Stamford Dentist Uses BOTOX Injections for TMJ Treatment

STAMFORD, CT--(Marketwired - May 16, 2013) - At Dr. Edward Shukovsky's Stamford dentistry practice, he treats Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) with the traditional treatment options including oral night guards, bite-realignment appliances, and orthodontics. However, Dr. Shukovsky has recently been administering BOTOX® injections to his patients suffering from TMD, and according to him and his patients, the results have been impressive.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located between the upper and lower jaw. The joint and its surrounding muscles are used when a person moves the jaw, talks, bites, or chews. When this joint and its associated muscles and ligaments become compromised, Dr. Shukovsky says the patient experiences pain, discomfort, and dysfunction known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

In a recent article titled, "BOTOX® Injections and the TMJ Patient," Dr. Shukovsky notes that a lot of TMJ pain is caused by overactive muscles. Due to various forms of stress, he says people develop habits of clenching or biting too forcefully, and the use of BOTOX® injections can relieve the muscles surrounding the TMJ from some of that destructive power. Dr. Shukovsky has even had this procedure performed to treat his own case of TMD. Since the injections, he says he has noticed a significant reduction in his clenching and recommends the procedure from both his personal and professional experience.

One major advantage to BOTOX® injections is that while most TMD treatments are for nighttime, BOTOX® injections provide relief 24 hours a day. Dr. Shukovsky says patients will begin to notice a difference within a few days as the clenching and grinding reduces in intensity. The Stamford dentist also highlights that the treatment does not affect eating or swallowing, but simply prevents the TMJ from overacting.

When Dr. Shukovsky is determining which TMD treatment is best for each patient, he says the consultation is primarily patient-driven. Some patients do not want to wear a night guard and other patients who have tried a night guard in the past have found difficulty using it. Another advantage of BOTOX® injections is that the treatment requires no effort on the part of the patient -- the patient does not have to worry about remembering to use an oral device or having the device interrupt their sleep. However, Dr. Shukovsky also notes that when a night guard is combined with BOTOX® injections, patients can see amplified results and experience even greater relief than one TMJ treatment alone may provide.

Typically, Dr. Shukovsky says a BOTOX® injections treatment for TMD requires about four injections per session. Just as with the cosmetic use of BOTOX® injections, the treatment lasts about four months in the beginning, and eventually may last up to six months as the muscles surrounding the TMJ become more accustomed to remaining in a relaxed state.

As a dentist, Dr. Shukovsky stresses that his BOTOX® injections are not administered to treat wrinkles or for other cosmetic purposes. While a dermatologist or plastic surgeon uses BOTOX® injections to address cosmetic concerns, Dr. Shukovsky says he is entirely focused on the function of the mouth and jaw. He began administering BOTOX® injections a year ago, after receiving additional training in Dallas, and says he has continued these treatments because of their effectiveness in relieving the symptoms of TMD.

About Edward Shukovsky, DMD

Dr. Edward Shukovsky is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He has attended cosmetic dentistry programs from the Hornbrook Group and the Aesthetic Masters to continue to stay abreast of the latest technologies and techniques in the field of dentistry. He is available for interview upon request.