When you think of Botox, you probably don’t associate it with the dentist’s office, but Botox in dentistry has continuously increased in popularity. It can be used to help relieve pain associated with TMJ as well as general facial pain and discomfort.
This article will discuss Botox in the dental scene, ranging from its benefits to how it’s used and what it helps.
Introduction to Botulinum Toxin A
Botox is an injectable purified protein neurotoxin called botulinum toxin A, which is injected into a patient’s nerve endings to stop the nerve from sending messages, relaxing their muscles. Its effects are temporary, lasting for up to four months.
The injectable treatments we use in our Cincinnati office are the same Botox (BOT) used to treat cosmetic concerns.
The Benefits of BOT
Botox offers many benefits for our patients. It has been proven to relieve many attributable dental problems. To benefit our patients, we recommend Botox treatments for the following purposes:
Bruxism (teeth grinding): This medical neurotoxin relieves our patients from teeth grinding and teeth clenching pain by relaxing your jaw muscles. Grinding and clenching your teeth can cause misalignment in the shape of your mouth and jaw. With BOT injections, we can heal your teeth grinding because when BOT is injected into your jaw area, it relaxes and lessens the contraction of muscles to clamp down. Devices like night guards are helpful, but they still do not address the root problem of grinding. BOT is not a panacea, but it helps the dental professional manage bruxism with results lasting up to four months.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint): BOT can work to lessen contractions of the jaw muscles, which cause headaches. BOT can also keep headaches and the pain associated with TMJ from returning, depending on the patient. TMJ pain can often be a challenge to manage with traditional treatments like pain meds.
Migraines: In 2010, the FDA approved BOT to treat and prevent severe migraines. When injected into the neck area, BOT constricts the nerve endings or acetylcholine activated during migraines, thus blocking the pain nerves connected to the brain.
Cosmetic Procedures: If you would like help to remove facial wrinkles, as your dentist, we are trained to pair BOT with dermal fillers. The botulinum toxin can be injected into your forehead wrinkles and corner eye wrinkles to smooth the skin on your face. Dermal filler treatments can last for a long time, around six months to a year, depending on where it is injected.
The BOT Procedure
We are well-equipped to provide these treatments at our office to give you peace of mind about BOT injections. We are trained and skilled in facial anatomy, including the head and neck. Dentists do more than clean teeth, fill cavities and treat gum issues; we are general practitioners adept at intricate health procedures.
The BOT process is quite simple and non-invasive. First, we select the proper injectable area according to your procedure, and then we apply local anesthesia or a numbing cream. The BOT solution is injected under the skin with a needle so thin that it is nearly painless. After it is complete, you can almost immediately resume your regular activities. The entire procedure is just a few minutes but yields results lasting up to three months.
Are You A Candidate for BOT?
The American Dental Association says that several dental boards in various states, including Ohio, have approved the administration of the botulinum toxin for medical and cosmetic use by qualified dentists in much of their dental operations. However, BOT may not always be the proper treatment for you. After a consultation, we will determine if you are a candidate for treatment for the botulinum toxin A injections. To qualify for the procedure, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have been diagnosed with and are experiencing discomfort from TMJ.
- Be willing to undergo a non-surgical skin procedure.
- Understand that BOT results can be temporary.
- Be in good physical and mental health.
Here at Twin Dental, we recognize that a beautiful smile is not only made up of your mouth but also your facial anatomy. That’s why we combine dental procedures with cosmetic dentistry to help our patients keep their winning smiles with confidence and self-esteem.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Regarding how long a patient will benefit from Botox injections, dental and cosmetic procedures yield approximately the same amount of time, about four months. Factors that could lengthen or shorten the relief time include:
Botox injections for TMJ can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to complete. Most patients will begin to feel relief within 24 to 48 hours. Relief can continue to increase for up to one week. Gradually, the effects of the medication will wear off, but patients can enjoy the benefits of the injections for up to four months.
Thankfully, Botox is safe to be used several times a year. That said, your dentist may recommend another course of injections to continue reducing the intensity of muscle contractions and providing significant relief.
Botox Injections for Short-Term Dental Discomfort
Another great advantage of Botox injections is the short-term relief they provide to aid with dental discomfort. Short-term dental discomfort can be experienced for a variety of reasons. Dentures, braces, and dental bridges can all be sources of discomfort for dental patients. A few Botox injections help the facial muscles relax and increase comfort. The more comfortable a patient is while easing into wearing the appliances, the more likely they will be compliant and get the best benefits for their smile.
Botox at Twin Dental
Botox injections for dental treatments can offer relief for months after the procedure. As your family dentists, let Twin Dental ensure a positive customized treatment plan that works for you. One of our top priorities is the safety of our patients.
If you’re in the Cincinnati area and are interested in Botox injections to treat your chronic TMJ or for relief of other dental procedures/issues, contact us. Our staff can help determine the right course of action and decide if Botox injections are right for you.
