Botox | TMJ Treatment
Botox injections are becoming increasingly popular in healthcare applications beyond the traditional beauty-enhancing and cosmetic solutions that temporarily reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Because Botox temporarily prevents nerve cell signals from reaching your muscles, Botox can be used to help treat and relieve the symptoms of other conditions such as migraines, teeth clenching or grinding, TMJ or TMD, and bruxism.
How does Botox work?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is the use of a toxin to temporarily prevent muscles from moving by blocking chemical signals from your nerves that signal to your muscles to contract. The toxins are injected by a medical or healthcare professional into your skin or muscles to provide the desired health or cosmetic benefits. The effects of Botox begin to take effect within several days after treatment and last for a period of months, after which another treatment may be needed depending on the purpose of the Botox injection.
How can Botox be used in dentistry?
Botox can be used in dentistry to treat a variety of oral and dental health conditions including:
Bruxism - a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth
TMD or TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) - a condition in which the muscles and ligaments around your jaw joints do not function properly, become inflamed or irritated
Associated symptoms of these conditions, such as headaches and TMJ pain
Botox can be particularly helpful for anyone suffering from TMJ pain and headaches or for those who cannot wear a nightguard.
Furthermore, by relaxing the muscles and temporarily addressing conditions such as bruxism and TMJ disorder, Botox also protects your teeth from excessive wear, cracking and chipping that can be a side effect of these conditions.
“I have been grinding and clenching my teeth since I was a child. I do it during the day and at night. I religiously wear a nightguard EVERY NIGHT but it is hard to wear a night guard during the day!! Not very socially acceptable..haha. The problem is that most people do not realize they are doing it so they cannot control it. Botox has become more and more popular over the years and I have had patients tell me their experience with it for alleviating their TMJ pain. I started doing my own research and became very interested so I received training in Botox administration from the Academy of Facial Esthetics. I even tried botox on myself. This has been a game changer for me. I didn’t realize how bad I was grinding and clenching and how much it affected me on a daily basis. I think we get used to the way certain things feel and we don’t realize how much it impacts our lives.”
Do I still need to wear a nightguard if I get Botox?
Yes. Nightguards are an effective therapy and provide protection for your teeth against the damaging effects of unconscious grinding and clenching that happens during sleep while also repositioning your jaw to alleviate the strain on the jaw joints. If your dentist has recommended a nightguard as a part of TMJ therapy and a customized treatment plan, patients should continue to wear the nightguard as instructed. As a treatment for TMJ, teeth clenching or grinding, Botox is intended to work in tandem with the wearing of nightguard in order to provide optimal results. The use of Botox may also extend the life of your nightguard.
For patients who cannot wear a nightguard or who take their nightguard out while sleeping, Botox injections may be the optimal solution. If you suffer from TMJ or if you clench or grind your teeth during the day - when you are not wearing your nightguard! - call our office or book an appointment today to discuss the benefits of Botox injections for your condition.
How does Botox help treat TMJ, teeth clenching and grinding?
Botox injections into the jaw muscles prevents the nerves from signaling to the muscles to clench or tighten.
For patients who unconsciously clench or grind their teeth, Botox will relax the muscles and provide temporary relief of strain on the jaw joints. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and condition, Botox may be sufficient treatment, but most often patients will experience the most benefit when Botox is used as a supplementary treatment with a custom nightguard.
Botox will also provide relief and relaxed jaw muscles when you are NOT wearing a nightguard since teeth clenching and grinding do not just happen at night. Some patients, such as Dr. Samantha, may need Botox injections in order to experience 24-hour relief and protection against the symptoms and effects of TMJ, teeth clenching and grinding.
How do I know if Botox is the right treatment for my condition?
If you are suffering from TMJ pain and headaches, or if you cannot wear a nightguard or you take out your nightguard in your sleep, then Botox may be the right treatment for you. The use of Botox to treat dental conditions should only be performed by a dental provider trained in Botox injections and also trained specifically in maxillofacial areas. Dr. Samantha Tejada at WoodSprings Dentistry, general and cosmetic dental office serving The Woodlands and Spring communities, is trained and qualified to administer Botox and personally understands the value this treatment can offer for patients suffering from these conditions.
For more information about Botox injections for dental care in The Woodlands, Tx, and Spring, Tx, please call our office today or discuss your questions with Dr. Tejada at your next dental appointment.
Suffering from TMJ? The oral and dental health benefits available with Botox injections are now offered at WoodSprings Dentistry, conveniently located and serving patients from The Woodlands, Tx, and Spring, Tx, communities.