BOTOX & DENTISTRY

Botox® as an Alternative Treatment for TMJ^®

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and bruxism (cleanching and grinding), are notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat.  Many of the related symptoms, such as headaches and earaches, often lead doctors to diagnose a sinus condition, as opposed to a problem with the jaw joint.  TMJ symptoms often change in severity, depending on the amount of stress a person is going through. During an intensely stressful period, grinding teeth, debilitating earaches, and lockjaw may occur.  Botox® injections are sometimes an effective and painless way to alleviate tension in the temporomandibular joint, reducing jaw pain, headaches, and suffering.

Botox® is commonly associated with cosmetic practices, including eliminating glabellar lines and facial wrinkles.  Recently however, Botox® has become an increasingly popular TMJ treatment.  Although some TMJ symptoms may improve without any specific treatment, Botox® offers fast and long-lasting relief for those that do not.

Here are several of the major benefits Botox® offers TMJ sufferers:

• Elimination of headaches caused by nighttime clenching/grinding
• Minimization of lockjaw
• Reduced discomfort when using the jaw
• Reduced shoulder and neck pain
• Substantially reduced jaw tension

How does Botox® work?

Botox® expediently alleviates tension caused by bruxism by relaxing the jaw muscles, thus preventing unconscious jaw movement and ending grinding-related headaches.

One of the major advantages of Botox® is that normal functions such as speaking, swallowing, and biting are left unaffected.  The only major change is the reduction in pain and discomfort.  In addition, controlling TMJ can also prevent serious dental problems from occurring later. TMJ, if left untreated, can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and broken teeth.

What’s involved when getting Botox® injections?

The Botox® injections take 10-20 minutes to administer, depending on the amount required. Normal activity can be resumed immediately after the Botox® treatment, but strenuous activity should be avoided for 24 hours after treatment.  It may take 5-14 days to feel the full benefits of the treatment, but Botox® will continue to work for 3-6 months.