Side Effects of Botox Injections for TMJ?

Question

I had Botox injections in my face due to TMJ problems. My TMJ was caused due to trama to my face a year and a half ago. My oral surgeon injected Botox deep into my muscles in my face. For some reason he had to put it into my gums to reach my muscles. As a result I am suffering from soft pallate paralysis. I have a hard time talking and swallowing. Is there anything I can do to regain function of my soft palate? Is this a normal tratment to TMJ disorder? Please help with some advice.

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

THERE ARE FAR BETTER TREATMENTS THAN BOTOX FOR TMJ DISORDERS.LOOK INTO A NEUROMUSCULAR DIAGNOSTIC ORTHOTIC, LOW FREQUENCY TENS, TRIGGER POINT INJECTIONS, PROLOTHERAPIES, SPHENOPALATINE GANGLION BLOCKS ETC.  NEUROTOXIN IS NOT A FIRST LINE APPROACH TO A FUNCTIONAL ISSUE.CHECK THE WEB REFERENCE TO SEE PATIENTS STORIES WHO WERE TREATED WITHOUT BOTOX.Ira L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D,AAPM, FICCMO
Past Chair, Alliance of TMD Organizations
Diplomat,  Academy of Integrative Pain Management
Diplomat, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
Regent & Fellow, International College of CranioMandibular Orthopedics
Board Eligible, American Academy of CranioFacial Pain
Dental Section Editor, Sleep & Health Journal
Member, American Equilibration Society
Member, Academy of Applied Myofunctional SciencesMember, Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Marie,
Sorry to hear about your misfortune with Botox injections to your TMJ.  Unfortunately we hear about side effects from these injections all too often.
Time is the best medicine for you.  Your soft palate function, talking, and swallowing will get better, hopefully sooner than later.
I would avoid these injections in the future, and stick with a costomized bite block.
I hope that you are back to normal very soon.
Dr. P

Side Effects of Botox Injections for TMJ?

Answers (2)