What type of doctor will use Botox for TMJ/ jaw pain/ grinding?

Question

I'm interested in botox for TMJ. I happily get botox in my crow's feet and consider that a vanity expense I am happy to spend my money on, but for a "medical" reason, I would like to be able to have botox covered by my drug/health plan. What type of doctor would do this procedure? Is "Botox therapeutic" much different from "Botox cosmetic"? Any sense of whether benefits would extend to this procedure? I am in Canada, with good coverage. Thank you!

Mariusz Sapijaszko, MD, FRCPC · Answer

There are many TMJ problems and some of them can be helped with Botox and others can not.Generally speaking, if patients clench or grind their teeth, then Botox can be of assistance. There are many doctors who can deal with TMJ problems by using Botox. Generally speaking, these doctors can be ENT specialists, Dermatologists, Dentists or plastic surgeons. It is more about the Botox training and not necessary about specialist training.I hope that helps and best regards, Dr. Sapijaszko.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You may want to consider speaking with your GP to investigate if your condition is coverage. From there you could be referred to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for treatment.Best,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Try the masseter muscle first and if this doesn't help a maxillofacial surgeon would be best for internal muscle treatment.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

I strongly believe in the core specialist related to the primary problem be the treating physicians. TMJ is diagnosed and treated by dentists and oromaxillofacial surgeons and not plastic surgeons or ENT or dermatologist. Just because others can inject Botox, it does not make them the right providers. The basic I follow is what if Botox doesn't fix the problem, then what? who will reevaluate the diagnosis and implement proper treatment, only dentist and oromaxillofacial surgeons.

Yasser A. Elseweifi, DDS · Answer

Treating TMJ, jaw pain, and grinding falls in the dental field. This is not about having Botox injection. It is about proper diagnosis followed by a proper treatment plan that "may include Botox". Keep in mind that Botox does not treat jaw pain or grinding. It only give a temporary relief by relaxing the clenching muscles. In addition, teeth clenching (bruxims) is a sleep disorder, Therefore, it is important for you to know if you have other sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. You can only find out with a sleep test. Dealing with insurance requires proper documentation. The only objective documentation is a home bruxism/sleep test. I do this as a routine for patients with jaw pain. Finally, Botox cosmetics and Botox therapeutics are the same product. It is just dispensed by the manufacturer under two separate categories for insurance purposes. Good luck.

Brian Arslanian, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.  I would see a plastic surgeon that has experience with these types of injections.  I perform them quite frequently.  Botox cosmetic and therapeutic are the same, just marketed differently.  Insurance might cover it depending on your insurance, but most of my patients will pay out of pocket since we do not submit that for insurance.  The reimbursement is so poor for something like that, that the surgeon will usually lose money on the procedure.  Good Luck"The above answer has been given without seeing this
patient and cannot be substituted for actual in-person examination and medical
advice; it is only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical
professional for appropriate care."

Douglas M. Senderoff, MD, FACS · Answer

Getting botox for TMJ is not a procedure many injectors have experience with.  I would definitely recommend only going to a plastic surgeon that is very familiar with this treatment.  Treating an "off label area" always comes with risks.  If the treatment is done correctly it will greatly improve your condition.  Usually treatments like this are not covered by insurance.

Ryan Marshall, DO · Answer

Botox injections for TMJ and/or jaw pain should be done by a fellowship trained plastic surgeon, an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT), or an oral-maxillofacial surgeon.  The chemical makeup of Botox therapeutic and cosmetic is the same.  Typically, more units of Botox are required for therapeutic/medical effects, and these injections are usually covered by insurance companies.

What type of doctor will use Botox for TMJ/ jaw pain/ grinding?

Answers (8)

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