How Often Can You Receive Botox for TMJ Disorders?
Introduction
Botox may help deal with the symptoms of a TMJ disorder. For example, temporomandibular joint disorders receive help from this neurotoxin protein, enabling you to benefit from this treatment if other techniques are unsuccessful. In addition, botox may assist in treating the TMJ disorder symptoms such as jaw tension, headaches because of teeth grinding, locking of the jaw in stressful conditions. Please continue reading to learn more about using Botox for TMJ disorder treatments.
Botox for TMJ
Some people may find Botox is an effective remedy for TMJ. However, the treatment with Botox for TMJ disorders is experimental. Approval of Botox for TMJ disorders is still awaited from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Studies conducted in 2012 on 26 participants revealed Botox significantly reduced pain and increased mouth movements for three months after the treatment. Similar results were observed in studies conducted in 2003 and 2008. However, the 2003 study mentioned approximately 90 percent of participating patients reported improvements in symptoms by up to 90 percent. The patients hadn’t responded to conservative treatments for this disorder. Notwithstanding inspiring results furnished by the study, researchers continue to suggest more studies to help understand the effectiveness of Botox remedies for temporomandibular joint disorders.
Why Botox for TMJ Disorders
People affected by TMJ disorders often look for non-surgical treatments performed in an outpatient setting. Botox in Surrey provides the treatment in the dental office. Botox treatments require approximately 10 to 30 minutes, and patients can expect to receive at least three injection sessions over several months.
Cosmetic dentistry near you injects Botox into the forehead, temple, and jaw muscles. They might also inject other areas depending on the symptoms experienced. The provider determines how many Botox injections patients need. The shots may cause some discomfort similar to a prick or bug bite. The provider recommends easing pain with a cold compress or numbing cream.
Improvements from Botox injections are felt by patients within a couple of days after the treatment. However, they need several days to find relief from TMJ pain. People receiving Botox treatments for TMJ can return to their regular duties immediately after leaving their dentist’s office. Patients are advised to remain upright and avoid massaging or rubbing the injection site for several hours following the treatment. The preventive measure helps prevent the toxin from spreading to other muscles.
The Side Effects of Botox Treatments for TMJ
Botox treatments for TMJ are not without some side effects. The most common among them are headaches, respiratory infection, nausea, eyelid droops temporarily, and flu-like illness. Botox might also result in a fixed smile lasting for 6 to 8 weeks because of the paralyzing effect of Botox on muscles.
Other side effects reported and linked to Botox injections and appearing in the first week following the treatment include pain, redness and bruising at the injection site, and muscle weakness.
Schedule Your Appointment with Your Dentist
Botox injections for TMJ disorders are believed to be relatively safe and effective. However, more research is essential to determine its real benefits. Patients interested in Botox treatments for TMJ must bear in mind the costs of the procedure are out of pocket because insurance providers do not cover the treatment. Insurance providers are relying on the non-approval of the treatment for TMJ disorders by the FDA. However, patients who haven’t responded to other therapies and are not interested in invasive procedures can discuss getting Botox injections with their dentist to determine whether it provides relief.
How many Botox injections you may need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how much you can spend on the procedure. Generally, you require at least three injection sessions over several months at the cost of $ 500-$ 1500. Your dentist determines how many injections you need, and the price of the treatment varies according to your geographical location. Therefore patients must consider all aspects before committing to Botox treatments for relief from TMJ disorders.
Alternative Treatment Options for TMJ
Patients with TMJ disorders can also consider alternative treatments to Botox if they are looking for non-surgical options to ease their symptoms. Patients can find relief from medicines like pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and oral splints or mouthguards. Acupuncture and relaxation techniques can also help ease symptoms of TMJ disorders. Therefore patients must discuss the treatment options available to them with their dentist before requesting Botox injections for TMJ disorders.