If approved, dentists could use Botox [for TMD]

Botox, the drug that’s helped so many people get rid of those wrinkles, could soon pop up in your dentist’s office. The Tennessee Board of Dentistry is considering a rule change that would allow dentists to treat their patients with the drug.

The board has already given the okay to oral surgeons. They can start using Botox Thursday to help treat jaw pain and discomfort.

If the board approves the change, dentists like Dr. Angela Cameron of Sophisticated Smiles would be able to use Botox too.

“To me it seems like a very good marriage,” Dr. Cameron said. “Dentists have so much training with the anatomy of the head and neck and we give injections in the head and neck region. That’s what we do everyday.”

Although Dr. Cameron and other dentists can do other injections, they are not able to inject Botox at this time. Dr. Cameron says Botox would prove helpful in treating TMD (Temporomandibular disorder). According to Cameron, TMD is a disorder that causes pain, joint imbalance, and muscle spasms in the jaw.

“It’s not for every TMD patient, but it is nice to have for those who do need it,” Dr. Cameron said. “If a patient is having pain from their muscles, then it can relieve that.”

Some people, like Dermatologist Dr. George Winton, think allowing dentists to use the same drug he uses is a good thing.

“It is effective,” Dr. Winton said.

However, others, like Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jim Brantner, have their concerns.

“Believe it or not, physicians, dentists and all are having trouble making a living and most of the time Botox is cash, so that doesn’t seem to take a brain trust to figure out that that would be a good thing to get into if you can,” Dr. Brantner said. “It has side effects. Bad things can happen when you use it. If you overdo it, you can end up with an eyelid that droops. You can end up with a brow that droops, a smile that looks funny. I don’t fill teeth and I have reservations about whether dentists should be doing Botox.”

Dr. Cameron says people need not worry. She’s already attended training to learn how to properly use the drug.

“I honestly think they will approve it and I want to be able to offer it to my patients immediately,” Dr. Cameron said. “The state board will make the correct decision and if they do allow dentists to use it, then they would make very strict rules and regulations in regards to the training needed in order to offer it to your patients. We want to do it in a very safe way for all of our patients.”

The Board of Dentistry is set to meet again at the end of this month. Members previously asked for more time to review and research the proposal. It is unclear when the board will make a decision about Botox in the dentist’s office.

Source: By Nate Morabito at http://www2.tricities.com/news/2011/jan/18/dentists-want-use-botox-ar-782868/