“If the game aint over til the fat lady sings, sounds like she’s warming up” ~ Anonymous

Having been deeply involved in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ dysfunction for over 30 years, I have read about and attended CE courses regarding a multitude of treatment modalities for the treatment of TMJ dysfunction. However, none are more frightening to me than the use of Botox to treat TMD.

Many of the clinicians who utilize this technique are either poorly educated or unwilling to accept and or learn viable non-poisonous treatment modalities. If you venture to the Botox website you will see numerous warnings regarding the serious side effects of using Botox (a known Neurotoxin). These side effects include problems swallowing, speaking or breathing due to the weakening of the associated muscles which can be severe and result in loss of life. In addition, the spread of the Botulinum toxin to areas away from the injection site can cause serious symptoms including loss of strength and all over muscle weakness.

From a clinical standpoint I would admonish all my patients to consider non-life threatening options prior to considering Botox therapy.

Sincerely,
Michael W. Dagostino DDS