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Botox was once reserved for lessening the tell-tale signs of aging, such as annoying wrinkles and frown lines, but these days you can opt for Botox treatments for therapeutic reasons as well (like treating TMJ and jaw tension issues).
The temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is located on both sides of the head at the point where the jawbone meets the skull. The temporo-mandibular joint is used during talking, eating, swallowing, and other everyday activities. If this joint becomes displaced or is overworked through excessive teeth grinding, a person may suffer severe tension headaches, as well as sharp pain in the jaw.
Botox injections have become a great alternative treatment for patients suffering from troublesome maladies like TMD (which may include headache, clenching/grinding and sleep bruxism).
Scientific studies have shown that patients who received Botox injections experienced significant improvements in pain, function, ability to open their mouth, and levels of tenderness to palpation. Botox relieves jaw tension by making muscles unable to engage in the powerful, often unconscious movement of the jaw that produces headaches and pain.
Botox is injected into the temporalis, frontal and masseter muscles that together can cause jaw pain and headaches. Botox works by blocking nerve signals that cause uncontrollable muscle movements, essentially relaxing the muscles.
Botox injections take only 10 to 15 minutes and remain effective for anywhere between two and six months. Therefore, like its cosmetic counterpart, Botox TMD treatments must be repeated every few months depending on the patient.
Most patients who receive Botox treatment regularly for more than a year notice that there is a steadily increasing amount of time needed between treatments. The need for Botox treatment can decrease from 3-4 times a year initially, to maintenance treatments of 1-2 times a year.
If you have TMD and Dr. Mandeep Kanwar determine(s) that you are a good candidate for this treatment, how often you'll need to receive Botox injections to relieve symptoms will depend on the severity of your condition.
The benefits of Botox treatment for TMD are many. For people suffering from soreness and pain resulting from problems with the temporo-mandibular joint, Botox injections often provide substantial relief. While reducing the ability of facial muscles to engage in problematic grinding, Botox allows them to perform daily activities as usual - such as talking, chewing, and swallowing. This makes the Botox alternative treatment for jaw tension a convenient and effective option for many people. In addition, the treatment can help safeguard dental health, since excessive grinding can result in worn down teeth and damaged gums that may require costly treatment over time.
While Botox treatment for TMJ disorders appears to be safe, certain medications, intoxicants, and other substances can minimize or negatively impact the effectiveness of Botox injections. For this reason, patients should honestly disclose any medication or substance use with Dr. Mandeep Kanwar prior to treatment. Although complications are rare, in some cases patients have experienced bruising and bleeding at injection sites, or excessive paralysis of the muscles in the areas treated.
The cost of the Botox TMD treatment will vary based on where you live and receive treatment, and the severity of your condition (and therefore, how many Botox injections are needed). Botox treatment is usually charged on a per-visit basis.
Many dental insurance companies accept Botox TMD treatments; however, all patients should check their individual policies. If your insurance policy does not cover Botox treatments for TMJ and other therapeutic uses, you may be able to access other financing options. Speak with our friendly, knowledgeable staff at dentalFX in West Edmonton mall to learn about options you may have access to.
If you are looking for a dentist in West Edmonton for Botox Treatment, please call us at (780)705-5322 and book an appointment with Dr. Mandeep Kanwar.
