Yes, It’s Safe To Get Botox From Your Dentist!

Most patients assume that Botox is only used for cosmetic purposes, such as reducing the appearance of unwanted lines and wrinkles. While Botox is commonly used cosmetically, Botox treatments can also offer many incredible benefits to dental patients suffering from discomfort.

As Botox’s use in dentistry becomes more available, research studies are being conducted to explain how the many benefits of Botox can be successfully used to combat many dental issues. Botox can be used to correct parafunctional jaw clenching, temporomandibular disorder (TMJ), and many other conditions, and yes, it’s safe to get Botox from your dentist!

How Botox Works In Dentistry

Botox does not require anesthesia and will be injected with a small needle into the muscles of your jaw or other areas in your mouth. Since Botox works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles, it reduces muscle contractions and reduces or eliminates teeth grinding, TMJ symptoms, or other dental discomforts.

Treatment sessions take under an hour and will give you great, long-term relief from many common dental issues. The effects will likely last three to four months, making maintenance appointments minimal.

Uses For Botox in Dentistry

With proper training, dentists can use Botox to assist patients with the following:

Repositioning Lip Muscles. Botox can be used for edentulous patients when the lip muscles have become repositioned due to decreased vertical dimension. Botox can help to relax and retrain the muscles around a new denture to make the transition period more comfortable with a higher success rate.

Gummy Smile. Those with a high lip line can use Botox to help relax lip muscles and achieve a lower, more aesthetically-pleasing smile line. The entire process is minimally invasive, and results are immediate, so this is a popular treatment option.

TMJ Relief. Patients suffering from TMJ can benefit from Botox injections. TMJ disorders cause severe pain from hyperactivity of the muscles, and treatment options are limited. Botox can relax these muscles, offering quick and efficient pain relief.

Bruxism. Botox treatments can minimize Bruxism by reducing the force of the muscular contractions involved. These injections can be useful in combination with the use of a nightguard appliance.

Potential Side Effects

Botox injections used in dentistry are safe and effective, as long as they are performed by a certified provider like Aubrey Baudean DDS. With any treatment, there are always potential side effects, that can include:

• Infection at the injection site
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain
• Allergic reaction
• Possible headaches

Any potential side effects should always be discussed with you by your provider at a consultation appointment.

Dentists Must Be Certified

Botox can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan rather than a stand-alone procedure. To administer botox, a dental professional must receive appropriate education and training. Every dentist must meet several requirements before administering Botox injections or dermal fillers. Dentists who provide Botox treatment must undergo extensive training, including a Botox training and certification course and regular continuing education classes.

Discussing Botox With Your Dentist

As with any dental treatment, it is imperative to discuss all products and procedures with your provider. Your trusted dental professional should discuss the potential risks, benefits, cost, and maintenance appointments before administering Botox. With advantages like immediate results and immediate relief with no recovery time, it’s easy to see why many dentists are offering Botox to their patients. Be informed and openly discuss any concerns or questions you have with your provider. For more information on Botox and how it can be successfully used in dentistry, contact Aubrey Baudean DDS today.