Botox
Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry offers Botox for patients suffering from pain related to Temporo Mandibular Jaw (TMJ) disorder, jaw clenching, and/or teeth grinding(also known as Masseter Botox).
While Botox is best known for its cosmetic uses, specifically smoothing facial wrinkles, the formulation was originally intended as a muscle relaxer for medical purposes. When administered in smaller dosages, it has clinical applications to treat TMJ, teeth grinding, and chronic TMJ and facial pain. Botox can also be used to complement aesthetic dentistry and is a minimally invasive alternative to surgically treating a high lip line, for patients having trouble adjusting to new dentures, lip augmentation, and in orthodontic cases where it is necessary to retrain facial muscles.
What are the benefits of Botox?
In dental applications, Botox is used to relieve painful conditions triggered by the jaw muscles. As a therapeutic treatment, Botox can play an integral role in dental implant surgery and TMJ treatments. The most common benefit is the reduction in the number of tooth clenching events and their intensity. It also helps reduce damage and lessen discomfort to teeth, the jaw, and gums. Other benefits include the elimination of tension headaches, migraines, and the disappearance of facial wrinkles.
Who is an ideal candidate?
- Between the ages of 18 – 65
- Has facial pain related to TMJ, clenching or teeth grinding
- Is looking to smooth facial wrinkles
- Is looking for a non-surgical solution
- Is looking for a temporary solution
- Is in good physical and psychological health
- Is not pregnant or nursing
Remove Worry Wrinkles!
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What can I expect afterwards?
Muscle tenderness will start to disappear almost immediately. Jaw and facial pain and wrinkles will begin to disappear within 24-48 hours after the injections. Patients may continue to see wrinkles diminish up to one week after the procedure. There may be mild temporary bruising, numbness, or redness around the injection site.
What is recovery like?
The procedure is non-surgical and non-invasive so patients can expect to return to normal activities almost immediately. However, in order to avoid spreading the toxin to other muscles, patients should not rub or massage the area injected and remain upright for many hours. Physical activity should also be limited for a time.
What is the long-term outcome?
The results of Botox generally last up to four months. Patients should wait at least three months between treatments. There is also the likely possibility that with repeated treatments, the injected muscles will atrophy allowing the patient to go longer and longer between sessions.
Increased frequency of Botox treatments may cause the body to develop antibodies causing subsequent treatments to become less effective over time. Using the lowest dosage of Botox possible and extending intervals between treatments may minimize resistance.
Risks, limitations & possible complications
As with any medical procedure, there are possible risks and side effects. Since this is a non-surgical procedure, the risks and possible complications are infrequent, minimal, and temporary. The most commonly reported side effects are headaches, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. Less commonly reported effects are pain, redness at the spot of injection, and muscle weakness. These symptoms are thought to be connected with the injection and occur within the first week. There could also be bruising at the injection site. Botox treatment should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
Contact Smileboston for more information or to schedule an appointment Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry Phone Number 617-277-4100)