3 Benefits of Dental Botox
Most people understand the benefits of using Botox® for facial smoothing but may not realize that dental Botox® also has many useful applications. Injections not only can enhance the appearance of the face but also aid in important issues that dentists deal with. This treatment can offer improvement of painful symptoms and a measure of relief for certain dental conditions.
How dentists use Botox® treatments
The Botox® neurotoxin works by blocking the signals muscles receive from the associated nerves. This causes muscles to relax and to be more easily influenced by other factors. There are up to 10 different muscles that can affect chewing and speaking, as well as create tension on the jaw bones and joints. For this reason, dentists are finding injections to be particularly helpful in treating certain conditions.
1. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
In the past, the only effective treatments for TMJ were surgery or for a patient to wear headgear to hold the jaw in the correct position at night while sleeping. When injecting Botox® into precise trigger points throughout the jaw, the muscles are able to relax and the jaw can more easily be manipulated. This may also significantly reduce pain and inflammation. While it may still be necessary to have a surgical reconstruction of the jaw bones and joints to correct the problem, dental Botox® can loosen the muscles that pull against the correction, easing pain and helping healing.
2. Clenching and grinding of teeth
Bruxism, or the condition of clenching or grinding of the teeth, is destructive to a patient’s oral health. Bruxism can occur around the clock but is most often a problem during sleep when a patient is not even aware of it happening. The chewing surfaces of teeth can become worn and loosening can occur. Continuous grinding can cause breakage and fractures. With a proper Botox® dosage, the unconscious nocturnal chewing motion can be relieved without compromising a patient’s ability to chew when awake and still allowing for the ability to move the mouth and jaw properly when speaking.
3. Post-orthodontic alignment relapse
Braces are not only used to straighten crooked teeth and correct tooth spacing and bite but can also be used to adjust the movement and alignment of the jaws. The orthodontics are worn for periods of months to years, holding the position correction in place. Once the braces have been removed, however, the muscles of the face and jaw can fall back into their previous tension and cause misalignment to take place again.
Dental Botox® injections can relax certain muscles, helping to prevent them from pulling against the work that has been done. This can allow the correction to be longer-lasting and help eliminate pain caused from tension. If used consistently, it may be possible for the muscles to be retrained over time, eliminating muscle spasms that pull against the correction.
Conclusion:
Armed with this information about the uses of dental Botox®, a patient may be able to have a better discussion with a dentist regarding treatment options. Patients for a variety of conditions may have other options they had not previously considered.
Are you considering dental Botox in the Springfield Township area? Get more information at https://smilowfamilydentistry.com.
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