Botox is the brand name of a toxin called Clostridium botulinum, and you have most likely heard about it as a way to get rid of and prevent wrinkles on your face. But there is a long list of things a Botox injection can treat, both aesthetically and medically. In large doses, the bacteria Clostridium botulinum can cause botulism, which is usually associated with food poison. One of the most serious complications of botulism is paralysis, but scientists found a way to use that reaction to their advantage. Smaller, diluted amounts can be injected into muscles, causing the muscle to relax. Botulinum toxin relaxes muscle by blocking the release of a chemical called acetylcholine. When Botox is injected, it blocks certain nerve signals that make muscles contract. The muscles relax, reducing the appearance of wrinkles on your face, easing migraines, and treating bruxism, or the grinding and clenching of teeth, among other things. The effect can last anywhere from three to six months and the treatment can be repeated. There are two different types of the toxin (toxin A and toxin B) and each is recommended for different uses. Your doctor will recommend the best product for your intended use.
What are the potential benefits of Botox?
Since doctors began using Botox around 1989 for the treatment of crossed eyes, the list of things it is used to treat has grown. Now you hear about Botox injections for a number of cosmetic and medical uses, including wrinkle reduction and migraines. It also treats some eye disorders like uncontrolled blinking and some muscular disorders such as cervical dystonia and torticollis. Botulinum toxin can also be used to treat overactive bladder in patients who do not respond to or who can’t tolerate medication. It helps reduce urine leakage and frequent bathroom trips. It is also used to treat severe underarm sweating and drooling/excess saliva. The toxin works by blocking the chemicals that turn on the sweat and salivary glands. The injections are a fast, relatively painless procedure, and can relieve chronic pain.
How is Botox used in the dental industry?
In the dental industry, practitioners use Botox for a variety of situations, including:
Treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)
Temporary relief of bruxism or tooth clenching and grinding
Treatment of oromandibular dystonia
Treatment of mandibular spasm
Temporary treatment of pathologic clenching
Treatment of gummy smile
What procedures do we offer?
Lifetime Dental Health provides comprehensive facial aesthetic services so your beautiful smile can be complemented with a youthful and refreshed look. Dr. Love and the rest of our certified team have years of experience performing dental Botox and other cosmetic procedures. Take care of trouble spots and restore confidence and joy to your cosmetic transformation! Dental Botox provides an amazing solution to both cosmetic blemishes and deeper oral health issues. Whether you have a class reunion, wedding, or are just tired of those stubborn wrinkles, Dr. Love in Columbus, Ohio can bring your best look back with Dental Botox. Frown lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles between your eyes can make you look older than you feel. Botox can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles so you can walk out the door with confidence.
In addition to aesthetic treatments, dental Botox also provides an effective way to treat TMJ disorder and bruxism. Continuous clenching and grinding can lead to severe facial pain, headaches, and tooth damage. Often these issues are caused by a misalignment in the jaw joints, or by facial muscle spasms. Dr. Love is a Certified Botox Doctor who skillfully uses Botox injections to relax your facial muscles and provide months of relief. The treatments can be repeated as needed.
If you are curious about how the use of dental Botox might help any pain or symptoms you may be experiencing, contact us or give us a call at Lifetime Dental Health today at (614) 333-9442. Our team is committed to making your visit comfortable and pleasant. We are happy to help you with anything you need and answer any questions you may have so that you can have the quality dental care you deserve.
What is Botox?
In the dental industry, practitioners use Botox for a variety of situations, including: