THERAPEUTIC BOTOX FOR TMJ
WHY BOTOX® IN DENTISTRY?
Overactive muscles in your face can cause extreme tension and lead to unwanted TMJ facial pain. Without realizing it, you may be contracting small facial muscles as you perform simple, everyday activities like staring at a computer screen. Clenching during the day or night may lead to headaches on the sides of the head or jaw pain. We use Botox® for facial pain, relaxing those muscles, and reducing tension.
WHAT IS BOTOX®?
Botox is a muscle relaxer and the most commonly performed, minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in North America. BOTOX® comes in the form of a purified protein and is traditionally injected into facial muscles, causing them to relax rather than contract. Muscle contractions are what cause the lines, or wrinkles, on our faces.
THERAPEUTIC BOTOX®
In our office, BOTOX® is used for therapeutic purposes, such as easing chronic facial pain and the intensity of muscle contractions. Dr. Vwich also uses BOTOX® for TMJ pain, jaw clenching, headaches, and teeth grinding.
HOW DOES BOTOX® WORK?
BOTOX®, through a process called cosmetic denervation, is injected into muscles that tense up. BOTOX® blocks some of the transmitters in the muscles, preventing them from contracting and essentially causing them to relax.
IS BOTOX® PAINFUL?
The needle that is used to inject BOTOX® is tiny, and its sting is minimal. The entire process is practically painless, so no anesthesia is needed, and most of our patients are awake during treatment. However, if you are anxious or extra sensitive, we are happy to administer inhalational anesthesia to ensure you are completely comfortable.
WILL BOTOX® HELP MY CLENCHING AND/OR GRINDING?
Botox® is one of the most effective treatments for Bruxism (teeth wear related to clenching and/or grinding). Nightguards are a great first line of defense when it comes to teeth wear, but when that doesn’t do the trick, Botox® is an excellent treatment that weakens the muscles enough to prevent the grinding but not enough to interfere with everyday functions like chewing and speaking. The result is a significant reduction in wear on your teeth. Botox® allows most patients to experience much less tension when they wake up and then feel much better throughout the day.
EXPERIENCE MATTERS!
Dr. Tamara Vwich has undergone extensive training and continuing education with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics to provide Botox® and relief to our AV area patients.
Ready to eliminate facial muscle pain and reduce headaches, clenching, and grinding? Contact our Palmdale CA office today to schedule a Botox® consultation!