Crystalline Dental is pleased to offer Botox and TMD therapy! Botox injections are used frequently in dental offices as an excellent alternative treatment for more troublesome maladies such as TMJ, which may include headache, clenching/grinding and sleep bruxism. Botox® relieves jaw tension by making muscles unable to engage in the powerful, often unconscious movement of the jaw that produces headaches and pain.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves linked to chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the 2 joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. More specifically, they are the joints that slide and rotate in front of each ear. They include the lower jaw (mandible) and the temporal bone (the side and base of the skull). The TMJs are among the most complex joints in the body. These joints, along with several muscles, allow the mandible to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back. When the mandible and the joints are correctly aligned, smooth muscle actions can occur. These include chewing, talking, yawning, and swallowing. When these structures (muscles, ligaments, disk, jaw bone, temporal bone) are not aligned they don’t move well together.

Why choose us for your Botox and TMD therapy?


WHAT IS BOTOX AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Did you know that Botox®, commonly known for cosmetic use, is also effective for addressing issues like teeth grinding, clenching, tension headaches, and TMJ disorders? While it’s widely recognized for treating facial lines and wrinkles, Botox® initially gained approval for medical purposes, such as addressing crossed eyes and eyelid muscle spasms. It is now utilized for various medical conditions, including chronic migraine, cerebral palsy, cervical dystonia, overactive bladder, severe underarm sweating, and upper limb spasticity, as well as alleviating severe clenching, grinding, tension headaches, and TMJ disorders.
Botox® acts as a natural purified protein, temporarily relaxing jaw muscles by blocking nerve signals that stimulate muscle contractions. This reduction in muscle activity helps alleviate pain, tension, soreness, and headaches associated with powerful and unconscious jaw movements. By diminishing the intensity and frequency of clenching or grinding, Botox® allows the jaw muscles to rest.
USING BOTOX TO TREAT DENTAL ISSUES
Botox, an extensively researched product, holds FDA approval for cosmetic, dental, and medical applications. When administered by skilled professionals, it is deemed a secure treatment choice for various dental concerns with minimal risks to patients. Nonetheless, Botox has a finite duration of effectiveness, necessitating periodic re-administration every few months based on individual circumstances.




TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS
Individuals experiencing painful jaw disorders may discover relief through Botox injections in dentistry. Conditions causing discomfort, swelling, and tension during activities like chewing and talking can benefit from this treatment. For cases where temporomandibular joint disorders arise due to an enlarged masseter muscle connecting the cheekbone to the jawbone, Botox can diminish muscle movement. This leads to a gradual reduction in muscle size and alleviates tension in the joint.
BRUXISM
People who habitually grind or clench their teeth may suffer from bruxism, a condition with potential serious complications such as tooth fractures, chronic headaches, severe pain, and even tooth loss. Similar to the approach for TMJ disorders, addressing the masseter muscle with Botox can effectively reduce swelling, diminishing the inclination to grind teeth.
BOTOX FOR TEETH CLENCHING AND GRINDING
Bruxism, the medical term for habitual teeth clenching and grinding, often occurs during sleep and can lead to headaches, dental damage, and jaw disorders. Its origins are not fully understood but are believed to involve a mix of genetic, psychological, and physical factors. Bruxism can exacerbate or trigger temporomandibular joint disorders. Botox is a common treatment, starting to alleviate symptoms within five to ten days and providing relief for three to six months before requiring additional treatment.
While Botox doesn’t offer a complete cure for bruxism, it has proven effective in reducing dental damage and associated pain. Injected into the masseter muscle near the temporomandibular joint, Botox weakens the muscle enough to mitigate teeth grinding and clenching, minimizing wear and tear on teeth. Importantly, the masseter’s primary function, facilitating chewing, remains unaffected.
HOW LONG IS THE PROCEDURE?
The length of Botox treatment depends upon the number of injections required as determined by your physician. Most treatment procedures last 10-30 minutes.
IS BOTOX® TREATMENT PAINFUL?
The momentary discomfort linked to the Botox treatment stems from the injections, often likened to a minor bug bite by patients. To alleviate injection pain, cold packs or anesthetic creams can be applied. In cases of needle-related anxiety, Nitrous Oxide might be recommended by your doctor.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?
Muscle tenderness will quickly diminish post-treatment, while wrinkles may start fading within 24-48 hours and continue to diminish for about a week. Occasionally, mild bruising or temporary numbness/redness may occur. Although the goal isn’t to appear 20 years younger, the outcome is a more natural and relaxed look.
*A minority of Botox-treated patients may not observe a noticeable reduction in wrinkles.




RECOVERING FROM BOTOX® TREATMENT
Because Botox Treatment is non-surgical and non-invasive, most patients are able to return to normal activities immediately. However, it’s advisable to avoid physical activity, standing for extended periods or rubbing the injection sites, as this may cause the toxin to spread to other muscles.
THE RISK OF BOTOX INJECTIONS
While rare, Botox treatment may entail side effects, with common occurrences including headaches, flu-like symptoms, respiratory infections, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. Less frequently reported effects encompass discomfort, redness, and muscle weakness, typically emerging within the initial week.
Bruising at the injection site is possible, particularly in high-use areas like the lips, although Botox injections around the mouth are less common in TMJ treatment. Another consideration is the potential development of antibodies by the body, diminishing the treatment’s effectiveness over time. To delay this, using the lowest possible dose at extended intervals is advisable. Botox treatments are not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
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