Head, jaw and neck pain very often has a dental occlusion and masticatory (chewing) muscle origin. Recent advances in the understanding of pain have lead to new treatments and pain management techniques for acute and chronic dental and facial pain. BOTOX® and JEAVEAU are neurotoxins that block messages between muscles and the nerves that control them. Neurotoxin is a natural protein, it is a powerful muscle relaxant with minimal side-effects. The temporary effects of BOTOX® become apparent 7-10 days after the procedure and generally last 3-4 months.
The most common benefit of Neurotoxin in dentistry is the reduction in the number of clenching events and their intensity. This will reduce the destruction of your teeth, gums, and jaw joint, reduce the discomfort and pain in your face, jaw joint, teeth and chewing muscles. Other benefits include the elimination of tension headaches and migraines. The upper lips can be relaxed to prevent the gums from showing too much when smiling. A beneficial side-effect may be smoothing of lines between the brows, in the forehead and around the eyes.
Neurotoxin injections are a simple, non-surgical procedure that is usually completed in less than 20 minutes. Any discomfort associated with the procedure is due to the injections but is minimal and brief. Some patients have likened it to a "bug bite.”
The problem treated with Neurotoxin will disappear for up to four months. The smooth, diminished appearance of the wrinkles may last up to four months. Patients should wait at least three months between treatments. There is also the likely possibility that with repeated treatments, the injected muscles will atrophy allowing the patient to go longer and longer between sessions. Botox may or may not be the best treatment option for the results that you desire. An ideal candidate meets the following conditions.
- Between the ages of 18-65
- Has a dento-facial problem cause by parafunctional muscle activity
- Has a drooling problem
- Does not object to the disappearance of wrinkles
- Looking for a non-surgical solution
- Looking for a temporary solution
- Knowledge about the procedure
- Realistic in expectations
- In good physical and psychological health
- Not pregnant or nursing