Most of us have heard about the use of Botox for wrinkle reduction, but maybe aren’t aware that there are other medical uses available. In this case, use of Botox for TMJ pain can have therapeutic as well as cosmetic benefits. Book a consultation with Dr. Morrow in South Edmonton to find out if a treatment is right for you.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT PAIN
For those who suffer from TMJ pain (temporomandibular joint disorder), Botox is an option to consider. The jaw muscles (masseter muscles, in particular) can get enlarged contributing to a square appearance of the lower face (masseteric hypertrophy).
The clenching and grinding causes the jaw muscles to get enlarged. For women this can have cosmetic concerns as well, as this contributes to the lower face having a more masculine appearance. Mastication habits and gum chewing can further worsen the issue which is why it’s good to avoid chewing gum if you these problems.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT PAIN EDMONTON
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS (TMD)
These are actually considered to be a secondary headache disorder. Estimates suggest that 1 in 4 people are affected by TMD.
- Associated with teeth grinding (bruxism)
- 1.5 times higher in women
- Can be associated with problems with alignment of upper and lower teeth
- Neck or TMJ trauma can be a trigger
TMJ PAIN TREATMENT OPTIONS
- Physiotherapy including mobilization and stability exercises
- Occlusal bite splints
- NSAIDs – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil®
- Trigger point injections
- Botox injections into masseter and temporalis muscles for refractory symptoms
FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The simple answer is no for patients that I see in Edmonton, Alberta. This question causes patients the most amount of confusion. While many patients who have 3rd party insurance plans that do cover Botox (private drug plans such as Manulife, Sunlife, or Great-West Life), it isn’t covered for TMJ pain or Bruxism. Why not? Currently, there is no official approved indication with Health Canada for the use of Botox for TMJ pain. In other terms, it is an off-label use.
While Botox it isn’t covered for TMJ pain, it is often covered by 3rd party insurance for other conditions including chronic migraine headaches and axillary hyperhidrosis.
Misplaced injections can cause a crooked smile (if Botox is injected into the Risorius muscle.) While in younger to middle-aged patients, Botox injections into the masseter muscles can contribute to a slimming effect on the face, in older patients this can potentially cause sagging of skin in the lower face if high doses are used for prolonged periods of time.
Contact US for a Botox Consult
Dr. Jarret Morrow MD
Serene Radiance Rutherford
Edmonton, AB
780-705-2285
More info about TMJ Joint Pain and Botox
For those who suffer from TMJ Joint Pain in Edmonton, you can book a consultation with Dr. Morow. Here is some other helpful information about Botox. Click on the following links.
