Our dentist uses BOTOX in Fishers, IN, to help our patients live their best lives. And BOTOX isn't new to dentistry!
Doctors and dentists have successfully used BOTOX® for decades in many capacities. It helps treat pain, overactive bladder conditions, wrinkles and crow's feet, bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), migraine headaches, and so much more.
If you're new to BOTOX, you may wonder what it is, how it works, and how you might benefit.
What Is Botox?
We derive BOTOX from onobotulinumtoxinA. It is a toxin that stays local. In other words, it does not invade body systems or cause harm. BOTOX has been part of medicine since 1989, when it was first studied and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Initial uses included therapy for strabismus (crossed eyes) and ocular spasms.
One of the earliest reports of BOTOX administered in dentistry, primarily for bruxism, was in 1990.
In 2002, the FDA approved BOTOX to combat fine lines and wrinkles, and then in 2010, it was greenlighted for migraines.
BOTOX works by temporarily relaxing muscles beneath the skin, easing pain, curbing bruxism habits, and easing fine lines and wrinkles. BOTOX may also be used in TMJ treatment to calm the muscles surrounding the TMJs (jaw joints), reducing or eliminating symptoms.
3 Reasons to Consider BOTOX in Fishers, IN
Dr. Jeremy Jones, DMD, is thrilled to offer BOTOX treatment in our Fishers dental office. Our patients have loved their results, and our team could not be happier.
While we use BOTOX in many capacities throughout medicine, let's explore how we utilize it in dentistry and how you might benefit.
#1 BOTOX for Facial Esthetics
BOTOX for fine lines and wrinkles used to be a celebrity secret. But no longer. Today, most people can enjoy the esthetic benefits of BOTOX.
Lifestyle choices, daily stresses, and natural aging often show up on the face in the form of fine lines and wrinkles. BOTOX can ease these lines and soften the wrinkles, giving you a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Dr. Jones uses a whisper-thin needle to deliver BOTOX to the facial areas that you'd like to treat. The administration of BOTOX is not painful, and the needle does not penetrate deeply into the face. Instead, it is more like a mild sting.
You may notice light bruising or swelling in the days following BOTOX therapy. This is very temporary. You may also see the lines and wrinkles improving in the weeks following your injections.
BOTOX therapy for fine lines and wrinkles can help with the following:
- Forehead wrinkles and creases
- Frown lines around the mouth
- Crow's feet around the eyes
- Wrinkles between the eyes
- Vertical lines between the brows
Your dentist will let you know what to expect from your BOTOX treatment.
#2 BOTOX for Bruxism and TMJ
Bruxism
Bruxism is the nocturnal habit of grinding and clenching your teeth. This condition causes pain over time but can also cost you your teeth and damage your temporomandibular joints (TMJs).
If you have bruxism, you might notice some or all of these signs:
- Head, neck, and shoulder pain
- Worn down or fractured teeth
- An increase in cavities
- Jaw or tooth pain
- Enhanced musculature around the lower face
Without treatment, bruxism symptoms worsen over time.
TMJ
TMJs are the sliding joints that allow movement of the lower jaw—yawning, chewing, and speaking. We commonly use the acronym TMJ to describe disorders of these joints.
Untreated bruxism can aggravate the TMJs causing even more pain and discomfort.
Treatment
Fortunately, your dentist in Fishers can create a treatment plan to combat these issues, including using BOTOX.
BOTOX relaxes or partially freezes the muscles around the TMJs, giving the joints a much-needed rest, which promotes healing. BOTOX also reduces bruxism frequency and may curb it altogether, promoting healing.
With BOTOX, you'll still be able to smile and chew but without the pain and inflammation associated with bruxism and TMJ.
Along with BOTOX, your dentist may talk to you about related TMJ and bruxism therapies, including:
- Bite guards
- Night guards
- Occlusal adjustment
We can combine treatments to combat bruxism and TMJ, helping you enjoy a pain-free lifestyle.
#3 Myofascial Pain and Migraines
Myofascial pain and migraines can be debilitating and are sometimes linked to bruxism and TMJ. But, no matter the cause, BOTOX may be the solution.
If you suffer from migraines, your dentist can administer BOTOX, which has been used for years to treat these recurring headaches successfully.
According to an article published by Johns Hopkins Medicine, your body releases neurotransmitters and specific molecules during painful episodes like migraines. BOTOX skews or disrupts their diffusion at the nerve and muscle intersections.
However, the reason BOTOX successfully treats this type of pain is not fully understood. When your dentist administers BOTOX, experts believe it is pulled into the nerves, where it intercepts or disrupts neurotransmission that causes myofascial and migraine pain.
Getting Started with BOTOX
If you're considering BOTOX in our dental office, the first step is a meeting or consultation with the dentist. At this initial visit, you'll learn what to expect from BOTOX and how it may benefit you. We also take a complete health history, especially if you're a new patient.
Your dentist will share with you how we administer BOTOX. And we will talk to you about what to expect after treatment and let you know if you'll need follow-up injections and when.
Our team also takes time to answer your questions and address your concerns. We want you to understand your treatment so you can make an informed choice in your therapies.
Are You Ready to Learn More about BOTOX Treatment in Indiana?
We are thrilled to offer BOTOX in Fishers, IN, and love how it has helped our patients combat bruxism, TMJ, myofascial pain, and migraines. We are also pleased that our patients enjoy the esthetic benefits of BOTOX.
Contact our dental team today to get started. And stay tuned for part II of our Ultimate Guide to BOTOX, where we provide treatment details and answer your frequently asked questions about this diverse therapy!