Botox

Botox® is a minimally-invasive treatment that does more than smooth crow’s feet and frown lines. Cosmetic and general dentist Daniel Butensky, DMD, at the Dental Studios in Summit and Westfield, New Jersey, is pleased to provide injectable medication for dental care, such as reduced jaw pain related to TMJ. To learn more or get started, call the office or book online for a consultation today.

Botox Q & A

What is Botox?

Botox is an injectable medication trained health care providers inject into specific muscles. It temporarily paralyzes the area, leading to a variety of benefits.

Botox is well-known for its cosmetic effects, namely reducing frown lines and mild to moderate crow’s feet for up to four months. Dr. Butensky can also use it to treat health conditions, including several dental concerns.

How is Botox used in dentistry?

Dr. Butensky may recommend Botox injections if you’re struggling with the following:

  • Temporomandibular disorder (TMJ)
  • Parafunctional clenching
  • Trismus, also known as lockjaw, caused by muscle spasms
  • Headaches associated with these conditions

While Botox won’t likely be the first action plan for these issues, it may help when more conventional treatments fail to satisfy.

Does Botox really help TMJ?

Your temporomandibular joint plays a critical role in daily activities, such as talking, eating, and swallowing. If it’s overworked or becomes displaced through a lot of teeth grinding, you can experience jaw pain and intense headaches. Botox can help by keeping jaw muscles from engaging in the movements, such as grinding, from happening as often or intensely.

How long does Botox take to work?

The actual Botox treatments are quick, usually taking 10-30 minutes. From there, most patients notice relief from symptoms such as TMJ pain within a day or two, although it may take up to a week for relief to set in.

The number of Botox injections needed varies, depending on the severity and specifics of your symptoms. Your dentist starts with the minimal amount required as you might develop antibodies that render the medication ineffective for TMJ pain.

Are Botox injections painful?

Botox uses tiny needles, so many people experience only minimal discomfort. Each injection may feel like a slight pinch or bug bite. For added comfort, your dentist may apply an ice pack or topical numbing cream to the area beforehand.

Are there any side effects of Botox?

Botox is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. Like all medications, Botox might cause side effects, which are mild and temporary. The most common possibilities include bruising or pain around the injection sites.

To learn more about the benefits of Botox or get started, call the office or book online for a consultation today.