You’ve probably heard of how BOTOX has helped Hollywood stars maintain a youthful appearance, but you may not be aware of how it can be used to address a variety of health issues. This versatile treatment is incredibly safe, and many sleep dentists use it to relieve their patients of chronic pain caused by TMJ disorders. Here’s a brief guide to how BOTOX injections can help address this problem so you can move your jaw comfortably again.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint is the complex structure that connects the jaw to the skull and allows for the wide range of movement necessary for chewing and speaking. This joint can be forced out of alignment for reasons like grinding, dental misalignments, and facial injuries, and TMJ disorders can cause chronic pain as well as unpleasant popping sounds when you move your jaw.
What Is BOTOX?
BOTOX is a popular cosmetic treatment that is commonly used to address wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing targeted facial muscles in positions that hold the skin taut. This safe treatment wears off after several months, and the patient will be free to receive retreatments as needed. If they no longer wish to receive BOTOX, they can cease the treatments without any side effects other than the reappearance of their wrinkles.
However, BOTOX has also been used to address a number of health issues by steadying problematic muscles. For example, the treatment has been used to treat neck spasms, excessive sweating, overactive bladder, and lazy eye. Some dentists use BOTOX to treat TMJ disorders by keeping the muscles in the jaw relaxed to prevent teeth grinding and stress to the joint.
How Is BOTOX Administered?
BOTOX injections include a small amount of botulinum toxin that can safely paralyze muscles, and they are administered to the targeted muscles through a syringe. This procedure is incredibly comfortable and minimally invasive, and it involves virtually no risk of complications as long as it is performed by a qualified provider. The process does not leave the face frozen in a doll-like expression as you may have seen it portrayed in many comedic movies and TV shows, and negative reactions are remarkably rare.
Don’t let your TMJ disorder diminish your quality of life by causing constant discomfort. Consulting with your sleep dentist can help you find out if BOTOX can be right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Keane Fedosky earned his dental degree at Baylor College of Dentistry and has more than twenty years’ experience in treating sleep apnea and TMJ disorders. He is proud to be a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. His office in Plano provides patients with outstanding care in a friendly and welcoming environment, and he takes great pride in helping patients live comfortably. To learn more about BOTOX, contact his practice online or dial (972) 496-0515.