Botox for TMD is expensive! Many insurance plans will not cover it. Many dentists provide Botox injections at a reduced cost, but you may need more than one injection before you receive your desired results. As of now, there is no cure for TMD and most treatments are aimed at relieving symptoms. If you’re experiencing jaw pain or TMJ symptoms, please contact our office to see if we can help with your condition!
Botox injections are given by your doctor or other medical professional in the office setting. The injections are safe and effective when used correctly. For example, if you have TMJ pain caused by clenching or grinding your teeth, Botox can help stop the clenching and grinding, which will also decrease pain. If you have TMD that causes jaw locking or clicking during opening or closing of the mouth (functional), Botox can help relax the muscles involved in these movements so they don’t cause pain.
Read on to learn more about Is Botox For Tmj Covered By Insurance, Risks and Benefits of BOTOX Treatment for Jaw Tension and Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Botox Injections
Is Botox For Tmj Covered By Insurance
Tempo mandibular disorder (TMD) – The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the name of the joint located on either side of your head, just in front of your ears. These joints connect your mandible (jawbone) to your temporal bone (skull). The TMJ, which can rotate and move forward, backward and side to side, is considered one of the most complex joints in the body. This joint, in combination with other muscles and ligaments, lets you chew, swallow, speak and yawn. When you have a problem with the muscle, bone or other tissue in the area in and around the TMJ, you may have a TMD.
Signs or symptoms of TMDs include pain and tenderness in or around the ear, the jaw joint, or the muscles of the jaw, face or temples. Other symptoms are problems opening or closing your mouth, and a clicking, popping, crunching or grinding noise when you chew, yawn or open your mouth. TMDs may be linked with neck pain and headaches. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your dentist and your doctor.
Tension or Migraine headaches – often a symptom of TMD, patients frequently suffer from these types of headaches and do not realize what is causing the discomfort, or what options there are for treatment.
BOTOX administered by a Dentist to treat TMD or Tension/Migraine headaches is often covered by Dental Benefit Plans. Sometimes the exact same treatment administered by a Physician/MD/Cosmetic Surgeon would not be covered because treatment then does not fall under the scope of the patient’s dental benefits.
BOTOX is becoming recognized as one of the most effective treatments for TMD and related headaches. It is often used with good results once other treatment options have been explored (corrective appliances and guards, restorative treatment, full mouth reconstruction, etc).
Additionally, injection points for treatment of TMD or Headaches are very similar to the injection points for cosmetic BOTOX treatment (alleviation of wrinkles, etc.), so there will likely be a cosmetic benefit from BOTOX treatment of TMD/Headaches.
If you are suffering from TMD or Headaches, BOTOX may be a treatment to consider to alleviate these painful and poorly understood conditions.
Will Insurance Cover BOTOX TMJ Treatment?
Currently, the use of BOTOX for TMJ disorders is not covered by medical insurance plans. However, because TMJ problems are largely a dental issue, it is conceivable that insurance companies will ultimately cover BOTOX injections as a means of preventing damage to the gums and teeth caused by excessive jaw grinding. Although insurers have yet to cover this treatment, it is becoming increasingly popular among patients, doctors, and dentists.
Risks and Benefits of BOTOX Treatment for Jaw Tension
For people suffering from soreness and pain resulting from problems with the temporomandibular joint, BOTOX injections often provide substantial relief. While reducing the ability of facial muscles to engage in problematic grinding, BOTOX allows them to perform daily activities such as talking, chewing, and swallowing. This makes the BOTOX alternative treatment for jaw tension a convenient, effective option for many people. In addition, the treatment can help safeguard dental health, since excessive grinding can result in worn teeth and damaged gums that may require costly treatment.
While BOTOX treatment for TMJ disorders appears to be safe, certain medications, intoxicants, and other substances can minimize or negatively impact the effectiveness of BOTOX injections. For this reason, patients should honestly disclose any medication or substance use to their physician prior to treatment. In some cases, patients have experienced bruising and bleeding at injection sites, or excessive paralysis of the muscles in the areas treated. Although complications are rare, all possible risks should be discussed with a doctor prior to treatment.
Candidates for BOTOX Jaw Treatment
BOTOX appears to be a safe alternative to traditional treatment for most people who experience jaw tension or have a TMJ disorder. Nevertheless, it is important for BOTOX providers to screen patients to determine their eligibility for treatment. During the initial consultation, a doctor or dentist should carefully review every prospective patient’s medical history before beginning treatment.
For people suffering from soreness and pain resulting from problems with the temporomandibular joint, BOTOX injections often provide substantial relief.
Patients must disclose whether they are using any medications, drugs, or other substances that could negatively interact with BOTOX. They should also report any allergies they have to avoid a possible negative reaction to BOTOX. People with jaw tension or TMJ disorders who are not able to have BOTOX injections will be advised to undergo a more traditional treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Botox Injections
1. Why Do Doctors Prescribe Medical Botox®?
Doctors may recommend injecting medical Botox® into muscles to treat various conditions. This includes overactive bladder, cervical dystonia, strabismus, blepharospasm, chronic migraine, and upper limb spasticity. Doctors may recommend injecting medical Botox® into the skin to treat excessive underarm sweating. There are also many off-label uses for medical Botox®. Off-label uses do not have FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval, but may have general acceptance among doctors.
2. Who Prescribes Medical Botox®?
The doctor who prescribes medical Botox® will vary depending on your condition. Neurologists, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, ENTs (ear, nose and throat doctors), urologists, and urogynecologists are common medical Botox® providers. Always look for a doctor who is board certified in his or her specialty. Ask about the doctor’s experience with medical Botox®. And find out who will be giving you the injection. If it’s a nurse or physician assistant, make sure that person is qualified and authorized to do it.
3. When Will I See the Results of Botox® Treatment?
Many people see improvements in their symptoms within a few days of a medical Botox® injection. The full effect may take longer and can last up to three months. You can repeat the injections as long as you continue to respond to Botox® and you aren’t having problems. The length of time between injections varies. You can help your doctor determine the best interval and dose for you by keeping track of your symptoms in a diary.
4. What Can I Expect the Day of a Medical Botox® Injection?
Doctors give medical Botox® by injection into the skin or muscles. It’s usually an office procedure. The number of injections varies for each condition and person. The needles for a medical Botox® injection are very thin so there is only mild discomfort for most people. The procedure can take up to 20 minutes and you go home the same day.
5. What Are the Risks of a Medical Botox® Injection?
Some common side effects of medical Botox® include dry mouth, headache, neck pain, tiredness, and pain at the injection site. There are also some uncommon, but serious side effects with medical Botox®. Call your doctor or seek medical help if you have weakness all over, loss of bladder control, vision problems or changes, or problems breathing, swallowing or speaking. You should also seek help for signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, wheezing, dizziness or swelling.
6. What Precautions Should I Take While Using Medical Botox®?
Most people don’t have serious side effects with medical Botox®. But there have been reports of muscle weakness and vision problems within a few hours or weeks of an injection. If this happens, don’t drive a car, operate machinery, or engage in any risky or dangerous activities. Call your doctor right away.
7. Does Health Insurance Cover Medical Botox®?
Insurance coverage for medical Botox® varies. Most plans—including Medicare and Medicaid—cover it for FDA-approved indications like migraine. Insurance may or may not cover off-label uses. Call your insurance provider and ask about your coverage. Find out if you need preauthorization or any other paperwork before starting treatment. Talk to your insurance provider and doctor’s office about your costs.