Botox

Botox is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that can be used to correct common dental issues. Botox injections work by relaxing the muscles in your face that cause wrinkles and lines.

Botox injections are a non-invasive treatment that blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles responsible for the movement of the jaw and thus reduces pain. A dentist will inject Botox into the affected muscle to temporarily paralyze it. The procedure takes only a few minutes to complete, and patients will see results within approximately four days. The injections typically last for about four months and can be repeated as needed.

What is Botox?

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that is derived from bacteria, and it was originally used to treat muscle spasticity or uncontrolled muscle movement. The injections are FDA-approved to treat a variety of conditions, including migraines, excessive sweating, muscle spasms, overactive bladders, and of course, fine lines and wrinkles.

It can also help patients who experience jaw clenching, also known as bruxism. Bruxism is most commonly caused by stress or anxiety. When the teeth clench together frequently, it could cause the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles to become irritated and painful. Jaw clenching can also cause premature wear to the teeth and can cause headaches.

Uses of Botox In Dentistry

Both men and women can use Botox to address signs of aging, such as wrinkles, crow’s feet, and fine lines. When injected into the skin, Botox can lift the skin and smoothen the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, between the eyebrows, and around your mouth. The effects of Botox typically last three to six months before patients require another treatment session. However, results may vary from person to person.

Because the effects of Botox are temporary, many people use it to treat mild to moderate cases of frown lines or facial creases caused by frowning, squinting, and other facial expressions. Botox is also used to address symptoms of severe underarm sweating. Injections can be used to block the chemical that triggers sweat glands to produce sweat. Treatments can last for six to nine months.

Botox can also be used to treat chronic migraines and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) in patients over 18 years of age. The injections block the transmission of pain signals to the brain to reduce migraine frequency. For patients with TMJ, the injections relax the muscles in the jaw to relieve tension and discomfort.

If you suspect that you suffer from bruxism, a condition in which a person grinds or clenches their teeth while sleeping, you can benefit from Botox treatments as well. By injecting Botox into the muscles of the head and neck, dentists can effectively reduce the intensity of teeth grinding during sleep.

Treatment of TMJ Disorders with Botox

Dentists commonly use Botox for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ or TMD), which are conditions that cause pain in the jaw area ranging from mild to severe. People who suffer from TMJ disorders typically have problems chewing and swallowing and may even experience chronic headaches. The most common cause of TMJ is stress. Other causes include arthritis and teeth grinding.

A dentist may use Botox to treat a variety of symptoms associated with TMJ, including pain and limited mobility of the jaws. He or she may also use it to relieve tension in the facial muscles. These injections may help to prevent future complications, such as worsening bite issues and uneven tooth wear. If a dentist determines that a patient is experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, he or she may refer him or her to a neurologist for additional tests.

Learn more about botox and its benefits by contacting Dr. Best at Best Dental Care. Schedule a consultation now by calling our Newton, New Jersey, office at (973) 383-5700 or our Andover, New Jersey, office at (973) 786-5588 or by booking online.