Botox at the dentist?! No, you’re not misreading. Botox is useful for more than just beauty: Botox and dermal fillers can also be used to benefit your dental health. If you have TMJ disorder or bruxism, you may know the pain of an aching jaw all too well. Disorders related to the joints in your jaw and teeth grinding can result in jaw pain and discomfort. Enter Botox: Botox and dermal fillers can be injected to relieve tension in your jaw and facial muscles.
What is Botox?
Most people associate Botox with its common cosmetic use to smooth wrinkles. Botox is the medical brand name for the botulinum toxin, which is prepared from the bacterial toxin botulin. The word “toxin” may sound scary, but the use of Botox is safe and has been approved by the FDA. Botox is known for its treatment of wrinkles, which it erases by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles. This same effect can be utilized to reduce muscle tension that results from dental disorders like bruxism.
Benefits of Botox and Dermal Fillers
Botox can be injected into the face or facial muscles to treat the following dental health conditions:
- Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding
- TMJ disorder affecting the joints which connect the jaw to the skull
- Migraines
Dermal fillers, which are injections of bovine collagen, can also be used for similar results. Both Botox and dermal fillers can be utilized to ease the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorder and bruxism, such as tense jaw joints, jaw pain, migraines, and headaches.
How Long Do Botox and Dermal Fillers Results Last?
The effects of the Botox and dermal filler injections last between four and six months. Imagine one injection and you could be tension- and pain-free for nearly half the year. You can ease your pain while also benefiting from facial rejuvenation.
ABOUT YOUR SHREWSBURY DENTISTS:
At Modern Dentistry, Todd A. Pizzi, DDS, and Luciana Messina, DDS, are dedicated to providing high-quality cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry services to patients and families in Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all surrounding communities. To schedule your next appointment, contact our office by calling (508) 842-6356 today.
