You’ve probably seen commercials for med spas that offer Botox to reduce wrinkles and make people look younger. Botox, or botulinum toxin, was approved for medical use in the US by the FDA in 1989 for treating crossed eyes and eye twitching. In 2002, it became approved for use in cosmetics and has since become mainstream in esthetic treatments. Today, doctors and dentists use Botox to treat chronic migraines, excessive sweating, cervical dystonia, spasticity, overactive bladder, and even TMJ disorders and bruxism (clenching and grinding teeth). But you may wonder, are there side effects to Botox treatment?
At Signature Smile Arts, your Homewood dentist’s office, we offer Botox treatment to patients suffering from TMJ disorders. Botox can relieve tension headaches, pain in the neck and shoulders, and a consistently sore jaw, as these symptoms relate to TMJ disorders. To learn more or schedule your Botox consultation, call us at (708) 799-5353.
Why is Botox used in dentistry?
We use Botox for effective treatment of bruxism and TMJ symptoms.
Botox injections relax jaw muscles that are overworked, or overactive, from holding the jaws in place, when their natural resting position is not balanced. If TMJ joints become inflamed and/or unbalanced, jaw muscles and surrounding tissues must work overtime to keep the jaw working properly, whether open or closed. There is no true resting position, so the muscles often spasm and jerk at night, while you sleep. This leads to clenching and grinding teeth, a related issue known as bruxism.
When introduced to muscles, particularly the masseter and temporalis, Botox quickly relieves tension–usually within about one week of treatment. It blocks nerve signals, reducing the pain of excessive contracting. Unlike an oral splint for bruxism and TMJ disorder, Botox injections don’t require daily use of an appliance. While it doesn’t last forever, Botox can relieve the symptoms of bruxism and TMJ disorder for up to four months before retreatment is necessary.
Common and Mild Side Effects: What to Expect
Let’s answer the question, “Are there side effects to Botox treatment?” Some patients experience mild side effects, like bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site, but this quickly subsides. Temporary muscle weakness may be felt if adjacent muscles are affected by the medication, but they too are short-lived. In rare cases, a patient may get a headache, experience flu-like symptoms, or feel soreness at the injection site. Our team will check in with you and monitor any side effects you experience.
If we find that Botox is not right for you, we can provide alternative treatment with a nighttime oral appliance that reduces TMJ pain and makes clenching and grinding impossible.
Less Common, More Serious Side Effects: When to Ask Questions
In an estimated 4% of cases, patients may experience rare side effects. If any of these happen to you, give us a call so that we can help.
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Difficulty breathing easily
- Dry mouth
- After repeated injections, muscle atrophy and bone changes may occur
- Allergic reactions, like rash, itching, and swelling
We prioritize a thorough medical and dental history, as well as a list of current prescriptions, before recommending Botox. Not all patients are ideal candidates for this innovative treatment. If you have any questions, please ask. We believe informed patients make the wisest decisions.
Key Questions for Your Homewood, IL, Sedation Dentist
If you have questions, great! We welcome your questions, concerns, and an open, honest discussion. Besides, “Are there side effects to Botox treatment?” our patients often ask us:
- Which muscles will be injected?
- How many treatments will I need?
- What side-effects should I expect, and how long should they last?
- How will the dentist monitor side effects, and what should I do if I experience them?
- Are there alternatives to Botox that might suit my case better?
We’re happy to answer every single one of your questions at your consultation, or any time at all. Call (708) 799-5353 or go online today to reserve a convenient appointment with one of our reputable and experienced Homewood dentists. We’ll help you discover the most appropriate and effective treatment for symptoms of TMJ disorder and bruxism.
