BOTOX is a hot topic as a non-surgical anti-aging tool, but did you know that BOTOX is also a beneficial alternative treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)?
TMJ often causes:
- Headaches
- Jaw and facial pain
- Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints – sometimes this progresses to the joint locking, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
- An aching pain in and around the ear
- Difficulty chewing or pain when chewing
How does BOTOX for TMJ work?
When BOTOX is injected into the facial, head, and jaw muscles, it prevents you from clenching those muscles. If you can’t tighten these muscles, it prevents you from grinding your teeth, tightening your jaw, etc. Over a short period of time, your muscles will relax and settle back into a more harmonious, less painful pattern. Many times, with muscle pain, we don’t even realize that we are clenching our facial muscles as a response to pain. BOTOX injections stop this unconscious habit for enough time to break the cycle.
Using BOTOX to treat TMJ Disorders in NYC
How can an injection of BOTOX stop TMJ pain in its tracks? It’s fairly simple. You use the temporomandibular joint when eating, talking, swallowing, yawning, and other everyday movements. Sometimes the joint becomes inflamed from overuse, but it can also be caused by jaw injuries, arthritis, stress, genetics, and teeth grinding. TMJ pain can be experienced as tension headaches, sharp pain in the jaw, and soreness in the face, head, and neck muscles. When BOTOX is injected into the continually clenching muscles, it stops the muscle from contracting, which provides quick relief. Some patients feel a dramatic difference in as little as 2-3 days, while it can take others up to a week for their discomfort to disappear.
Are you a good candidate for BOTOX TMJ treatment in NYC?
Of course, every case is different, but BOTOX tends to be a safe treatment for those with a TMJ disorder and its associated symptoms. Dr. Ghazal Mahjoubi, the best oral surgeon in NYC, will thoroughly examine you and your case before recommending a treatment. She will go over your complete medical history, including allergies, and all the medications you are on in case of a possible adverse reaction to BOTOX treatment. If Dr. Mahjoubi concludes that BOTOX injections aren’t a good fit for you, she will explore alternative treatment options with you.
Risks and Benefits: BOTOX TMJ NYC
The risks of BOTOX for treating TMJ are minimal. The most common side effects are bruising and mild bleeding at the injection site. Temporary paralysis of the muscles in the areas treated can also occur. Although complications are infrequent, you should still be open with Dr. Mahjoubi about your medical history prior to your BOTOX treatment. Our entire office takes your care seriously, so we need to know about any possible adverse reactions.
The list of benefits of BOTOX for TMJ in NYC is much longer than the risks. Benefits include:
- Relief from pain
- Relief from muscle tension
- Better overall oral health because you are no longer grinding and clenching your teeth
- Teeth may become less sensitive
- You may experience better sleep
- Feelings of anxiety may lessen over time
- Jaw popping and clicking go away
- Talking, chewing, and swallowing become easy again
- The lines of your face soften over time, leaving you looking refreshed
Will my insurance cover BOTOX TMJ treatment?
The short answer: it depends on your insurance company. Although using BOTOX for headaches and TMJ disorders is usually covered by medical insurance plans, it is likely not yet covered by your dental insurance. As more people use BOTOX to prevent damage to their teeth and gums, we may begin to see dental insurance companies cover BOTOX as a treatment.
Make a BOTOX Appointment with the Best Oral Surgeon in NYC Today!
If you’re still uncertain about BOTOX as a treatment for TMJ pain, that’s ok. Make an appointment to talk about your options with Dr. Ghazal. Or give us a call anytime at 212-209-0806. We’re happy to answer all your questions.
