How Can Botox Help with TMJ?
Botox: a buzzword if there ever was one. This minimally-invasive procedure has cultivated a large following, from celebrities to every-day citizens searching for methods to look and feel their best.
What Exactly is Botox?
Botox is a neurotoxin, which sounds alarming, but is perfectly safe as long as it is administered by a licensed professional. Botox injections are most commonly associated with improving one’s appearance as they are frequently used to reduce skin wrinkles. Over time, as you regularly express your feelings through smiling, laughing, and raising your eyebrows, your skin will repeatedly fold and lose its elasticity; these common facial expressions will cause fine lines and wrinkles as you age. In small doses, doctors are able to inject Botox in order to block certain nerve signals that cause muscles to contract, which in turn temporarily relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. With Botox, you will still be able to express your feelings through smiling and laughter, but you just may not be asexpressive. Botox in dentistry is not only used for cosmetics, however. It can be used to aid in issues associated with cerebral palsy, facial spasms, and TMJ disorders.
What is TMJ/TMD?
Here at Maestri Family Dentistry, we are able to use Botox for TMJ disorders. TMJ is short for the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull on each side of your face. It acts as a sliding hinge, and is commonly confused with TMD, which stands for the disorder itself. Symptoms of TMD include difficulty sleeping, limited jaw movement, earaches, headaches, and even dizziness. Up to 15% of adults ages 20-40 have TMD, however it is more prevalent in women than men. 75% of people in the United States will have symptoms of TMD at some point in their life. The utilization of Botox for TMJ can decrease pain and may be more efficient than other methods, such as night guards. Botox is used to weaken the muscle that causes grinding and muscle spasms around the problematic area.
Is Botox Safe For TMJ?
Botox has been shown to be a relatively safe and effective treatment, however if you have any doubts or concerns then you should take it up with your local dentist or doctor for more advice. The procedure is performed with no anesthesia required and each treatment only takes about 10-30 minutes. Botox in general is a very case-by-case treatment, so the areas in which you receive Botox injections will vary depending on symptoms and other factors specified by your provider.
Dr. Maestri and Botox
When it comes to Botox being used for cosmetic reasons, there are many cases in which people want to see a drastic change as soon as possible. On the other hand, some people may be nervous that they will no longer be able to physically express their feelings, or that their face will not cooperate with their expressions. In order to find a healthy medium, Dr. Maestri will give patients the minimal amount of Botox followed by an enhancement if desired after two weeks. This allows for both the patient and Dr. Maestri to be happy with the results. When it comes to Botox for TMJ, Dr. Maestri will offer solutions through the use of Botox determined by the symptoms at hand. Keep in mind that Botox is not a permanent fix, as it will only last for a few months depending on the injection.
Is Botox Right For Me?
If you believe that you suffer from TMJ disorder, then contact your local dentist or doctor for more information. Dr. Maestri is well equipped to diagnose this common disorder and can offer several solutions, including Botox, to relieve your pain and discomfort. Contact us today if you have any questions regarding your dental health so that our team can assist you to the best of our ability.
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