Botox is Not The Answer to All TMJ Issues
Botox has been touted as a cure for TMJ. However, it is more of a band-aid, which can sometimes temporarily relax the muscles. However, Botox does not treat the root cause of TMJ and sometimes can make it worse or allow the jaw joints to continue to deteriorate.
Sometimes Botox can reduce pain caused by overactive jaw muscles; however, it does not repair the TMJ or correct a disc that has been displaced.
The real issue is that proper diagnosis is needed prior to any treatment. If a patient has clicking or popping or degenerative joints, Botox may mask more severe problems that could have otherwise been treated sooner. If your jaw is out of alignment, Botox is simply masking a bigger problem.
It is prudent to be cautious with these injections. A very important consideration or approach should be:
- Establish a diagnosis with CBCT and thorough examination.
- Understand that relief of muscle pain does not mean that the underlying jaw joint pathology has improved.
Be sure to address other underlying problems that can range from:
- Joint Noise
- Cervical issues
- Ear pain
- Tinnitus or vertigo
- Headaches
- Airway and postural issues
If you have questions regarding Houston Botox or Houston TMJ, please feel free to contact our office. Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF, 713-668-2289.
