Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry
Botox for TMD Therapy - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

Botox® in Dentistry 

Did you know that the medication Botox® is not just for reducing wrinkles? It can be an incredibly useful tool that Dentists can use to help alleviate pain from Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) which can include pain from clenching and grinding of the teeth. Dentists are uniquely positioned to provide this therapy, particularly because of their specialized training in the anatomy of the head, neck, and oral structures, which makes them particularly well-suited to administer Botox® in this area. Dr. Jamie Knox received her training from the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) for TMD Neuromodulator training and is licensed to use Botox® neuromodulator injections to help patients with oro-facial pain from clenching and grinding of the teeth.

Clenching and grinding of teeth can cause your tooth enamel to wear thin, exposing your teeth to bacterial infection, painful sensitivity, breakage, and other problems. Clenching and gritting habits can also give you headaches and facial pain. The overloading of the muscles with pressure can create tension, fatigue, and cramps in the muscles. It can even “pinch” nerves near the face creating headaches that can radiate pain throughout the mouth and facial structures.

How does Dental Botox<sup>®</sup> Help?  - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

How does Dental Botox® Help? 

Why Dental Botox®? It’s a neuromodulator that binds the muscle receptors and reduces the muscle’s ability to contract. The targeted injections can help relax muscles involved in clenching and gritting your teeth which can in turn help decrease headaches and facial pain that clenching creates. It can also decrease the duration and intensity of grinding which can help protect patient’s teeth and dental restorations. Most patients experience relief after Botox® treatment for about three to six months. Because those muscles are more relaxed during that time, they weaken a little which can extend the effectiveness of the initial shots. Dental Botox® can also be used to relax and retrain the muscles around a new denture, making the transition to dentures easier.
Neuromodulators are extremely safe. They have been extensively studied and carry a low risk of side effects when placed by a trained professional.
What about TMD?  - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

What about TMD? 

Some patients ask if Botox® will help with their Temporomandibular Joint pain. Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma to the jaw, habitual teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, or muscle tension. In many cases, the overuse or hyperactivity of certain muscles around the jaw exacerbates these symptoms. A dental evaluation will be required to assess where the pain is originating from to ensure that the neuromodulator is right for them. Botox® for TMD therapy can be a great way to help alleviate muscle pain from clenching and grinding tension with its targeted muscle treatment. If the pain however is coming from the jaw joint proper due to loss of cartilage in the jaw joint, Botox® will not be effective for treating that pain. During the dental exam, we evaluate the patient’s TMJ complex to identify patients who would be good candidates for neuromodulator treatment. We may also offer alternative solutions in addition to Botox® that can work together for better total relief from a patient’s TMD diagnosis.
Do Dentists Treat Wrinkles?  - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

Do Dentists Treat Wrinkles? 

Dentists in the State of Texas are licensed to give Botox® injections for therapeutic purposes but not currently cosmetic purposes. However, the areas typically injected to relax muscles involved in clenching and grinding tend to correspond to the same areas injected to reduce wrinkles. Because of this many times patients can notice a reduction in wrinkles as well as the reduction in pain from clenching and grinding.
Receiving Dental Botox<sup>®</sup> - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

Receiving Dental Botox®

If a patient is a candidate for dental Botox® treatment, administering the medication is relatively painless, minimally invasive, and takes about 10 minutes. Patients will be instructed on how to care for the areas afterward to protect the treatment. We ask that patients avoid exercise for 24 hours, lying down, not rubbing or touching the face, and avoiding the sun. Neuromodulators are fragile proteins and we want to give them the best chance of being effective for patients. Most neuromodulators take effect gradually over a 7 to 10-day period, with the full effect usually experienced about 2-3 weeks after administration. Most patients experience relief for 4-6 months before considering re-administration of Botox®.

If you are experiencing jaw pain and discomfort, call Garden Ridge Center for Dentistry today to schedule your dental Botox® consultation.