Temporomandibular joint disorder, TMD, is a group of common pain conditions that affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, with the most common type affecting the chewing muscles. While many people manage their TMD symptoms with conservative treatments such as jaw exercises, oral appliances, dietary changes, and pain medication, others do not.
Several studies have been conducted on using botulinum toxin A or Botox to treat TMD in the past few years. While some evidence has shown a positive effect of this treatment on reducing pain and improving function, others have shown no benefit from its use.
What Does Research Suggest?
Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry recently conducted a new study on the effects of botox and TMD disorders proves the following:
- When used in low doses and for a short period, it does not cause clinically significant changes in the jaw bone.
- When used in larger doses for a longer time, it can cause bone loss. Botox may have a direct effect on bone resorption, the process of breaking down bone tissue.
More human studies are needed to understand better the impact of long-term Botox use on jaw muscles and bones – and whether it simply reduces muscle force on bone or plays a direct role in altering bone resorption.
“Should Botox be approved for the treatment of TMD, we would recommend a phase IV study using low-radiation CT and MRI to track bone- and muscle-related changes with Botox use, examining both dose and long-term use,” said Raphael Karen Raphael, professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology and Medicine at NYU College of Dentistry and the study’s lead author.”True cumulative effects will remain unknown unless specialized imaging of muscle and bone is performed among patients who receive Botox treatment over long periods of time.”
Want to Find Out If You May Have a TMJ Disorder?
Start treating your sleep apnea and TMJ today! Call (425) 361-0715 or visit our contact page here for more information about treatment plans to reclaim your night’s sleep. Dr. Buck of Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics specializes in sleep apnea and TMJ treatment making his office an excellent resource for those in need of relief.
