Botox Archives - Dr. Duane Delaune's Blog

Is This Dentist Pulling Our Leg?

Posted on June 29, 2021 by writeradmin.

My wife has been doing splint therapy for TMJ Disorder. Our dentist said that would help her migraines. It hasn’t and now he’s suggesting Botox. Is this dentist just pulling solutions out of thin air? I thought Botox was for wrinkles. I half suspect she’s paid him under the table to suggest this treatment. I think she’s always wanted to try it.

Carl

Dear Carl,

I can almost guarantee your wife did not slide a briefcase filled with a bribe under the dental tray. TMJ Disorder is very complicated, with a vast array of causes. While migraines can be a symptom of the disorder, sometimes it is not enough to simply do splint therapy. You are correct that Botox is used to deal with wrinkles. However, the same treatment can also relax muscles and help alleviate the excruciating pain that accompanies a migraine.

It has been approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of migraines under certain conditions. First, the patient must be over 18 years of age. Secondly, the patient must have a minimum of 15 migraines per month. In some cases, it is even covered by insurance.

If your wife suffers from migraines and splint therapy has not worked, then I would definitely do the Botox treatment. I don’t know if you’ve ever had a migraine, but they can be debilitating. This will give her some relief. Make sure she understands that it often takes a few treatments before there are more permanent results, but she will see results.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Duane Deluane.

Is Grinding my Teeth No Big Deal?

Posted on June 25, 2020 by writeradmin.

I mentioned to my dentist that my jaw hurts and I realized that sometimes I clench and grind my jaw. He said it is no big deal and not to worry about it, but my jaw hurts. Is there anything I can do about it? It seems like a big deal from where I’m sitting.

Tracy

Dear Tracy,

Grinding your teeth IS a big deal.

The first thing I’m going to say is you need to get a different dentist. This is not only a big deal, it is a HUGE deal. First, the pain you are experiencing alone is enough to do something about it. But, in addition, you are slowly grinding down your teeth. Eventually, you will wear them down to nubs. If that happens, the procedure to deal with that is a full mouth reconstruction. That requires getting a dental crown on every tooth. While proactive treatment will only bring in a couple of hundred dollars. A full-mouth reconstruction is a cost of $30, 000 or more. Plus, you are at a much greater risk to develop TMJ disorder.

There are a few things that can be done to help this. First, you’ll want to get out of pain. Believe it or not, some Botox can help with this, as well as any migraines you may be experiencing as a result.

The next thing you’ll want to do is protect your teeth. While it is easy enough to notice when you’re grinding your teeth during the day. While you’re sleeping is when most of this likely occurs. I suggest you have a nightguard made. This will protect your teeth from grinding and clenching while you sleep.

However, I don’t think your dentist is the best one to handle this. I’d like you to see a dentist with TMJ training. They can help get to the root cause of all this and solve the source of the problem.

This isn’t something that is taught in general dental school, so you’ll want a dentist who has invested in post-doctoral training. For instance, Dr. Delaune did advanced training in TMJ Disorder through the well-respected Dawson Academy.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

chronic migraines

Posted on September 21, 2019 by writeradmin.

I have chronic migraines. My doctor just puts me on a daily medicine, but it doesn’t seem to be helping. My sister-in-law said her dentist cured her migraines. What dental treatments are available for that.?

Cassie

a woman holder her jaw from TMJ pain — TMJ Can Cause Migraines

Dear Cassie,

There are two things that come to mind when you speak of a dentist helping you with chronic migraines. The first is the possibility of you having TMJ disorder.

Chronic migraines are just one symptom of TMJ. You’ll notice them especially in the mornings. There are other symptoms as well:

pops or clicking in the jaw
chronic headaches
pain in your jaw muscles
neck or shoulder pain
worn or chipped teeth

If you suffer from these, it will benefit you to see a dentist who has training in treating in TMJ Disorder. Sometimes a simple treatment can solve the whole problem.

There is another treatment certain dentists can provide while you get to the root causes of your migraines.

Botox for Chronic Migraines

Some dentists and doctors can provide relief by giving you Botox injections. When we think of Botox, we often think of women who’ve had so many anti-wrinkle treatments that haven’t been able to crack a smile in years.

These are tiny injections that are placed by your pain receptors. This enables it to block the release of chemicals responsible for the transmission of pain, giving you relief.

It will not interfere with any of the medication you are currently on for your migraines so you don’t have to worry about contraindications.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.