Dr. Paul Elliott Explains the Benefits of Botox for TMJ
November 20, 2020, Stuart, FL, USA: Paul Elliott Stuart FL outlines the Benefits of Botox for TMJ:
TMJ is a painful condition that often results from grinding and clenching teeth, arthritis, injury, or genetics, although the exact cause is difficult to determine. TMJ refers to your temporomandibular joint that connects your jawbone and skull. When a person suffers from TMJ, they are experiencing pain and stiffness in the muscles that control jaw movement. Typically, according to Dr. Paul Elliott Stuart FL, a TMJ disorder is temporary and can be relieved by wearing a mouthguard while sleeping, along with prescribed medication, like a muscle relaxer. If these methods fail, the patient can turn to Botox.
“When someone thinks of Botox”, says Dr. Paul Elliott Stuart FL, “they typically think of a cosmetic procedure, but this is a medical procedure. The Botox is inserted into the muscles in a person’s jaw to prevent them from grinding and clenching, which only exacerbates TMJ. Using Botox for TMJ does not affect using the jaw. A patient will be able to eat, speak, and swallow normally, according to Dr. Paul Elliott Stuart FL.
The major benefits of Botox for TMJ, according to Dr. Paul Elliott Stuart FL include:
prevention or minimization of lockjaw
Less discomfort when eating and speaking
Elimination of grinding and the headaches caused by this
Less neck and shoulder pain
Reduced jaw tension
Generally speaking, there are many benefits to using Botox for TMJ. Aside from those listed above, treating TMJ also improves a patient’s dental health. Treating TMJ, according to Dr. Paul Elliott Stuart FL helps prevent tooth decay, loosening of the teeth, and gum disease.
Does Everyone Qualify for Using Botox for TMJ?
Before Botox is administered to a patient, there needs to be an examination. If the patient is on certain medication, for example, that will prevent the effectiveness of the TMJ Botox treatment, the treatment will need to be reevaluated. Also, keep in mind that insurance typically doesn’t pay for this procedure, which is performed in a dentist’s or neurologist’s office. This is possible because the procedure, although non-surgical, is new. It’s been proven to work so maybe in the future insurance companies will cover it, says Dr. Paul Elliott Stuart FL.
According to Dr. Paul Elliott Stuart FL the procedure takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how much Botox is needed. The patient will be able to drive after the procedure and all normal activity can resume right afterward. However, strenuous activity should be avoided for up to twenty-four hours. The effects last for about three months and usually take a few days to start working.
