How Is Botox Used in Dentistry?

For years, Botox® has been a method to treat various health conditions and wellness issues. People have looked to this treatment to smooth wrinkles and other blemishes of the face. This drug is a toxin made from a specific bacterium, and it has many other uses today. You may even find that it is useful in dentistry. If you are having problems with TMJ, teeth grinding, or other problems with your smile, this drug might be able to help.

How Botox works

This drug is well-known, though many people are unaware of its function. This treatment relaxes the muscles by blocking signals from the brain to the nerves. It is injected into the body through a small needle. The procedure only takes a few minutes and requires no numbing beforehand. Within a week or two, patients should start to see results from the drug. Its effects can last up to six months, at which time the patient can get another dose.

Help with teeth grinding and jaw problems

Teeth grinding can be more than an annoying habit. Doing this over a consistent, long period can wear teeth. This can eventually cause fracturing or even tooth loss. Another common problem that dentists treat is TMJ. This is a condition where the joint that connects the jaw to the skull has pain here. When it is present, it can become difficult to eat, speak, or yawn.

Botox can be an effective treatment for both of these issues. Through an injection, patients can find pain relief and feel less discomfort. The drug can relax the muscles that suffer strain under both of these conditions. The shot will not permanently alleviate the pain, so the dentist may set up a long-term treatment plan.

Getting used to mouth appliances

Dentists can offer a variety of treatments for issues such as tooth loss, misaligned teeth, and damaged teeth. Among these, dentures are one of the most widely used methods. However, many patients struggle to get accustomed to dentures. The appliance can cause soreness and irritation on the gums and in the jaw. Some dentists may use Botox shots to help ease the muscles so that the patient can experience a smoother transition to dentures.

Fixing high lip lines

Many concerns can affect a person’s smile. Having a high lip line can be embarrassing and make a person feel self-conscious. When a person with this issue smiles, much of the gums are exposed. A dental practice can use Botox to help correct this troubling issue. Relaxing the mouth muscles with Botox can lower the lip line to a more desirable level for the person. While there are other procedures to accomplish this, Botox offers much less of a financial commitment.

Try a different approach to change your smile

When you think about Botox, you may not even realize that it is available for dental procedures. When the muscles of the face have pain or affect the smile, this drug could be useful. Find out if your dentist’s office offers this method. Talk to your dentist today if you believe you are a candidate for this treatment.

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