You probably know that Botox is widely used for cosmetic reasons. You may even be aware that it’s used to treat medical conditions like migraines and muscle spasms. However, it may be a pleasant surprise to discover that dentists now include Botox in their professional toolbox. Using Botox in dentistry can help with several issues.
Botox is a drug derived from the botulinum toxin. Although that might sound unsettling, Botox has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for more than 20 years. When injected, it works by gently relaxing the treated muscles.
Here are a few ways that Botox is used in dentistry.
Botox for Bruxism
Bruxing occurs when a person clenches their jaw or grinds their teeth. It’s often done while sleeping. Patients will discover if they are bruxing if they wake up and their jaw hurts. Bruxing can cause an amazing amount of damage to your teeth and the surrounding structures if left untreated. A dentist doing Botox for bruxism will carefully target the problematic muscles in the jaw. The injections halt the unconscious grinding and clenching, prompting the muscles to relax. Treatments last for several months, providing patients with welcome relief.
Botox for TMJ
The temporomandibular joints are the joints that connect the jaw. Injury, stress, bruxism, or other issues can damage these hardworking joints. If left untreated, it can lead to TMJ disorders. TMJ can be pretty painful. When patients visit a dentist for their TMJ, they are always looking for relief. Botox for TMJ provides dentists with an effective way to treat patients with this painful problem. Botox injections will provide pain relief for TMJ, but it is temporary. However, many times, this is enough for patients depending on the severity of the TMJ.
Botox for Gummy Smiles
If a big smile lifts the lines of your lips up high, exposing your teeth and a lot of gum tissue, you may have a gummy smile. It’s also referred to as a high lip line. If this bothers you, a Botox dental treatment may be the answer.
Botox for Enhancing and Shaping Smiles
Are you troubled by lip lines or wrinkles around your mouth? Botox injections can be utilized to enhance and reshape smiles in numerous ways. The results depend on your unique musculature and how and where the injections are applied. While the simple cosmetic improvements that these injections can deliver can make a major difference in how you look and feel, it’s worth noting that the change isn’t permanent. Results from Botox injections generally last about six months. Many patients choose to repeat the procedure after the initial results fade.
Botox for New Denture Discomfort
Change is hard. Human mouths are used to adapting to gradual shifts, but getting new dentures inevitably involves a lot of change in a concise timeframe. These changes can also be quite uncomfortable. Some people are lucky enough to have a smooth transition. Dentists may recommend Botox injections to ease the way for those not so fortunate. Botox can be a valuable tool for numbing pain.
Wekiva Dental delights in healthy, happy smiles, and our team will use all the right tools to help you keep your grin in the best shape. Whether you have questions about using Botox in dentistry or want to schedule your next dental exam, we want to hear from you. Reach out to Wekiva Dental today to let us know how we can assist you.