Botulotoxin

Alleviating Pain From Dental Conditions

While most people associate Botulotoxin with cosmetic procedures, it is also widely used in dentistry! Injectables can have a variety of benefits for patients with TMJ, bruxism, headaches and more. Fair Lakes Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is pleased to offer Botulotoxin treatments from the comfort of our office.

woman on medical chair receiving botox in face

What Is Botulotoxin?

Botulotoxin injections (short for botulinum toxin) contain a toxin that paralyzes the muscles. In addition to smoothing the appearance of wrinkles, these injections have a multitude of benefits, including providing relief for TMJ and other dental conditions. The effects are not permanent, however, and treatments will need to be repeated around every six months, or as directed by our dentists.

Is Botulotoxin Safe?

Botulotoxin is considered safe when administered by a trained and qualified professional such as Dr. Tran or Dr. Nguyen. It is approved by the FDA and has been used for medical and cosmetic purposes for many years. However, like any medical procedure or treatment, there are risks and potential side effects to consider. Common side effects include temporary bruising, swelling, redness or mild pain at the injection site.

What Can Botulotoxin Treat?

In addition to reducing the appearance of wrinkles, these injections can be used to treat a variety of dental conditions, including:

Patients who suffer from chronic headaches and migraines may consider the treatment to help them find relief.

TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint connecting the jaw joint to the skull. People with TMJ disorders often experience jaw pain when chewing or biting, frequent headaches and more. When injected into or around the temporomandibular joint, it causes the surrounding jaw muscles to relax, leading to less pain.

Myofascial pain disorder causes pain in the head, neck and throughout other areas of the body. Symptoms include pain, tenderness in the muscles and limited range of motion. Botulotoxin injections in the neck and shoulders can help patients with this condition feel less pain.

Bruxism refers to the grinding and clenching of the teeth. Like TMJ, this can cause pain and soreness in the jaw. When administered to the jaw, Botulotoxin can help relax the muscles and reduce grinding and clenching.

What To Expect

The procedure is short and most patients report it to be painless. To prepare your skin for the injections, we will first numb the area. Our team will then inject the toxin into the appropriate skin or muscle. The amount of shots you receive depends on your symptoms and treatment plan, which our team will discuss with you ahead of the procedure.

Recovery And Results

After your treatment, you can return to normal activities but should avoid touching the treated area. You should begin to notice relief from symptoms within a few days, but it can take a week or more to begin experiencing the full effects. The results generally last for about 3-4 months, but you should discuss with our team how often you should receive treatment for your condition.

Start Your Journey With Botulotoxin

If you experience irritating and painful symptoms from headaches, TMJ, myofascial pain and more, you may find relief with injectables at Fair Lakes Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. For more information or to discover if this treatment could benefit you, call our office at (703) 273-4505 or fill out our online form.