Many people know Botox injections as a cosmetic procedure designed to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And while that may be true, Botox also treats a myriad of other conditions. In dentistry, we prescribe Botox for TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorders). Keep reading, and we’ll explain.
What is Botox for TMJ?
Believe it or not – Botox treats 20+ medical conditions that affect the muscles, TMJ being one of them. If you’re not already aware, TMJ is a painful muscle disorder that causes the muscles to tighten from stress and strain, causing:
- Jaw stiffness
- Pain when chewing
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Painful clicking and/or popping when opening the jaw
Because Botox prevents our muscles from contracting, it’s highly effective in relieving pain in the jaw, face, and general head area. And in addition to using Botox for TMJ, this injection treats: 
- Bruxism
- Mandibular spasms
- Trismus (aka Lockjaw)
- Denture discomfort
Where Is It Injected?
Botox is carefully injected into the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. And the recommended dosage is a diluted 200 units/4 mL or 100 units/2 mL for chronic migraine pain also associated with TMJ.
Is Botox for TMJ Worth It?
Wondering if it is worth it? A 2003 study demonstrates a 90% improvement in pain from chronic headaches and face pain in patients who weren’t responding to other forms of pain management. By forcing the jaw muscles to relax, many patients experienced pain relief, as well as lessened anxiety, better sleep, and less tooth sensitivity.
Dentist Who Does Botox Near Me
Looking for a dentist who administers Botox for TMJ? With ample experience in both general dentistry and cosmetic procedures, Dr. Hackley is the one for the job. Contact our team to set up an appointment.
Should I see a Botox dentist near me? It might sound a bit sketchy, but it’s entirely safe. Botox is the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, and has been since 2019. Along with its anti-aging uses, Botox has several uses in the medical field, including dentistry. Here’s how you can benefit from a Botox dentist near me.
How Botox Works
Botox is a neurotoxin that interrupts the messages your brain sends to muscles. In this way, Botox prevents muscles from getting the message to move. Essentially, it temporarily paralyzes the muscles.
Additionally, the neurotoxin inhibits the release of acetylcholine (ACH). This chemical regulates glandular secretions like sweat and saliva. So, Botox can be used to help with dental problems associated with excessive drooling, or with medical conditions like hyperhidrosis. Furthermore, Botox pairs well with other injectables like dermal fillers.
Botox in Dentistry
There are several dental problems that are caused by overactive muscles. These include:
- Masseter hypertrophy
- Bruxism, or teeth grinding
- Temporomandibular disorders
- Excessive clenching of the jaw
Botox can treat these conditions, as well as conditions not related to the muscle. Such as:
- Deep nasolabial folds (folds of skin on either side of the mouth)
- High lip line, AKA gummy smile
- Radial lip lines, or smokers’ lines/lipstick lines
- Changes in the way dentures fit due to shifting jaw muscles
- The black triangles between teeth created by the gums pulling away from the teeth
Truthfully, Botox has a long history of medical use. While it first began as a treatment for crossed eyes and abnormal muscle spasms of the eyelids, today Botox is FDA approved for several medical therapies.
Is a Botox Dentist Safe?
Yes, dentists can administer Botox safely. All dentists who offer Botox undergo extensive training and learn how to use it. Additionally, dentists already have a deep understanding of the facial muscles and nerves which makes them even more well equipped to handle to your Botox.
Top Botox Dentist Near Me
If you are ready to learn more about how Botox can improve your dental health, or you just want address those fine lines and wrinkles, please contact Dr. Hackley and team today.
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