Botox Proves an Effective Treatment for Bruxism, TMJ Pain

ATLANTA, GA (January 26, 2015) – The well-known cosmetic injectable Botox is being increasingly used by dentists to treat bruxism (teeth grinding), TMJ and orofacial pain with great success. Botox offers many of the same benefits and none of the downsides of dental appliances like a nightguard, which have traditionally been the treatment of choice for bruxism.

"Many people hear Botox and think 'wrinkle reducer,' but it's also a safe and highly effective way to treat pain from temporomandibular joint disorders that are related to muscle dysfunction," said Atlanta Dental Spa co-founder Dr. Peter Boulden. "With dental appliances, we aren't addressing the problem of clenching & grinding - we are simply trying to mitigate it's consequences (by putting a barrier around teeth). Additionally, there is an another level of frustration to the dentist and the patient when they don't work. Botox addresses the core of the problem, which is typically the muscle hypertrophy (overactive and larger muscles) and attenuates their overpowering action."

Dental appliances typically come in the form of a plastic mouth guard or "splint," worn to prevent clenching of the teeth. Unlike dental appliances, which many patients forget to wear or unknowingly remove in their sleep, Botox does not require compliance from the patient on a daily basis. What's more, it presents zero risk for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The incorrect type of dental appliance can be a serious concern for patients with this condition, putting them at an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.

By nature, Botox also leads to enhanced facial esthetics.

"Atlanta Dental Spa has seen tremendous success using Botox for therapeutic purposes, and patients love that they also reap its aesthetic benefits," said Dr. Susan Estep, co-founder of Atlanta Dental Spa. "It's an effective way to treat the masseter muscle, which runs along the lower jawline, creating a slimming effect on the entire face."

When Botox is administered with trigger point injections, it can result in immediate relief of orofacial pain. Therapeutic injections are covered under many medical and dental insurance plans. As with any medical or dental procedure, consult with your doctor to determine the optimal course of treatment for you. For more information, visit AtlantaDentalSpa.com.

See also: Botox for TMJ in Atlanta