Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) has commonly been used for wrinkle treatments by dermatologists and plastic surgeons for decades. More recently, however, it has been discovered that it is beneficial for other uses as well. Offering Botox for dental purposes is quickly gaining popularity as the benefits become more widely known.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a toxin that is found in bacteria. When used properly, it offers a number of beneficial capabilities.
Why Use Botox for Dental Purposes?
The therapeutic use of Botox for dental reasons has come into the limelight as more and more patients are opting for this type of treatment to deal with a number of issues. In particular, patients who have a history of grinding their teeth and clenching their jaws can often find relief when Botox is used for these dental issues.
Is the Botox for Dental Pain Used for Other Types of Discomfort?
Botox has been approved as a prophylactic treatment for chronic migraines in adults.
How Does Botox for Dental Procedures Work?
Since this toxin has been proven successful in relaxing the muscles, it is used to alleviate tension in the jaw. This type of forced relaxation minimizes the severity and number of incidents the patient experiences with grinding and clenching of the jaw.
What Happens When You Use Botox for Dental Reasons?
Botox injections minimize the intensity of the pain experienced caused by grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw tightly. The frequency of such incidents is also generally reduced in number.
How Long Does It Take to Get Botox for Dental Reasons?
Lasting only 10 to 30 minutes in duration, the procedure used to inject Botox is relatively brief. The time actually depends upon how many injections the doctor must perform.
What Does the Doctor Do When He Uses Botox for Dental Reasons?
First, the muscle site must be identified, so that the injections are made in the right place. The patient will receive a numbing solution at the targeted area. The injections are made. The results are temporary, so patients will have to return for a repeat treatment of Botox for dental reasons in about four months.
