Boxtox Injections
Essential Facts About Botox for Dental Treatments at
Smile Lab in Dallas, TX
What is Boxtox?
Botox is the brand name for Botulinum Toxin. Originally created in the 1970s to treat the eye disorder Strabismus, which causes misaligned eyes, it has now gained popularity for its cosmetic applications. However, it remains a vital medical treatment for relaxing muscles and relieving a variety of ailments. Smile Lab uses this potent drug for therapeutic reasons to address a variety of dental ailments.
How do dentists use Botox?
Botox is largely used in dentistry to treat bruxism and the headaches, face, and neck pain that it causes.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition in which a person unintentionally grinds, gnashes, or clenches their teeth. It can happen during the day (awake bruxism) or at night (sleep bruxism). This behavior can cause substantial tooth damage as well as pain in the muscles of your face, neck and head. Furthermore, it can disrupt your sleep patterns, and sometimes sleep bruxism is so noisy that it wakes up others in the room or perhaps the entire house!
Common Symptoms of Bruxism
- Worn-down or chipped teeth. This dental damage can have secondary effects, including:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tooth loss
- Gum disease
- Headaches and chronic migraines
- Earaches and ringing in the ears
- Jaw joint pain or stiffness
- Pain or stiffness in the muscles radiating from the jaw, including the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Sleep problems, including snoring and sleep apnea
The Boxtox Treatment Process: What to Expect
Botox treatment is minimally intrusive and takes only a few minutes. Here are the major steps:
- The dentist analyzes the patient’s teeth and jaw to determine that Botox treatment is appropriate, and then develops a treatment plan.
- A topical anesthetic may be used to slightly numb the treatment region.
- Botox is delivered by injecting it into the jaw muscles.
- The patient may exit the dental clinic.
How Long Do the Effects of Botox Last?
Initially, the effects of Botox treatment for dental difficulties last roughly four months. To continue benefiting from the treatment’s favorable results, we urge that patients come for regular follow-up treatments. However, with repeated treatment, the effects of Botox often begin to linger longer, allowing you to space your treatment appointments out more.
Safety of Botox: What You Need to Know
Yes, medical professionals have been safely administering Botox for decades. Its effects are favorable, and they wear off with time. When properly provided by experienced practitioners, undesirable side effects are not an issue.