temples or forehead, often due to tightness in the jaw muscles. - Neck or shoulder stiffness:
Muscle tightness and reduced movement in these areas may occur due to prolonged tension or guarding of the jaw. - Chronic or ongoing pain:
Pain may persist for weeks or months and often worsens with stress, chewing, or extended jaw activity. - Ear pressure or fullness:
Some individuals report a sensation of pressure or congestion near the ear, even without signs of an ear infection. - Muscle fatigue or soreness:
The chewing muscles may feel tired or achy, particularly after eating, talking, or waking up. - Sensitivity to certain foods:
Hard or chewy foods may increase discomfort, leading many people to prefer softer options during flare-ups.
In Australia, temporomandibular disorders affect approximately 10% of adults, with higher rates reported in women aged 20 to 40.
Some people experience mild symptoms that improve over time. Others may develop persistent discomfort linked to chronic pain, fatigue, or emotional factors such as anxiety or depression.
Because TMJ symptoms often overlap with other conditions, a professional diagnosis is essential. Your provider may assess jaw function and discuss contributing habits. They may also use MRI or computed tomography (CT) to examine the joint and surrounding tissues.
Accurate diagnosis helps guide safe, individualised treatment options. Ongoing support from a dentist or qualified healthcare provider allows your care plan to adapt over time.
Types of TMJ Injections
- Corticosteroid Injections
- Mechanism of action:
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the joint. This may ease discomfort and improve jaw mobility in the short term. - Conditions commonly addressed:
These injections are generally used for joint-related symptoms involving inflammation, disc displacement, or internal derangement. - Effectiveness:
A study by Kroese et al. (2021) found that corticosteroid injections in the TMJ led to short-term improvement in mouth opening and reduced pain, with effects often lasting around three weeks before symptoms gradually returned. - Duration of action:
Relief may last from several weeks to a few months. Repeat injections must be spaced apart to reduce risks such as tissue thinning or joint changes.
- Mechanism of action:
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections
- Mechanism of action:
Botulinum toxin reduces muscle activity by blocking nerve signals. It is injected into specific muscles, which helps decrease muscle spasms and tension. - Conditions commonly addressed:
These injections may be considered for muscle-related pain, including cases involving teeth clenching or bruxism. - Effectiveness:
The review Botulinum Toxin for Treating Temporomandibular Disorders: What is the Evidence? indicates it may reduce jaw muscle discomfort and improve mobility in certain individuals, though responses differ. - Duration of action:
Effects usually last for three to four months. Repeat injections may be needed. Some people experience side effects such as swelling, muscle weakness, or mild chewing difficulty.
- Mechanism of action:
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections
- Mechanism of action:
Hyaluronic acid supplements the joint’s natural fluid. This may improve motion and reduce joint friction. - Conditions commonly addressed:
These injections may be suitable for discomfort related to early joint wear, disc changes, or osteoarthritis. - Effectiveness:
According to Kukreja et al. (2024), hyaluronic acid has been associated with improved jaw movement and decreased pain when part of a broader care approach. - Duration of action:
Treatment may begin with weekly sessions over one to five weeks, followed by maintenance injections every six to twelve months if appropriate.
- Mechanism of action:
- Local Anaesthetic Injections
- Mechanism of action:
Local anaesthetics block nerve signals, helping to reduce discomfort temporarily. - Conditions commonly addressed:
These are often used in diagnostic settings or during acute flare-ups to help identify pain sources. - Effectiveness:
Relief is usually fast but short-lived. This type of injection is not intended as an ongoing care option. - Duration of action:
Numbing effects often last from a few hours to one or two days. Repeat use is generally avoided unless it is part of a specific care plan.
- Mechanism of action:
Each injection option has a different purpose and duration. Your dentist or provider will help determine whether it fits your needs based on symptoms and your response to previous care.
General Guidelines for TMJ Injection Frequency
The frequency of TMJ injections can vary based on the type of injection and how your jaw responds to care. Below are general timelines, but these are not rigid. Your provider will recommend a schedule tailored to your situation.
- Corticosteroid injections
are usually spaced for at least 3 to 6 months to allow tissues to recover and limit unwanted effects. - Botulinum toxin injections
are often repeated every 3 to 4 months, depending on symptom return and how well the muscles respond. - Hyaluronic acid injections
may be given in one-to-two-week intervals during the first phase of care. After that, booster injections might be scheduled monthly or every 6 to 12 months. - Local anaesthetic injections
are used short-term, often for pain flares or as part of a diagnostic approach. The timing depends on your symptoms and overall care plan.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- These timelines are flexible and based on your needs and progress.
- Injections are one part of managing TMJ conditions. Other options like jaw exercises, oral appliances, soft foods, and stress reduction can help reduce symptoms between injection sessions.
- Your provider will review your symptoms, history, and response to previous care before deciding whether an injection is still appropriate.
Factors That Affect Injection Frequency
The timing between TMJ injections can vary from person to person. Several factors influence how often injections may be recommended. These decisions are always based on clinical judgement and individual needs.
Severity and pattern of symptoms
If symptoms like jaw discomfort, stiffness, or facial pain occur more often or affect daily life, more frequent monitoring may be helpful. For some people, conditions such as chronic orofacial pain, migraines, or fibromyalgia may influence the timing of care.
Response to previous injections
If previous injections provided relief, the dentist may consider repeating them after a certain time. If unwanted effects like muscle weakness, swelling, or difficulty chewing occur, future sessions may be spaced further apart or adjusted.
Medical history and other health conditions
Other health concerns play a role. People who are using muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medications, or antidepressants may need a personalised plan. Past procedures like TMJ arthroscopy or the presence of scar tissue may also affect recommendations.
Other therapies being used
TMJ injections are often combined with other options like jaw exercises, mouth guards, biofeedback, moist heat, or soft food diets. If these methods are working well, the time between injections may be extended.
Personal goals and ongoing review
Each person may have different goals, such as reducing jaw tightness or improving motion. A dentist will reassess your progress regularly to decide when another injection might be appropriate.
Safety and long-term considerations
Receiving injections too often may affect the jaw or nearby muscles over time. For example, botulinum toxin-type injections can weaken certain muscles if used too frequently. This is why ongoing assessment is important before scheduling additional sessions.
There is no one-size-fits-all schedule for TMJ injections. Timing depends on your symptoms, how you’ve responded in the past, and any other care you’re receiving. A dental professional will guide the decision using current medical knowledge and your unique situation.
Risks of Frequent TMJ Injections
TMJ injections can help ease jaw discomfort and tension. However, receiving them too often may increase the risk of side effects. That’s why spacing injections properly is important for safety and comfort.
- Corticosteroid injections:
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the jaw joint. They may offer short-term relief for some people. However, frequent use can thin the tissue around the joint. This may also affect nearby bones or masticatory muscles. Repeated use may reduce how well the injection works over time. - Botulinum toxin injections:
Botulinum toxin is used to relax tight jaw muscles. It may help with jaw clenching or grinding. If used too often, the body can form antibodies. This might make future injections less effective. Frequent injections may also cause muscle weakness. This can affect chewing or facial movement near the chin or mandible. - Hyaluronic acid and local anaesthetic injections:
These are often well tolerated. However, they can sometimes cause redness, swelling, or discomfort at the injection site. Repeated use without enough time between sessions can increase the risk of infection. - General risks:
All injections carry some risk. These include infection, bleeding, or allergic reaction. Some people may feel dizzy, notice blurred vision, or have facial flushing. These are usually mild but should be discussed with your doctor or oral health professional.
Complementary Treatments for TMJ Disorders
These non-injection approaches may be used independently or in combination with injections to help manage TMJ symptoms and support jaw health.
- Physical therapy:
Targeted jaw exercises and manual techniques help improve movement, reduce muscle tension, and support joint stability. - Occlusal splints and mouth guards:
Worn at night or during the day, these custom devices protect teeth from clenching and grinding and help ease pressure on the jaw. - Lifestyle modifications:
Simple changes—like eating soft foods, avoiding gum chewing, and managing stress—may reduce strain on the jaw over time. - Pain management:
Depending on your needs, your provider may recommend medications, acupuncture, TENS therapy, or other evidence-based strategies to manage discomfort. - Surgical options:
Procedures such as TMJ arthroscopy or open joint surgery may be considered when other treatments have not provided relief.
When to Consult a TMJ Disorder Professional
If you’re dealing with jaw discomfort that isn’t improving, or your symptoms are changing, it may be time to speak with a dentist experienced in managing TMJ disorders.
When a Consultation May Be Helpful
You may benefit from a professional assessment if:
- Your symptoms have worsened despite strategies such as applying moist heat, using occlusal splints, or taking prescribed medicines.
- You’ve tried common approaches like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants with limited improvement.
- New or more serious symptoms appear, such as dizziness, reduced jaw movement, or difficulty breathing.
- You may need to explore more advanced options like injecting botulinum toxin type A or TMJ arthroscopy.
- You have jaw alignment issues (malocclusion), joint noise, or concerns about complications like scar tissue or irreversible changes to joint function.
What to Discuss With Your Dentist
- You can ask whether your current care plan is appropriate or if any adjustments might help improve your symptoms.
- It may be helpful to talk about whether combining approaches, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or the use of a custom mouthguard, could support better results.
- Mention any medications you are taking, as some prescription medicines may influence how your jaw feels or functions.
- Your dentist can explain the recommended time between injection visits and how this relates to your individual medical history and symptom response.
Questions You May Want to Ask
- “How often can you get a TMJ injection in my situation?”
- “What should I expect in terms of duration and side effects?”
- “Could other techniques help support longer intervals between injections?”
- “Are there any signs that my jaw condition is changing or becoming more complex?”
Who Can Help With TMJ Conditions?
- Dentists who have experience in TMJ care often work with patients dealing with chronic jaw issues.
- In some cases, your dentist may refer you to a dentist with experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery for further assessment.
- Your broader care team may include GPs, physiotherapists, or pain medicine professionals, depending on the nature of your condition.
Final Thoughts
How often can you get a TMJ injection depends on several factors. These include the type of injection, the nature of your symptoms, and how your body responds. Some injections may be spaced every few months. Others are used less frequently or only during a flare-up.
Your dental provider will decide on the right timing based on your medical history, current symptoms, and what has helped or not helped in the past.
TMJ injections are just one part of managing jaw problems. Most care plans include a combination of treatments. These might involve jaw exercises, splints, soft food changes, or other supportive therapies. In some cases, surgery may also be considered.
Avoid making injection decisions on your own. Skipping regular reviews or overusing certain therapies may increase risks or delay recovery.
If you’d like to talk to someone about your options, My Dentist Blackwood provides TMJ consultations. This information is for general education only. Always speak to a dental professional to plan safe, individualised care.
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