If you are a manager at a dental office and have been looking for ways to expand the practice and offer new treatments to your patients, then you should take a look at Botox injections. While these injections are often used for aesthetic purposes, they may also be advantageous when it comes to treating certain dental disorders. Keep reading to learn about a few of these disorders and how Botox can help.
TMJ
Temporomandibular joint disorder is a painful condition that involves discomfort along the joint that connects the lower jaw to the cheek. The condition involves the joint itself as well as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the area. TMJ can lead to chewing and eating difficulties as well as sleeping problems and issues with closing the mouth.
The vast majority of TMJ treatments involve techniques to relax the joint and the muscles attached to it. While some people can use massage and heat for relaxation, this does not work for some people. For patients who need advanced treatment, Botox injections can help.
Botox fillers can be injected into the muscles along the cheek and side of the face. This relaxes them and limits the strength of muscle contractions to reduce muscle discomfort. The injection can also target the nerves in the region to keep them from sending pain signals to the brain. This can relieve the pain associated with TMJ. Also, since the soft tissues are relaxed, pressure is reduced around the jaw joint. This minimizes the stress on the cartilage around the joint so it has an opportunity to heal.
Typically, injections for TMJ treatment are not as numerous as they are for other types of disorders. This way you can still use your jaw muscles for chewing purposes without difficulty.
Bruxism
Bruxism or tooth grinding is a destructive habit that can lead to substantial tooth wear and jaw pain. Unfortunately, many people grind their teeth while they sleep and are unable to control the problem. While a guard can stop dental damage, it will not directly treat the issue and prevent grinding. Botox injections can keep you from grinding though by reducing the strength of muscle contractions. This means you will be unable to bite and grind with a great deal of force when you are unaware.
Keep in mind that while the injections can help to eliminate the night grinding, the treatment will need to be completed for some time. You may stop grinding after a while though, so you and your dentist will need to monitor the condition to see if Botox is required long term.
If you want to know more about the ways the Botox can be used in dental practice, speak with someone who is a Botox expert.
Share7 September 2018
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