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Most people believe Botox is only for maintaining or capturing a youthful look— purely a cosmetic choice rather than a treatment. However, Botox has many therapeutic uses, from TMJ to mucogingival therapy. Doctors are just now tapping into the many benefits other than cosmetic Botox can provide to patients. Greater Atlanta Oral Facial Surgery offers Botox for TMJ—and you don’t even have to make any appointment!
What is TMJ?
The temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is used during talking, eating, swallowing, and other everyday activities. TMJ is located on both sides of the head at the point where the jawbone meets the skull. If this joint becomes displaced or is overworked through excessive teeth grinding, a person may suffer severe tension headaches, as well as sharp pain in the jaw. Botox relieves jaw tension by making muscles unable to engage in the powerful, often unconscious movement of the jaw that produces headaches and pain.
The Botox alternative treatment for TMJ disorders and jaw tension is usually quick, straightforward, and effective. A non-surgical procedure, Botox injections are administered in a doctor’s office and treatment requires no hospital stay. Most patients experience noticeable improvement within one or two days of their first treatment, although relief can take up to a week.
What is Botox Treatment Like?
Botox is a very short, noninvasive procedure. Expect the appointment to take about 20 minutes. The doctor uses a very small needle that feels like a pinprick. He or she injects small amounts of Botox into shallow muscles in the skin. Each treatment typically involves multiple injections in seven key areas of the head and neck.
The most common side effect from the Botox shots is a sore neck. We recommend using an ice pack to reduce the discomfort.
It can take up to six months to see the maximum benefit from Botox. In the meantime, you can continue your regular medications with no risk of a drug interaction.
Botox and Mucogingival Therapy
Healthy gums are firm and tightly attach around teeth to protect the body from unwanted bacteria, toxins and even daily activities like eating and brushing. Disease can often expose your roots, making you look “long in the tooth.” When the diseased gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, the body loses its natural defense mechanism, especially against bacteria of the mouth. If the gums recede, these bacteria are able to invade the tissues that support your teeth. Gum recession is a problem for many reasons:
- Sensitivity
- Poor esthetics
- High susceptibility to cavities
- Limited protection against bacteria
- Notched roots
- Change in tooth color
Excessive gingival display is often caused by vertical maxillary excess and hypermobility of the upper lip. To treat this issue, some patients turn to orthognathic surgery. However, patients who want a less invasive treatment option may turn to Botox. This can help both on its own and in conjunction with surgery.
At Greater Atlanta Oral Facial Surgery, we work hard to stay on top of the latest training and research so we can give our patients the best care possible. If you need Botox in Buckhead or Cumming, contact us today. In addition to offering Botox for TMJ, we also offer cosmetic treatments and a range of other procedures. Contact us to set up an appointment today.