When you think of “Botox” you probably don’t immediately associate it with the dentist’s office. Botox has continuously increased in popularity over the years as a dental treatment. It can be used to help relieve pain associated with TMJ as well as general facial pain and discomfort.
How Long Does Botox Last?
In terms of how long a patient will benefit from Botox injections, dental and cosmetic procedures yield approximately the same amount of time; about four months. Factors that could lengthen or shorten the relief time include:
- The reason the injections are being placed
- The location of the injection
- How many times a patient has undergone this specific procedure
- Whether the Botox is being used in conjunction with other procedures such as dermal fillers
Botox For TMJ
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. Injury and damage to this joint can be incredibly uncomfortable, as it is used every time we open our mouths. TMJ and its accompanying symptoms; facial pain, bruxism, and jaw tension are difficult to treat in some patients. Because Botox is a muscle relaxer, more dentists are recommending injections to help relieve the symptoms of TMJ. When these injections first began to be used by dentists, it was only for the most extreme cases. Today, more dentists are realizing how quickly patients can begin to experience relief and how minimally invasive the treatment is compared to other options.
Botox injections for TMJ can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to complete. Most patients will begin to feel relief within 24 to 48 hours. Relief can continue to increase for up to one week. Gradually, the effects of the medication will wear off, but patients can enjoy the benefits of the injections for up to four months.
Thankfully, Botox is safe to be used several times a year. With that being said, your dentist may recommend another course of injections to continue reducing the intensity of muscle contractions and providing significant relief.
Botox Injections for Short Term Dental Discomfort
Another great advantage of Botox injections is the short-term relief they provide to aid with dental discomfort. Short term dental discomfort can be experienced for a variety of reasons. Dentures, braces, and dental bridges can all be sources of discomfort for dental patients. A few Botox injections help the muscles in the face relax and increase comfort. The more comfortable a patient is while easing into wearing the appliances, the more likely they are to be compliant and therefore get the best benefits for their smile.
Overall, Botox injections for dental treatments can offer relief for months after the procedure. If you’re in the Cincinnati area and are interested in Botox injections to treat your chronic TMJ or for relief of other dental procedures/issues, contact us. Our staff can help determine the right course of action and decide if Botox injections are right for you.
