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Botox for TMJ
According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 10 million Americans are afflicted with temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. These many Americans must either learn to live with their affliction, or choose among several different methodologies to alleviate their pain.
How to choose the appropriate treatment
Choosing the appropriate treatment can be a very daunting task considering the wide variety of treatment methodologies. There are treatments ranging from very routine to extremely invasive.
On the invasive end of treatment methodologies, having a temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, surgery is the most invasive and most permanent type of treatment. Practitioners often suggest not going forward with the most invasive and permanent procedures until trying less invasive procedures first.
Less invasive procedures originally included such treatments as occlusal, or bite, adjustment and occlusal guards. These treatments have significantly lessened the number of patients requiring more invasive procedures, such as TMJ surgery.
In recent years, Clostridium botulinum toxin, or Botox, has been used as a reversible, less invasive treatment option for TMD. Now physicians and dentists have another treatment option to look toward before TMJ surgery is necessary.
Botox is considered reversible considering, when prescribed and delivered in the appropriate amount, the effects of Botox will be completely reversed through normal metabolism within the matter of a few months.
How does Botox work?
Clostridium botulinum toxin is a paralytic toxin. This paralytic toxin is used in nature for one organism to defend itself against others. When it is isolated, it can be used for a temporary paralytic agent. This is the case with Botox.
How is Botox used in the treatment of TMD?
Most disorders of the temporomandibular joint are caused by excessive forces being placed on the TMJ. These forces are caused by the muscles which encapsulate the joint.
By temporarily paralyzing small portions of these muscles, the forces placed on the TMJ from these muscles will be reduced. the Doctor is trained in this particular treatment modality.
How do I know if Botox is right for me?
Knowing if Botox treatment is the appropriate treatment for your TMD can only be determined through a comprehensive examination by a doctor trained in TMD treatment using Botox.
As already stated, the Doctor is trained in treating TMD with Botox therapy. Schedule an appointment today to determine if Botox therapy is the treatment of choice in your TMD.