Botox for TMJ![]() Understanding Botulinum Toxinand How It Can Treat TMDThe temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your jaw to your skull and are responsible for allowing you to open and close your mouth. When the TMJs become strained or injured, it can have a significant impact on your daily life. Activities like eating and chewing that were once second nature can become painful and difficult. That's where botulinum toxin comes in. Botulinum toxin is a protein that relaxes the muscle in which it's injected and alleviates tension. This can keep the strain on your temporomandibular joints to a minimum, alleviating your jaw pain and potentially reducing teeth grinding. Botulinum Toxin ProductsWhy We Use Xeomin, Not BOTOXMany patients are already familiar with BOTOX Cosmetic as a treatment for wrinkles, but BOTOX can be used for medical purposes, as well. Xeomin is a similar product that accomplishes many of the same things but works a little differently. BOTOXBOTOX contains additives that can cause the product to diffuse into other muscles. While it is great for treating crow's feet and other cosmetic concerns, it may not be the best choice for the treatment of your TMJs. XeominOur office uses Xeomin because the product is a purified version of botulinum toxin type A. Xeomin doesn't contain additives that cause it to spread—it will simply relax the muscle in which it is injected, making it effective for the targeted treatment of TMD. What Can BOTOX Injections Treat?Our Scottsdale dental office uses BOTOX injections to treat a variety of common concerns, like:
Alleviate Your TMJ Pain TodayContact Our Scottsdale, AZ, Office to Get StartedIf you're experiencing facial pain, difficulty chewing, or clicking and popping noises when you open and close your mouth, you may have a TMJ disorder. Drs. Terry and Mary Ann Work can determine if Xeomin can be used to alleviate your symptoms and restore functionality to your jaw. Improve your quality of life with just a few injections - fill out our contact form or call our office serving Scottsdale and Phoenix to get started. ![]() Choosing the Best Care for Your TMJ PainComprehensive CareTMD may have an underlying cause, like bruxism or an uneven bite. We have dental solutions for these problems, allowing us to treat the root cause of your TMD. We can also assess your health history and contributing medications. Experienced DentistsDrs. Terry and Mary Ann Work have been in practice since 1993, giving them a wealth of experience to draw from. They are both committed to continuing education so they can provide their patients with the most up-to-date care. On-Time AppointmentsWe value your time and work hard to stay on schedule. With their military background, Drs. Terry and Mary Ann Work work efficiently so patients don't have to wait long for their appointments. The Cost of TMJ Treatment and Paying for Your InjectionsCostWhen used for cosmetic purposes, our cost per unit of BOTOX is $14. When used for TMJ treatment, the cost per unit is $21. Medical treatment is more expensive because the injections are deeper and affect different muscles. InsuranceYour insurance plan may help cover the cost of BOTOX for the treatment of TMD and headaches, but we can confirm your coverage with your provider before you commit to treatment. BOTOX treatment for TMD is still considered experimental and many insurance companies won't cover it. FinancingOur Scottsdale office wants TMD treatment to be accessible to everyone. If you have any out-of-pocket costs, you can finance your treatment through CareCredit® or Sunbit. These third-party lenders allow patients to pay for their care in affordable installments. The Injection ProcedureWhat to Expect at Your Appointment 1. AnestheticDr. Work may apply a topical anesthetic to the injection site to minimize any discomfort. Most patients report little to no pain during the procedure. 2. InjectionsYour dentist will inject Xeomin into your jaw muscles. One to two injections are typically needed on each side of the jaw. 3. ResultsPatients typically notice improvement within two weeks of their injectable treatment. Side effects also fade during this time. 4. Follow-UpRecurring treatment may be recommended every three to five months to keep your TMJ disorder under control. Making the Most of Your TreatmentPatients can return to their normal activities after each Xeomin appointment, but should:
BOTOX FAQ
|