Botox and TMJ

Pathogenesis of Facial Aging

Botox and TMJ disorders

Botulinum toxin and tempormandibular disorders

TMJ disorders a group of disorders which deal with the mandible (jaw) and the its connection to the skull. Many functions occur as a result of this joint including speech, chewing, and breathing.

When overused, the TMJ can result in symptoms of pain, chronic headaches, difficulty speaking and eating, ear pain (otalgia), and general pain.

More than 30% of the population suffer from TMJ disorders, with approximately 20% of the population seeking professional care for their symptoms. (DeKanter RJ,Truin GJ, et al. Prevalance in the Dutch adult population and a meta-analysis of signs and symptoms of tempormandibular disorders. J Dent Res 1993;72:1509-18.)

TMJ disorders can be from either muscle causes or dysfunction within the joint itself. The disorders which are best treated include
1- Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
2- Oromandibular dystonias
3- Myofacial pain with possible TMJ involvment
4- Trismus
5- Muscle enlargement (musclar hypertrophy)
6- Headache related to TMJ

Bruxism (teeth grinding)
It is exacerbated by stess and emotional extremes and fatigues. Traditional treatment of this has included oromandiblar appliances and mouth guards. However, these dental appliances can become burdensome to the patient and not all are effective.

Botox is typically applied to the jaw closing group to relieve pressure on the joint. A simple classification of muscles of the jaw is listed below:

Jaw closing group- masseter temporalis medial ptyergoid
Jaw opening group- laterl ptyergoid suprahyoid

Benefits of Botox
May provide relief in pain and symptoms from specific cases of TMJ disorders
Do not have to wear daily or nightly dental appliances