When dealing with bruxism/TMJ, is Botox better from a dentist than a dermatologist?

Question

I received Botox treatments (for cosmetic reasons) from my dermatologist several times and was very pleased with the results. My dentist has suggested Botox to help with TMJ. She says she can also do my eyes and forehead, instead of dermatologist, because only one doctor should be administering Botox. She says dentists are trained with regard to facial musculature in a different way than dermatologist and this could be an added benefit to me in resolving my TMJ. Any thoughts or opinions?

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Essentially, the issue here is experience. Dermatologists don't treat TMJ. Dentists don't treat wrinkles. Though the medicine (Botox) is the same, the application and dosing is different. Best of luck moving forward!

Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD · Answer

I will keep doing the injections for cosmetic reason with the Dermatologist and with the Dentist for the Bruxism. A Dermatologist has training for Botox injections for cosmetic treatments, I do not think a Dentist has a training to apply Botox for cosmetic reasons.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Would you let a Dermatologist fix your cavities? Or a plumber cut your hair? Botox for TMJ requires skill and experience. My recommendation would be to find a physician that has extensive experience with treating TMJ with Botox.

Clyde Mathison, MD · Answer

I recommend having your dentist inject Botox for any TMJ issues, but stay with your dermatologist for cosmetic injections.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Stay with the doc who has provided you with the great services to date.If you are happy with the previous injector, stay with that injector. If the dentist wants to tackle the TMJ AND has experience with injecting Botox for TMJ, then sign up for that service. It is perfectly OK to have two different providers for Botox.Would you let a neurologist who injects Botox for migraine headaches inject Botox for cosmetic reasons ? Probably not.Dermatologists are well trained, perhaps better trained than dentists for cosmetic procedures like Botox, facial fillers, laser rejuvenation .... I would venture to say that dermatologits are "by far better" than dentists in doing cosmetic procedures. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

When dealing with bruxism/TMJ, is Botox better from a dentist than a dermatologist?

Answers (5)

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