Frequent headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and tenderness when chewing are just a few of the discomforts caused by temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and bruxism (tooth clenching and grinding). For some patients, these issues can become quite debilitating and significantly impact the quality of their lives.
The good news is that there are several solutions for managing the pain caused by TMD; believe it or not, BOTOX® is one of them! Your team at Toronto Lakeshore Dental often uses BOTOX for bruxism treatment, and our dentists are not only certified to provide BOTOX but also uniquely qualified. Here's what you should know.
What Are TMD and Bruxism?
First, let's go over exactly what these concerns entail, even though if you suffer from them, you're probably already aware. TMD refers to the disorder of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMD and TMJ are terms that are often confused, with one referring to the joint (TMJ) and the other referring to the disorder (TMD) that occurs when the joint is not functioning properly.
Bruxism refers to tooth clenching and grinding, typically occurring at night during sleep. It can contribute to TMD, damage, and wear on your teeth.
Some of the symptoms of TMD are:
- Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Pain or tenderness when biting or chewing
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Jaw locking open or closed
- Popping or clicking of the TMJ
Some people experience several symptoms, which can diminish their quality of life.
How Does BOTOX Treat TMD and Bruxism?
When strategically injected, BOTOX inhibits the release of certain chemicals between a nerve and a muscle. BOTOX blocks the message for the muscle to work, and the muscle relaxes. When the muscles relax, some patients experience relief from clenching and grinding, headaches, and jaw pain.
The effects of BOTOX typically last for three to four months before you'll need new injections, providing comfort and relief. But you may wonder why you should choose your dentist for BOTOX injections.
Why Dentists Are Uniquely Qualified to Use BOTOX for TMD and Bruxism
Dentists are actually some of the most qualified providers when it comes to delivering comfortable BOTOX injections for TMJ treatment. This is due to their specific dental training in facial anatomy and musculature. They understand and can pinpoint certain muscles that would benefit from BOTOX and the relaxation and relief from TMD it delivers. If you experience any complications or side effects with BOTOX, your dentist is well-equipped to handle your concerns.
Your dentist in Etobicoke is also already treating TMD and bruxism with other modalities, like a nightguard or orthodontic treatment for bite alignment. They may recommend combining the effects of BOTOX with these other treatment methods to achieve the best outcomes for their patients.
Finally, due to the nature of their daily work, your dentist is an expert at delivering comfortable and effective injections. They do this all day long with dental anesthetics! You're sure to have a more comfortable experience with someone who is an expert at giving injections.
BOTOX Certification
Along with their medical training, providers must also become certified to deliver BOTOX injections. You must be a licensed healthcare provider and complete BOTOX's specific certification requirements before providing injections. This is to ensure the safety and efficacy of the BOTOX product.
Dr. Moore is our certified BOTOX provider at Toronto Lakeshore Dental.
Contact Your Etobicoke Dentist
Our dentists at Toronto Lakeshore Dental have helped hundreds of patients alleviate the discomfort of TMD, and they can help you too! Our dentists will work closely with you to determine the root cause of your disorder before providing treatment recommendations.
For example, if bite misalignment is the root cause of your TMD symptoms, they might recommend orthodontic treatment to correct bite alignment. Or, if bruxism is the primary cause of your TMJ pain and headaches, relaxing your muscles with BOTOX may be your best solution.
We provide comprehensive dental services at our Etobicoke dental clinic, so no matter the treatment you need, you'll always be able to work with the dental team you already know and trust!
You can request an appointment at Toronto Lakeshore Dental online or talk with a team member to schedule when you call us at (416) 503-3335.