Botox for Oral Facial Pain

The most common application for botulinum toxin in dentistry is the treatment of TMJ disorder. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain and constant headaches as the result of hyperactive muscles in the head and neck. The hyperactivity of these muscles leads to heavy clenching and grinding of the teeth.

What is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a chemical called a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria that causes botulism, a rare disease typically classified as food poisoning. In instances of infection, the toxin causes paralysis of muscles, leading to breathing difficulty, and in rare cases even death.

The toxin itself has been isolated and found to have temporary muscle relaxant properties when applied to skeletal muscles in very precise doses.

Most people are familiar with the cosmetic application of “Botox” being that it reduces wrinkles and fine lines in the face by paralyzing the muscles that cause those lines. Botulinum toxin also has some therapeutic applications that provide significant pain relief to many people.

What Dental Issues can Botulinum Toxin Treat?

The most common application for botulinum toxin in dentistry is the treatment of TMJ disorder. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain and constant headaches as the result of hyperactive muscles in the head and neck. The hyperactivity of these muscles leads to heavy clenching and grinding of the teeth.

This condition, known as bruxism, is quite difficult to treat. Most therapies aim to simply protect the teeth, gums, bone, muscles and jaw joints from the damage of the grinding. Historically, dentists had little in the way of actually reducing the muscles’ activity.

Now dentists can actually decrease the amount of force someone can create between his or her upper and lower jaws through precise botulinum toxin injections. Rather than simply addressing the symptoms of the bruxism and trying to prevent damage, we can actually treat the cause of the problem.

Reducing muscle force in the jaws leads to a decreased risk for a wide variety of dental problems, including:

Can All Dentists Perform Treatment with Botulinum Toxin?

All dentists are experts in the anatomy of the head and neck. Our extensive education and training in dental school gives dentists a higher level of understanding and skill in any conditions and/or treatments regarding the facial muscles.

Dentists are also experts with injections. Unlike most medical doctors, dentists give large numbers of injections every day in order to provide local anesthesia to patients prior to performing dental treatment. This skill is also based in a firm understanding of the anatomy of the head and neck.

Some dentists choose to undergo additional training and education in the specific realm of botulinum toxin therapy. There are a variety of programs available, with one of the most prestigious being the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. A dentist trained by the AAFE undergoes a rigorous program of both didactic and hands-on training to master the skills necessary for providing excellent care for his patients. Certification by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics proves that your dentist has undergone this additional training.

Our practice in Colorado Springs, CO offers many options for you to alieviate dental pain. If you'd like to discuss if Botox treatments are right for you, schedule your appointment with Audubon Dental today.