I have dealt with TMJ pain of all kinds for over five years now. I have tried several treatments and have had no success. The latest idea someone recommended to me was to get Botox. They said it helps with myofascial pain. And hey I’ll take care of some wrinkles too. Do you know were I can find a TMJ specialist that will administer Botox with the main goal of taking care of my facial pain and headaches?
– Janet in New Jersey
Janet,
There are individuals that have benefited from using Botox to treat TMJ. The masseter and temporalis muscles are the main muscles that cause TMJ pain, TMJ headaches, and the other debilitating symptoms. So the Botox injections need to be targeted right into the belly of these key muscle groups. This treatment will help relieve the pain associated with TMJ temporarily.
Although patients have seen positive improvements in their TMJ symptoms from Botox, it isn’t solving the problem. It would be wise to find a TMJ specialist to determine what is causing your pain. There are TMJ dentists which focus on the positioning of the jaw bone and muscles and other neuromuscular specialists, oral surgeons, and other professionals, so it can be confusing. It’s all about pinpointing the cause. So until that is accomplished, the Botox will only help to manage your TMJ.
If you haven’t seen a TMJ dentist to date, it may be time to go that route. He or she will analyze and examine your bite, all with the ultimate goal of figuring out the source of the problem. A TMJ dentist can still work together with the professional that is administering your Botox treatments, in fact some cosmetic dentists actually offer Botox right out of their offices. But make sure you see an individual with the right credentials and training in treating TMJ. At the very least you will want to inquire how often they treat TMJ, what their success rate is, and even ask to speak with some of their TMJ patients. Best of luck to you in relieving your TMJ pain!
This post is sponsored by Barrington dentist James T. Gavrilos, DDS.