Botox® for TMJ Disorders, Clenching, Grinding, Headaches
What is Botox® and How Does It Work?
Did you know Botox® can be used for teeth grinding, clenching, tension headaches and TMJ disorders? Dr. Alexandra Ociepa at Mint Leaf Dental has extensive training in Botox® administration in order to provide this treatment option to relieve TMJ pain.
Most of us think of Botox® for cosmetic treatment of lines and wrinkles on the face but Botox® has a long history of medical therapeutic uses. It was first approved to treat crossed eyes (strabismus) and abnormal muscle spasms of the eyelids (blepharospasm). It is now used to treat chronic migraine, cerebral palsy, cervical dystonia (a painful condition where the muscles of the neck contract involuntarily causing the head to twist or turn to one side, or tilt forward or backward), overactive bladder, severe underarm sweating, upper limb spasticity as well as severe clenching, grinding, tensions headaches and TMJ disorders.
Botox® is a natural purified protein that helps relax jaw muscles by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the muscles. As a result, the intensity of muscle contractions is reduced and these muscles are unable to engage in powerful and unconscious movement of the jaw that produces pain, tension, soreness and headaches. This reduces the frequency and force from clenching or grinding and allows your muscles to rest.
To learn more about clenching and grinding, click here.
To learn more about TMJ disorders and headaches, click here.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Botox® injections take only 10-20 minutes to be administered depending on the amount you require. It is a short and non-surgical process so you can resume normal activity immediately following treatment.
Botox® is diluted with sterile saline and administered to specific muscle points via tiny injections. The severity of your condition will determine which muscle groups are treated. The solution will spread no further than the size of a dime from the injection sites.
Is Botox® Treatment Painful?
Botox® treatment is quick and gentle. No local anesthetic or sedation is required, so you can continue with your usual activities immediately after treatment.
A cold pack is applied to the area prior to treatment. A very minimal sensation is felt and everyone has said it is significantly more comfortable then traditional dental injections.
How Long Do the Effects of Botox® Treatment Last?
Each Botox® treatment typically lasts up to 2 to 4 months, but can have a significant affect on your quality of life.
Similar to cosmetic Botox® treatment, therapeutic Botox® treatments must be repeated every few months depending on the individual. After a year or two, people who receive Botox® treatment regularly will notice a decrease in frequency for their appointments. As a result, Botox® treatment can decrease from 3-4 times a year to requiring it only 1-2 times a year.
Are There Any Side Effects?
The potential side effects of Botox® treatment are mild, and usually go away within a few hours or days after treatment. Potential side effects include: inflammation, bleeding, bruising, swelling, pain at injection site and allergic reactions.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Not everyone is a good candidate for Botox® injection treatment. You cannot receive this treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a neurological disorder (eg. Myasthenia Gravis or Eaton Lambert Syndrome), or have an allergy to the ingredients, specifically albumin.
How Much Does Botox® Treatment Cost?
The cost of therapeutic Botox® treatment for TMJ disorder, clenching, grinding or headaches will depend on the severity of your condition. At your initial examination, Dr. Alexandra Ociepa will determine if you are a candidate for Botox® treatment, which muscle groups needed to be treated and how many units you require.
Will My Insurance Cover My Botox® Treatment?
It depends on your insurance but it definitely might be! These are therapeutic injections, as opposed to cosmetic, so many insurance companies do offer coverage either through your Dental Benefit Plan or your Extended Medical Plan.
In order to find out, you need to call your insurance provider and ask if therapeutic Botox® (DIN 01981501) is covered under your plan. Many insurance companies will require a “Prior Authorization Form” to be completed prior to treatment and this form can be obtained from your insurance company.
Call us today to find out if you are a candidate for Botox® injection therapy!
