Why See a Dentist for BOTOX?
If you need BOTOX® injections, you may wonder why you should choose a dentist over another medical professional. The answer is simple: dentists have in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and musculature. Because BOTOX works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles, we have special insight into where it should be injected and what its effects will be.
BOTOX® for TMJ Disorder, Jaw Clenching, and Teeth Grinding
While these are many common uses for botulinum toxin, we also know that it can be effective in treating migraines, hyperhidrosis, and TMJ disorder, among other conditions. At Blossom Dentistry, we provide BOTOX injections to treat a number of different issues.
The same way BOTOX relaxes facial muscles to smooth lines and wrinkles, it can also relax facial muscles to ease the tension that causes TMJ disorder. We use BOTOX to treat TMD, tooth grinding, and jaw clenching.
If night guards and splints are not effective, the next line of treatment for TMD traditionally involves surgery—replacement of the temporomandibular joint, arthrocentesis, or full mouth reconstruction. BOTOX gives us a more conservative, minimally invasive alternative to these surgical procedures. Furthermore, BOTOX injections are more effective at relieving symptoms than surgery. According to a study on the use of BOTOX for TMJ disorder, 91 percent of patients experienced symptom relief with BOTOX injections.
BOTOX is an outpatient procedure with little-to-no side effects. It’s done right in our dental office. When used to treat TMJ disorder, a course of three treatments is typically needed. Each of these appointments is 30-minutes long. Because more muscles are involved, BOTOX for jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and TMD involves more injections than BOTOX for fine lines and wrinkles.
During your BOTOX treatment for TMD, we will inject the muscle in the jaw that is overactive and contributing to TMD. Anesthesia and sedation are not needed for this treatment, and you’ll be able to return to work the same day.
You may experience soreness, redness, and some bruising at the injection sites after the procedure. These symptoms can be treated with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers. Typically, patients experience improvement in their TMD symptoms within 7-10 days of their injections.
BOTOX is not a permanent solution for TMD. The effects of the injections will begin to wear off in about four months and then re-treatment is needed for continued symptom relief.