Botox®

It’s likely you’re already familiar with Botox as an anti-aging treatment intended to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. However, Botox also has a variety of off-label uses proven to be quite effective, including treatment and pain relief for patients who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD or TMD).

At Eastgate Dental Excellence, our dentist, Dr. Daniel Kelley, is pleased to provide our patients with Botox injections for both anti-aging benefits and TMD pain treatments.

What Is Botox?

Botox is an injectable treatment that doctors have been administering to patients for years for cosmetic purposes. Its active component is actually a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin. Hence the shortened name “Botox.”

When small amounts are injected into the facial muscles, Botox blocks the neurotransmissions to the muscles preventing them from contracting. As a result, the muscles are temporarily paralyzed, resulting in the diminished appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Botox Treatments at Eastgate Dental Excellence

At Eastgate Dental Excellence, anti-aging Botox treatments and Botox treatments for relief from temporomandibular joint disorder are available with Dr. Kelley.

Both treatments are administered via injection with a very small needle, so no anesthetic is necessary. We recommend applying a cold compress following Botox treatments to reduce instances of tenderness, swelling, and bruising.

Botox for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

For temporomandibular joint disorder, four small injections are typically made into the masseter muscles on each side of your jaw. This relaxes the muscle, relieving the pain and tension of TMD.

Botox for Anti-Aging

For anti-aging treatments, Botox injections can be placed in the muscles of the forehead, between the eyebrows, above the eyebrows, and along the side of the face to reduce the appearance of crows’ feet.

How Soon Does Botox Work and How Long Does It Last?

Although every patient is different, relief from Botox injections typically sets in one to two weeks after administration and lasts between three to five months. When the effects begin to wear off, you can schedule another Botox appointment to continue experiencing relief.

Is Botox Right for You?

If you’re interested in learning more about receiving Botox for anti-aging purposes and/or TMD pain relief, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kelley. Together, you can discuss treatments, potential side effects, the kind of results you can expect, and find out whether Botox is right for you.

To learn more or schedule a Botox consultation, contact Eastgate Dental Excellence today.