When you think of Botox, what’s the first thing you think of? You may think of cosmetic surgery. This is definitely its most popular use, but Botox actually has medical uses as well. Botox can even be used in dentistry to help treat TMD or chronic headaches. If you suffer from TMD, Dr. Brent Engelberg may recommend Botox as part of your treatment plan.
What is TMD?
The tempromandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your upper jaw. Problems with this joint are at the root of a lot of dental complaints. TMD, or tempromandibular joint disorders, refers collectively to these problems. TMD can manifest in a lot of ways, but some of the most common are headaches, jaw pain, a clicking jaw, and grinding the teeth. Depending on your own symptoms, Dr. Engelberg will recommend a source of treatment. One possibility is the use of Botox.
Botox and Medicine
Botox, or botulinum toxin, works by stopping the muscles from contracting and getting especially tight. In cosmetic surgery, botox can give the smooth, ageless appearance many people crave. Botox can also be used as pain relief for muscle conditions.
TMD Treatment
Most TMD disorders come down to jaw tension and pain. For some cases, Botox can be the perfect solution. The Botox will be injected deep into the muscles of the jaw. This can relax the muscles and relieve pain in the face, neck, and head, without affecting normal function. Not only can Botox relieve your immediate pain, your newly relaxed jaw can also be trained to work without clenching in the future. The best part about this option is how easy it is. Botox is a non-surgical treatment with almost no downtime or recovery needed.
Treating Headaches
TMD headaches are caused by tension in the face, head, and neck. By relaxing these muscles, many people see instant relief of their chronic headaches. Headaches can be reduced in frequency and severity, or even go away altogether.
Treating Enlarged Facial Muscles
Constant teeth grinding can become a workout for your face, and enlarged muscles may be the result. Enlarged muscles can make a feminine face look more square and masculine. Relaxing the enlarged muscles with Botox can help them look less prominent. With repeated treatment for your bruxism, these muscles can actually shrink over time.
Schedule an Appointment
If traditional treatments haven’t worked for your TMD, consider Botox Therapeutic. Dr. Brent Engelberg is trained in both medical dentistry and facial esthetics. He is experienced in administering Botox and similar injections so you can be confident of your results. If you are interested in this quick and easy treatment with little to no downtime, contact AH Smiles online or at (847) 230-9703 to schedule your appointment today.