As well as for cosmetic purposes, Botox® injections are used by many dentists as a treatment for temporomanibular joint pain. TMJ is a worsening disease of the lower jaw that causes a powerful clenching sensation and can lead to serious headaches. Dentists often recommend pain relief medications and bulky overnight headgear to deal with it.
Because Botox® is given in much the same way as many dental injections, it only requires some additional training for a dentist to qualify to administer treatments. Many of the nerves that a dentist treats to deaden areas of the mouth in preparation for drilling and other procedures are the same nerves that Botox® uses. This makes cosmetic dentists a good option when looking for TMJ treatment.
Understanding how Botox® can take the edge off of TMJ strain and discomfort may be very helpful for its sufferers:
The joint that causes TMJ is located on both sides of the face at the point where the upper and lower jaws meet. If this joint is misaligned, a person may experience anything from a degree of discomfort to intense, constant pain. The condition worsens in most people over time as the lower jaw shifts out of position. Constant jaw usage from speaking, chewing and swallowing food exacerbates the pain.
Over time, this can affect a person’s bite, making it difficult to open wide enough to bite into a sandwich or piece of fruit. Headgear is often worn by TMJ sufferers to align the jaw but may not sufficiently eliminate the muscle stress. Botox®, when injected, effectively relaxes the muscles enough to eliminate much of the stress and strain that can cause severe pain.
Because the injections are location-specific, they only affect the nerves or muscles where it is given, namely the frontalis, the masseter and the temporalis areas. This means the treatment does not affect other normal movements.
The injections are administered right in the dentist’s office and don’t require any hospitalization or special preparation. There may be a pinching or pressure sensation as the needle goes in, but it is not usually painful. Treatment typically only takes between 15 and 30 minutes, and it may begin to bring some relief immediately. There may be a noticeable improvement in the symptoms within hours. Patients often gain relief from the headaches, jaw pain and nighttime tooth grinding.
Depending on the severity of the condition, it may require multiple repeated treatments over time. Usually there is virtually no recovery time needed, so the injection schedule can be fitted into a normal workday.
Many dentists offer treatments beyond fillings and tooth cleanings. Finding a cosmetic dentist who is also trained in the use of Botox® injections to ease the strain of TMJ can be a huge relief to its sufferers.
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