The use of Botox for cosmetic purposes is fairly widespread, but did you know that Botox has uses in dentistry as well? It’s true! With many dental issues caused by or related to the muscles in the face, Botox is a perfect solution for relief. At Prime Smile Dental Group, our team of dental professionals offers Massachusetts Botox treatments to treat some common dental problems.
Here’s a brief overview of how Botox works and how it is used in dentistry.
How it Works
Botox is derived from the botulinum toxin, which has a history of medical and therapeutic uses outside of cosmetic purposes. When Botox is injected into a muscle, it blocks signals from the nerves telling that muscle to contract. With a thorough understanding of the face muscles, dentists use Botox with precision to treat certain dental conditions. Below is an overview of the most common ailments and how the experts at Prime Smile Dental can help.
Relieve TMJ and Bruxism
First, and most popular, Botox is used to relieve the pain from TMJ. Patients who suffer from TMJ often have problems with overactive muscles near the jaw, causing severe pain. Botox injections to the muscles contributing to TMJ provide patients relief from the pain. For most patients, the effects last for three months. Don’t worry, most patients report little to no pain during the treatment, and increased jaw mobility after treatment.
Likewise, Bruxism is the action of clenching or grinding your teeth. For most people, these actions happen unconsciously or in their sleep. While Bruxism is a temporary ailment that will go away on its own for some, for others, it is a chronic problem requiring treatment. There are several treatments available, and you guessed it, Botox is one of the top options. A Botox injection can slightly weaken the masseter muscle, relieving the involuntary grinding and clenching actions and letting your muscles relax and heal to reduce the damage to your teeth.
Fit your Dentures
Lastly, if you have never worn dentures or need new dentures, Botox can help obtain a proper fix and adjust to wearing them. The muscles of your face get used to your teeth being in a certain place and having to move in a certain way to chew. When that changes because of new dentures—whether you are getting them for the first time or not—your muscles can have a hard time adjusting to new positions and patterns of movement. Botox relaxes your muscles while still retaining the position of your dentures that you can adjust to them more easily. Botox helps patients transition into new dentures with a higher rate of success.
Try Botox with the Massachusetts dentists you trust at Prime Smile Dental Group.
Contact us at 508-481-8094 to schedule an appointment today.
