Botox
Lakewood, CO
 While it may seem unconventional initially, a dentist is familiar with the anatomy and function of the jaw muscles, and is the preferred provider in administering Botox to allieve grinding and clenching muscles.
Botox can be used to treat a variety of dental conditions that cause pain and discomfort, such as TMJ disorders, bruxism (teeth grinding), and facial pain syndromes. It works by relaxing the muscles, thereby reducing pain and improving function. Beyond its therapeutic uses, Botox can enhance the aesthetics of your smile. It can correct a gummy smile, smooth out wrinkles around the mouth, and give your face a more balanced and youthful appearance.
Botox can help alleviate symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) in several ways:
Muscle Relaxation
Botox works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles which can help relax the jaw muscles that may be overactive or tense due to TMJ. This relaxation can reduce clanship and grinding of the teeth
Pain Relief
By reducing muscle tension, Botox can limit the extent of jaw movement, which can decrease the pain from TMJ. Many patients report significant relief from jaw pain, headache and facial disconfort after treatment.
Reduce Frequency and Severity of Pain
Regular Botox injection can lead to a reduction in the frequency and severity of TMJ symptoms over time.
Improved Function
Botox offers many benefits for our patients. It has been proven to relieve many attributable dental problems. 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.
HOW IT WORKS:
Botox produces transient dose-dependent weakening of muscle activity. When injected into a muscle, it attaches to nerve endings of motor muscles, blocking acetylcholine release and causing muscles to relax. Once the motor nerve endings are interrupted, the muscles cannot contract.
Botox affects the nerves connected to motor neurons without affecting the nerves connected to sensory neurons, which are the receptors needed to feel pain, temperature, and touch. Neuromuscular transmission is re-established after three to four months as the “messenger points” of your nerve cells form. The blockade is temporary, and Botox therapy is considered palliative, not curative.
BENEFITS OF BOTOX IN DENTISTRY
Safe and Effective
Botox has been extensively researched and proven to be safe and effective for both cosmetic and therapeutic uses in dentistry. It's administered by trained professionals who ensure patient safety and satisfaction.
Non-Invasive
Unlike traditional dental surgeries, Botox is non-invasive. The procedure involves only a few small injections, making it an ideal option for those who dread invasive dental procedures.
Quick and Convenient
The Botox procedure takes less than 30 minutes and requires no recovery time.
Long-Lasting Results
The effects of Botox in dentistry can last anywhere from three to six months.
Botox FAQs
Is Botox treatment painful?
Most patients will feel a slight “pinching” sensation when we place injections, which lasts only briefly. After treatment, minor tenderness, redness, or swelling at injection sites is typical. This will diminish in the following 24-48 hours.
When will I see results after Botox injections?
You may notice changes in your appearance in the first day or two, and maximum results appear within 30 days.
How long do Botox injections last?
Most patients will enjoy the results of their treatment for four to six months. Another key benefit of receiving Botox treatment from our dentists is the ability for us to monitor your results. We will monitor your results when you visit for dental care every six months. This is typically when you may need or want a touch-up treatment to maintain your pain, or your skin’s smoother appearance.
Post Operative Care
Post-operative care after Botox injections is generally straightforward, but it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure the best results and minimize side effects. Here are some common post-operative items and recommendations:
| • |
Ice Packs - To reduce swelling and discomfort, applying ice packs to the treated area might be helpful.
|
| • |
Pain Relievers - Over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used if you experience discomfort.
|
| • |
Avoiding Certain Activities - It's advisable to avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat (like saunas or hot tubs), and lying down flat for a few hours after the procedure.
|
| • |
Makeup - You can usually apply makeup after a few hours, but it's best to wait until any swelling or redness has subsided.
|
| • |
Hydration - Drinking plenty of water can help your body recover.
|
| • |
Avoiding Alcohol and Blood Thinners - For at least 24 hours, avoid alcohol and any medications that could thin your blood, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.
|
| • |
Avoid Rubbing or Massaging the Area - This can help prevent the Botox from spreading to unintended areas. |
|
