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.