Botox Treatment North York

Botox Therapeutic and Lip Fillers

Most patients complain of the following symptoms associated with TMD:

• Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint, and/or in or around the ear when talking, chewing, or opening the mouth wide
• Grating, popping, or clicking sounds coming from the jaw when opening or closing one’s mouth – these sounds may be accompanied by pain but they do not have to be
• Trouble opening the mouth widely
• The facial muscles feeling “tired”
• The jaw getting “locked” or “stuck” in a certain position, whether the mouth is open or closed
• Facial swelling, particularly on the side of the face
• Difficulty chewing or a feeling that the top and bottom teeth are not fitting together the way they should when biting
• Toothaches not associated to caries

Let Dr. Nubia Diaz assess your concern, book an exam to see if you are a candidate forBOTOX® Theurapeutic injections for TMD.

BOTOX Theurapeutic – may also be used to treat Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) muscle hyperactivity and pain due to grinding and clenching causing pain that surrounds the jaw and control chewing.

Dr.Nubia Diaz is a general dentist using BOTOX® Therapeutic for management of TMJ related pain. As well, she can provide occlusal rehabilitation( restore missing teeth), use splint (mouthguards) therapy if needed to manage TMJ issues.

HOW DO I KNOW IF BOTOX Theurapeutic TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

You will first need to be formally examined and diagnosed with TMJ disorder. Dr. Diaz will evaluate the extent of the condition and determine what course of treatment is best for you. Usually, the initial approach involves conservative treatments, such as self-care, physical therapy and bite guards. Medications may also be used to relax the jaw or relieve pain. Patients who do not respond to conservative treatments may be considered for joint injections or referred out if needed.

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Botox was once reserved for lessening the tell-tale signs of ageing - such as annoying wrinkles and frown lines - but these days you can opt for Botox treatments for therapeutic reasons as well (like treating TMJ and jaw tension issues).

Botox Treatment for TMJ and Jaw Tension

Botox injections have become a great alternative treatment for patients suffering from troublesome maladies like TMD (which may include a headache, clenching/grinding, and sleep bruxism).

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

Scientific studies have shown that patients who received Botox injections experienced significant improvements in pain levels, jaw function, and levels of tenderness to touch. Botox relieves jaw tension by making muscles unable to engage in the powerful, often the unconscious movement of the jaw that produces headaches and pain.

What's Involved in Botox TMJ Treatment?

Botox is injected into the temporalis, frontal, 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 anywhere between two to six months. The frequency of treatment required will depend on each individual patient and the severity of symptoms.

Most patients who receive Botox treatment regularly for more than a year notice that as time goes on, they can go longer between each treatment. The need for Botox treatment can decrease from 3-4 times per year initially, to maintenance treatments of 1-2 times a year.

Risks and Benefits of Botox Treatment for Jaw Tension

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 doesn’t interfere with the ability to perform daily activities as usual - such as talking, chewing, and swallowing. This makes the Botox treatment for jaw tension a convenient and 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 over time.

While botox treatment for TMJ disorders appears to be safe, certain medications, intoxicants, and other substances can minimize or negatively impact the effectiveness of Botox injections. For this reason, patients should honestly disclose any medication or substance use with our dentists prior to treatment. Although complications are rare, in some cases patients have experienced bruising and bleeding at injection sites, or excessive paralysis of the muscles in the areas treated.

Cost of Botox TMJ Treatment

The cost of the Botox TMD treatment will vary based on where you live and receive treatment, and the severity of your condition (and therefore, how many Botox injections are needed). Botox treatment is usually charged on a per-visit basis.

Many dental insurance companies accept Botox TMD treatments, however, all patients should check their individual policies. If your insurance policy does not cover Botox treatments for TMJ and other therapeutic uses, you may be able to access other financing options. Speak with our friendly, knowledgeable staff at Stonebrook Dental in North York to learn about options you may have access to.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a substance produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It has been purified under very strictly controlled conditions.

How does it work?

The muscles you use for chewing food and talking sometimes work overtime (such as when people grind their teeth at night) causing facial and/or jaw joint pain.

Botulinum toxin is injected in extremely small amounts into affected muscles. The exact way it works is quite complicated, but the end result is that it blocks nerve impulses to relax the muscle and relieve the spasm. Relaxing the jaw closing muscles can also provide relief for the jaw joints by decreasing the muscular loading of these joints.

I’ve heard of something called botulism. I understand it’s a very serious illness. Is Botulinum toxin related to botulism?

This is a very important question. The active ingredient in Botulinum toxin is the same one that, in much larger amounts, can cause botulism poisoning, although rare, can occur if a person eats food that is contaminated with the bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. If this happens, large amounts of the toxin are swallowed, then absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body. This can affect the breathing muscles leading to respiratory paralysis, and sometimes death.

However, Botulinum toxin is injected directly into specific muscles, and only in extremely small doses, to relieve spasm and suffering safely. Because the doctor ensures that it is not injected into the bloodstream, other parts, of the body and functions are unaffected.

Many drugs in common use would be harmful if given in large enough doses or in such a way as to affect the entire body. Given in the appropriate way in the right amounts, they are valuable allies in fighting illness and suffering. Clinical studies over more than 15 years have shown the Botulinum toxin is effective and produces few side effects.

Botulinum toxin therapy for the treatment of jaw joint and related problems is experimental. The drug is proven safe. However, its usefulness for this condition is as yet scientifically unproven and under investigation by us.

How do I know my doctor won’t give me too much Botulinum toxin?

Production of Botulinum toxin is carefully controlled at every stage to be sure it is safe for medical use. Your doctor has been specially trained to use it safely and to manage any problems that may occur. Appropriate starting doses have already been determined for the facial musculature in humans.

Are there any patients who should not receive Botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin should not be given to anyone who has reacted badly in the past to any of its ingredients. Your doctor will ask you about this. It shouldn’t be used if there is infection or inflammation in the part of the body where the injection is to be given. Pregnant or nursing women should not be treated with Botulinum toxin, because it is not known if it might harm the baby. Patients with conditions that affect neuromuscular transmission such as Myesthenia Gravis or Eaton Lambert Syndrome should not receive Botulinum toxins.

How is it given?

Botulinum toxin comes in glass vials containing a small amount of crystals. A special solution containing water and a small amount of salt is added just before use to make it ready for injection. The drug is injected into the affected muscles(s), using a sterile, disposable syringe with a fine tip needle.

The doctor may use a technique called electromyography (EMG) or ultrasound to be sure that the needle is in the correct muscle. Affected muscles produce extra electrical activity which electromyography can detect. The doctor will use a special needle connected to an EMG machine that guides him/her to the right position for the injection. In some disorders in which many muscles are involved, several injections may be required.

Does the injection hurt?

Botulinum toxin itself does not cause irritation or inflammation when it is injected. Patients occasionally complain briefly of discomfort or pain at the injection site. Because the muscles injected may already be very sensitive, intra-venous sedation or general anesthesia is often given to the patient just before commencing Botulinum toxin therapy.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects may occur, but they are usually mild, don’t last long and can be treated. Serious side effects are uncommon, and no long-term complications have been reported. Side effects vary, depending on where Botulinum toxin is injected and for what purpose. Your doctor can tell you which ones might apply to you. However, most patients find that the relief of symptoms far outweighs any discomfort the drug may cause.

Does Botulinum toxin interact with other drugs?

It is always important to let your doctor know if you are taking any other drugs. Certain antibiotics or other drugs that interfere with nerve impulses to muscles may increase the effect of Botulinum toxin. However, patients can usually be treated with Botulinum toxin regardless of other drugs they may be taking.

How long does Botulinum toxin take to work?

Effects are usually noticed within 7-14 days.

Will Botulinum toxin cure me?

No, it is not a cure. However, Botulinum toxin offers the best hope yet for safe, effective and long-lasting relief of pain and spasm.

How long does the effect of the injection last?

For most patients, a single treatment with Botulinum toxin relieves symptoms for one or more months. Individual response varies depending on the severity of the problem and the dosage used.

Does that mean I’ll need more injections?

Yes, most likely. Except in a few conditions, the injected muscles eventually get over the drug’s effects. Repeated injections must be given to maintain the benefit over a long period of time. The treatment can be repeated for as long as it is required. Most patients will need injections about every three months. The exact timing is determined by the patient’s sense of need and the doctor’s estimation of recovery of muscle function.

Will additional injections continue to be effective?

Given in appropriate doses at appropriate intervals, repeated treatments usually remain effective or a long period of time.

What benefits can I expect of Botulinum toxin therapy?

Botulinum toxin relieves symptoms effectively. Pain is reduced and joint movement is often restored to “normal”. Botulinum toxin can relieve the chronic pain many patients have suffered from for years. Treatment with Botulinum toxin is simple. It sometimes helps avoid the risks, expense and inconvenience of hospital admission and surgery. Time lost from work is reduced.

Botulinum toxin treatment can result in greatly improved quality of life, even for patients who have suffered for many years with no relief from other treatments.

Are there any disadvantages?

The only disadvantages are the need for repeated injections and the occurrence of side effects in some patients.

If you would like more information:

Your doctor would be happy to discuss any aspects of Botulinum toxin therapy with you. Please do not hesitate to ask questions and feel free to bring someone with you when you come to discuss therapy with your doctor.

If you are looking for a dentist in North York for Botox treatment, please call us at (416) 636-4227 and book an appointment.