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 was once reserved for lessening the tell-tale signs of aging, such as annoying wrinkles and frown lines. But more recently Botox injections are being used frequently in dental offices as a great alternative treatment for more troublesome maladies such as 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 after a year to two, have notice the decrease frequency needs for retreatment due to the fact that their muscles have atrophied over time. Therefore, the need for Botox treatment can decrease from 3-4 times a year to maintenance treatment of 1-2 times a year. If you have TMD and Dr. Jennifer determines 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 such as talking, chewing, and swallowing. This makes the Botox alternative treatment for jaw tension a convenient, 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.
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. Jennifer prior to treatment. Although complications are rare, but 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 the severity of your condition (and therefore, how many Botox injections are needed). Botox treatment is charged on a per-visit basis. The cost of Botox is $12.00 per unit. You will require a specific examination, there is a fee associated with the examination. After the examination Dr. Jennifer will be able to determine how many units of Botox you will require.
During your Botox TMJ treatment, Botox is injected into the temporalis, frontal, and masseter muscles. These muscles are the muscles that together are responsible for jaw pain and headaches. Botox injections block the nerve signals that cause uncontrollable muscle movements, which then relaxes your muscles and can also help reduce the effects or frequency of headaches and jaw pain.
Botox injections are quick and are effective for two to six months after the treatment. Most patients will need touch up appointments after six months. You can return to normal activities almost immediately after treatment, but you should be careful with strenuous activities and causing irritation to the injection sites.
Botox treatments have many benefits. It can decrease the appearance of aging by reducing the wrinkles on your forehead and other areas. Since Botox relaxes the muscles, it can also help with neck spasms, jaw pain, headaches, and migraines.
Botox can also block the chemical signals that tell the muscles to contract, which can help with issues like lazy eye, some neurological conditions, and eye twitching.
Botox is approved for patients that are 18 years old or older. If you’re under 18 years old, you may need parental consent to receive Botox treatments. Botox is generally recommended for patients starting in their early to mid-20s.
If you’re prone to chronic migraine, muscle spasms, and facial wrinkles, Botox can be a great solution to help you get some relief. You can experience the benefits almost immediately. However, Botox treatments aren’t for everyone.
Patients that are currently pregnant or breastfeeding should wait until they’re done before getting Botox. If you have neuromuscular conditions, you may not be suitable for treatment either. Botox also doesn’t work with all wrinkles or conditions, so it’s best to consult a professional first.
A properly fitted night guard can help with jaw pain, headaches, and chronic migraine because it prevents your teeth from grinding and your jaw from clenching while you sleep. A night guard will also help shift your jaw and teeth into proper alignment to reduce any stress or pressure placed on them throughout the day and at night.
Because night guards help decrease the pain you feel when grinding your teeth, patients often find that they get better sleep. As a result, they may also experience fewer headaches and ones that are less severe.
There is a ton of information online regarding oral wellness and daily habits you can implement to improve your overall oral hygiene. For example, avoiding certain foods that may damage your teeth and enamel, flossing frequently, and brushing your teeth after every meal are common advice that dentists will give.
You can also speak with your dentist during your appointment to discuss how you can improve your oral wellness. They’ll provide tons of useful and easy tips to ensure your oral health.
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