The Therapeutic Benefits of BOTOX®
Oct 16, 2019
BOTOX® is usually seen as a cosmetic procedure, however, this treatment has more pragmatic health benefits as well. For patients experiencing orofacial health concerns, BOTOX can prove to be beneficial when used as a therapeutic option.
Bruxism
Whether due to stress or myofunctional issues, a patient may sometimes experience the adverse effects of persistent jaw clenching and grinding of the teeth. Bruxism is a common oral and muscular health concern that requires treatment. If not addressed, the teeth wear down to the point of loss and constant soreness in your jaw muscles may occur. Even light bruxism can cause cracks and chips in the enamel of your teeth, leaving them more susceptible to decay. Particularly for patients who require restorative care for their smile, teeth grinding of any degree is harmful because of the damage it causes to ceramic and composite resin restorations.
With the proper training and certification, dental professionals can use BOTOX to address overactive facial muscles, which is one of the leading causes of bruxism. As a result, the discomfort caused by the overactive muscles lessens and your teeth stop grinding.
TMJ Comfort and TMD Management
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw bone and the skull. Within this joint is a cushioning disk that helps you eat, speak, and smile comfortably. In certain circumstances, this disc can slip out of place and the jaw muscles have to work harder than normal in these everyday functions.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) can cause various problems, such as bruxism, that impact your comfort and oral health. Since the jaw muscles are often overworked to accommodate the misaligned joint, a persistent soreness can occur near the jaw, neck, and ears. You may also feel a sharp pain in these areas whenever you bite, chew, or speak. Muscles spasms in the jaw cause excessive clenching, putting more force than normal onto the smile.
The symptoms of TMD can be managed by routine BOTOX treatments, preventing the muscle spasms that result from the condition. This halts the development of clenching and bruxism. The misalignment of the TMJ will require additional care from a specialist to treat the disorder, but BOTOX administration can keep your smile healthy and your life more comfortable while waiting for more advanced care.
Contact Us for Therapeutic BOTOX Administration
Northwest Prosthodontics provides BOTOX treatments for orofacial muscular conditions in Calgary, Olds, Airdrie, and High River. Dr. Nimet Adatia has the training necessary to use this option for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. For more information, call our practice and schedule a consultation today.