1. Immediate Post-Treatment Instructions
What to Expect:
- Mild tenderness or tiny bumps at injection sites
- Slight swelling or redness
- A “heavy” or tired feeling in the treated muscles
- Gradual relief of TMJ symptoms over 3–10 days
These are very normal and typically resolve quickly.
Do’s and Don’ts for the First 24 Hours:
- Do’s
- ✔ Stay upright for at least 4 hours
- ✔ Use gentle facial movement throughout the day (light chewing, soft speaking, natural expressions)
- ✔ Apply cool compresses for comfort (15 minutes on / 15 off as needed)
- ✔ Use acetaminophen if needed for discomfort
- Don’ts
- ✖ Do not touch, rub, or massage injection areas
- ✖ Avoid tight hats or face-down positions (massage beds, naps on your stomach)
- ✖ Avoid makeup on treated areas for 12 hours
- ✖ Avoid strenuous exercise
- ✖ Avoid lying completely flat for the first few hours
Why it matters: Botox needs time to settle into the targeted muscles. Pressure, heat, or vigorous activity can move the product to unintended areas.
2. Ongoing Care & Maintenance
What to Avoid for 1–2 Days:
- Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting
- Hot yoga, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs
- Long hot showers directly on the face
- Alcohol or blood-thinning medications (unless prescribed)
Heat + increased blood flow can reduce Botox effectiveness or contribute to bruising.
How to Support Results:
- Maintain a consistent TMJ-friendly routine:
- Choose soft foods if the jaw feels tender
- Avoid gum chewing, hard foods, or extreme jaw movements
- Consider a nightguard if you grind your teeth – our team can help with custom options
- Return for touch-up treatments every 3–4 months to maintain results
When Results Start
- Early improvements: 3–5 days
- Full relief: 10–14 days
- Duration: 3–4 months, sometimes longer with consistent treatment
3. Recognizing Complications & When to Contact Oceanic Dental
Although complications are rare, please reach out if you experience:
- Persistent pain, swelling, or soreness beyond a few days
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or smiling
- Signs of infection (redness, warmth, discharge at the site)
- Headache that worsens over time or doesn’t respond to OTC medication
- Any facial asymmetry that feels new or concerning
4. Recovery Tips & Best Practices
Quick Recovery Tips:
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night
- Stay hydrated and stick to soft foods if jaw is sore
- Avoid alcohol (reduces inflammation and bruising risk)
- Use SPF daily—sun exposure can worsen bruising
- Keep a treatment journal to track when results kick in and how long they last(helps fine-tune your dose)
Remember: Botox works gradually. Many patients feel noticeably lighter, looser jaw muscles each day during the first week.
5. Follow-Up & Long-Term Care
Most patients benefit from routine Botox treatments every 3–4 months to maintain jaw comfort and minimize clenching and grinding.
At each visit, we’ll:
- Evaluate your jaw muscles
- Assess your progress
- Adjust your dose for optimal relief
- Review habits or tools (nightguards, stress management, etc.) that support long-term wellness
6. Have questions or need support? We're here for you
- Huntington Beach: (714) 841-0203
- Fountain Valley: (714) 378-0085
Thank you for letting us be part of your TMJ wellness journey. Our team at Oceanic Dental is here to help you feel better, smile brighter, and live pain-free.
Oceanic Dental – Gentle, precise TMJ relief with Botox — serving Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, and surrounding Orange County communities.
