Botox in Dentistry:
Dentists are moving toward the use of botox to treat common dental problems such as temporomandibular joint disorder or simply TMJ. TMJ can cause significant pain in the jaw area. This pain can be difficult to manage with traditional treatments. Pain medications are often ineffective and the pain can become unbearable. Botox is an alternative treatment that may greatly reduce facial pain associated with TMJ and other dental problems. When a small amount of botox is used in dentistry, about one half of that used to smooth facial wrinkles, it relaxes the muscles in the face so they do not contract as tightly as before, and therefore, the pain is reduced.
While facial devices can often correct dental problems such as TMJ, the pain associated with such disorders can be difficult to manage. Botox can provide patients with much needed pain relief when other options have failed.
Not only is botox beneficial in managing facial pain, it can also be used to treat high lip line cases. Botox is used in conjunction with lip augmentation which relaxes the lip muscles. This ensures that the patient will not be able to raise their lip as high as before. This botox treatment does not interfere with the patient’s ability to speak, chew and kiss.
Botox treatment has its advantages. Often, treatment can be completed in one visit and the results are instantaneous. Botox therapy is an alternative to invasive dental treatment. The use of botox allows the teeth and gums being treated to remain intact.
Botox treatments certainly widen the treatment options available to patients. If you think you may benefit from dental botox treatments, you should consult with your dentist. He or she can discuss the different options available to you and help you decide which treatment is best for your particular situation.
All of our doctors are Veneer Certified providers and members of the American Dental Association, Suffolk County Dental Society and the New York State Dental Association.