Many patients have heard of botox treatments for cosmetic procedures such as reducing wrinkles. However, dentists can also relieve their patient’s migraine and jaw pain with botox. At Von Chan DDS in Petaluma, CA, Dr. Von Chan offers botox to help patients decrease pain and improve their oral health conditions.
Dental Botox Training
Dr. Von Chan is specially trained in the use of botox for cosmetic conditions such as headaches and jaw pain. Dentists have an in-depth understanding of the jaw and facial structure already. In addition, they are given training on how to use the botox safely and effectively. Since 2011, dentists in California have been performing botox procedures to help their patients.
What is Botox?
Botox is a botulinum toxin that helps relax muscles and nerves where it is injected. At Von Chan DDS, Dr. Von Chan uses botox to help reduce discomfort related to jaw pain and headaches. Our office treats the two main conditions are TMJ/TMD and migraine management.
TMJ/TMD
The temporomandibular joint can often become sore and uncomfortable if a patient excessively grinds their teeth or if their jaw is misaligned. Often, patients with high-stress levels grind their teeth during the day or at night. When a patient grinds their teeth, it weakens the jaw bones and shaves off the top layer of the teeth, increasing the risk of dental decay.
Common symptoms of TMJ/TMD are:
- Tenderness around the ear.
- Muscle pain around the head and neck.
- The clicking of the jaw.
- Difficulty opening your mouth.
Many patients find that excessive grinding can lead to fatigue and muscle spasms.
What are the Benefits of Getting Botox from a Dentist?
At Von Chan DDS, we recommend that patients with TMJ/TMD concerns or chronic headaches visit a dentist to consult about botox treatment. Dentists have extensive training in the mouth, jaw, and head anatomy. Additionally, dentists have further training on botox injections. For the best treatment for these conditions, visit a dentist like Dr. Von Chan.
How Can Botox Help TMJ/TMD?
With a Botox treatment, Dr. Von Chan will relax the muscles and nerve endings around your jaw. She will use a tiny needle to inject the solution under your skin. Over the next few hours, your muscles will relax, leading to less grinding and pain. Botox injections can also decrease dental decay risk because you reduce the grinding motion of your teeth.
Migraine Management with Botox
Many patients grind their teeth when they are driving or sleeping. Not only can this cause jaw pain and damage, but it can also cause tension, headaches, and migraines. The difference between a headache and a migraine is that migraines are heads that occur often. Usually, patients with migraines are sensitive to different sensory inputs like lights and sounds.
Can Botox Improve Migraines?
If you get frequent migraines and your dentist thinks it could be from clenching or grinding your teeth, she may recommend a botox treatment. When the botox is injected into your face, the muscles and nerve endings relax, making it less likely of a migraine.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox is a treatment that can temporarily relieve pain and discomfort. However, it is not a permanent solution. Often, Dr. Von Chan prescribes Botox treatment in conjunction with other medicines to solve your underlying concern. You will notice the full effect of the botox treatment in 10 – 14 days. Most treatments last about 3 to 4 months, depending on the area it is injected and how much botox is used.
Botox is a standard treatment used at Von Chan DDS and has helped many patients improve their oral health. Botox treatment is part of a comprehensive treatment plan for TMJ/TMD management. Call our office today for more information about Botox or to schedule a consultation appointment.