Dental Bruxism is the medical term used to describe habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth and jaw. Stiff or fatigued jaw muscles when you wake in the morning, headaches, neck aches, sensitive teeth, jaw pain, noises when opening or closing your mouth; all of these can be signs of dental bruxism and TMJ disorder.

 

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Botox Treatment for Clenching/Grinding, Sleep Bruxism, and Tension Headaches

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The temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is located on both sides of the head at the point where the jawbone meets the skull. The TMJ 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 a sharp pain in the jaw.

 

Botox was once reserved for lessening the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and frown lines. But more recently Botox injections are being used in dental offices as an alternative treatment for TMD, including headache, clenching/grinding and sleep bruxism. 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.

 

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What's Involved in Botox TMJ Treatment?

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Botox is injected into the temporalis 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 three to five months. Therefore 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. Man 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.

 

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Risks and Benefits of Botox Treatment for Jaw Tension

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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.

 

Although complications are rare, patients have experienced bruising and bleeding at injection sites, or excessive paralysis of the muscles in the areas treated.

 

 

​Cost of Botox

 

TMD treatment will vary based one where you receive treatment and the severity of your condition (and therefore, how many Botox injections are needed). Many dental insurance companies ACCEPT Botox TMD treatments. Many will require a “Prior Authorization Form - Botox Specialty Drug” form to be completed which can be obtained from your insurance company. Please bring this form to your initial Botox consultation so that Dr. Karen Man can help you complete the form. Every insurance policy is different, therefore, it will be your ultimate responsibility for the service fee if it is determined not to be covered under your insurance plan. Our staff will be happy to help you inquire from your insurance company the eligibility of your plan for Botox treatment. Other financing options may be available.