Los Angeles Oral and maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. David Salehani Launches Focused Initiative on Botox Treatment for Muscle-Related TMJ Disorders

Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon aims to increase awareness of how botulinum toxin may help select patients with jaw pain associated with overactive chewing muscles.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- David Salehani, DDS, MD, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Los Angeles, has launched a focused initiative to increase awareness of the use of botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, as a treatment option for select patients experiencing muscle-related temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

While Botox is widely associated with cosmetic treatments, botulinum toxin can also be used therapeutically to temporarily reduce excessive muscle activity. For certain patients whose jaw pain is associated with overactivity or tension in the muscles responsible for chewing, targeted treatment of these muscles may help reduce pain and muscle tension.

Dr. Salehani emphasizes, however, that Botox is not appropriate for every patient experiencing what is commonly referred to as "TMJ pain."

"TMJ symptoms can have a number of different causes, so diagnosis has to come before treatment," said Dr. Salehani. "When excessive activity in the chewing muscles is contributing to a patient's pain, Botox may be one option we consider. But the goal is always to identify the underlying source of the symptoms and develop the treatment plan around that individual patient."

TMJ vs. TMD: Why the Distinction Matters

TMJ refers specifically to the temporomandibular joint, the joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull. TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is a broader term describing conditions involving the jaw joints, chewing muscles and associated structures.

Symptoms can include jaw and facial pain, tenderness in the chewing muscles, headaches, discomfort while chewing, limited jaw movement and clicking or popping of the jaw.

Because similar symptoms can arise from different causes, Dr. Salehani says a comprehensive evaluation is particularly important before considering Botox or another treatment.

Some patients have problems primarily involving the joint itself, while others may have a significant muscular component. Clenching and excessive activation of muscles such as the masseter and temporalis can contribute to muscle tension and discomfort in some patients.

How Botox May Be Used for Muscle-Related TMD

Botulinum toxin works by temporarily reducing nerve signals that cause targeted muscles to contract. When injected into selected chewing muscles, it can decrease the force of muscle contraction for a period of time.

For appropriately selected patients with muscle-related TMD, this reduction in muscle activity may help relieve pain and tension.

Dr. Salehani's approach is not to treat every patient presenting with jaw pain in the same way. Instead, he evaluates the jaw joints, chewing muscles, teeth, bite and surrounding maxillofacial structures to determine which factors may be contributing to the patient's symptoms.

"Botox is a tool, not a diagnosis," said Dr. Salehani. "The important question isn't simply whether someone has jaw pain. It's why they have jaw pain. Once we understand that, we can determine whether Botox or another treatment makes the most sense."

An Oral and Maxillofacial Approach to TMJ Disorders

Dr. Salehani's background provides a particularly comprehensive perspective on conditions affecting the jaw.

He holds both dental and medical degrees and completed specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. His practice encompasses the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including treatment of TMJ disorders, corrective jaw surgery, facial reconstruction and other conditions involving the jaws and facial structures.

This training allows him to evaluate TMD symptoms within the broader relationship between the teeth, bite, jaw joints, chewing muscles and facial skeleton.

For some patients, conservative approaches may be appropriate before Botox is considered. For others with a significant muscular component to their symptoms, targeted botulinum toxin treatment may be incorporated into an individualized treatment plan.

The growing therapeutic use of botulinum toxin also underscores an important distinction between cosmetic Botox and medically directed treatment of muscle activity.

"Most people hear Botox and immediately think about wrinkles," Dr. Salehani said. "But botulinum toxin affects muscle activity, which is why it can have applications beyond aesthetics. In the right patient, and for the right diagnosis, it can be another option available to us for managing muscle-related jaw pain."

About David Salehani, DDS, MD

David Salehani, DDS, MD, is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Sunset Oral and Facial Surgery in Los Angeles. He received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry with honors and his Doctor of Dental Surgery with honors from the State University of New York at Stony Brook before earning his medical degree from Stony Brook School of Medicine.

Dr. Salehani completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery training at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and a general surgery internship at Stony Brook University Hospital, where he trained in the management of major trauma cases.

His practice encompasses a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including TMJ treatment, orthognathic corrective jaw surgery, facial reconstruction, dental implant surgery and aesthetic facial procedures. Dr. Salehani also participates in resident and student education as a faculty member at UCLA Medical Center.

For more information about Dr. David Salehani and treatment of temporomandibular disorders or to schedule an appointment, please visit Sunset Oral and Facial Surgery: https://www.sunsetoralsurgery.com/ or call (310) 275-3635.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Sunset Oral & Facial Surgery
Website: www.sunsetoralsurgery.com

IG: @sunsetoralmaxillofacialsurgery
(310) 275-3635

SOURCE Sunset Oral and Facial Surgery