Botox®

Managing Your Dental Conditions With Injectables

Botox® is an extremely popular procedure, with millions of people in the United States receiving treatments. You may have heard of your friends, family or co-workers getting it for cosmetic purposes, such as reducing wrinkles, improving crow’s feet or getting rid of frown lines, but Botox® is an impeccable tool in the field of dentistry as well! Dr. Rahee Shah underwent specialized training in oral and maxillofacial concerns in order to perform these treatments in order to deliver exceptional and modern dental solutions to our patients.

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What is Botox®?

Botox® is the shortened name for the drug Botulinum toxin, which is made from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles temporarily, which allows them to relax instead of contracting. We are proud to bring our patients this invaluable tool in managing a variety of dental conditions, including treating TMJ disorders, teeth grinding (bruxism) and more.

How Is Botox® Used In Dentistry?

At Cary Smiles, we deliver cutting-edge Botox® treatments to our patients in a relaxing environment with a team that is patient-focused and ready to help you achieve your smile goals. The injectable can help manage a variety of dental conditions that may be causing you pain or discomfort. By temporarily disabling the nerve receptors in certain muscles, it helps those areas relax, which has proven to be beneficial in treating dental issues that are connected to muscle tensions and hyperactivity. Here are some of the ways Dr. Shah uses this treatment to treat dental issues:

TMJ Disorders

People with a temporomandibular joint disorder often experience extreme discomfort in their jaw that may lead to headaches, migraines, toothaches and even pain while chewing. When Dr. Shah injects the medicine into your jaw, it forces those muscles to relax, promoting relaxation and providing relief from symptoms. This treatment method can give patients immediate relief and help improve their overall quality of life.

Bruxism

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition where a person clenches their teeth either consciously or unconsciously, usually while they sleep. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to serious jaw pain (TMJ disorder), headaches, or even tooth damage from the excessive wear. Injecting Botox® into the jaw allows those muscles that typically cause you to clench or grind your teeth to relax. Not only does this help keep the structure of your teeth healthy, but it also reduces headaches and facial tension.

Gummy Smiles

A gummy smile refers to a smile that shows more gum than most and may negatively impact a person’s self-confidence. If you are looking to reduce the amount of gum tissue exposed in your smile, Dr. Shah may recommend Botox® to target the muscles in your upper lip, which can cause them to fall and hide some of the gums when smiling.

Denture Wear

Patients who find it difficult to wear dentures due to the hyperactivity of the muscles in their jaw may benefit from Botox® injection. It can help the muscles relax and help retrain them to better prepare for dentures, allowing them to sit more comfortably in a patient’s mouth.

Benefits of Botox® in Dentistry

There are many benefits of receiving Botox® treatments for your dental conditions at our office in Cary, NC. Here are some of the reasons Cary Smiles patients visit us for these treatments:

Minimally Invasive: It is a great non-surgical option for patients who are looking for a solution to their dental concerns that require little to no downtime.
Quick Treatment: We know that our patients have busy schedules and may not have time to commit to a treatment that requires more in-office visits or regular at-home maintenance. These sessions are quick and have you out the door in no time!
Fast Results: Depending on you and your dental needs, most of our patients notice the difference in days, with the final results typically lasting about three to six months. If you want to keep up with your results, we recommend that you continue seeing us for your Botox® injections.
Headaches/Migraines: Not only can it help manage your dental symptoms, but it can also improve headaches or reduce the severe pain some experience with migraines.

Xeomin® Injections

Xeomin® is an injectable approved by the FDA back in 2010 and functions just like Botox® where the medicine is injected into your face or body in order to help the muscles in those areas relax. In addition to cosmetic purposes, dentists such as Dr. Shah may use it to treat medical conditions such as headaches, TMJ disorder and eye conditions.

Both injectables have similar goals and similar functions, but the way they are made is what separates them. Xeomin® does not have any additives whereas Botox® does. This allows results with Xeomin® to be fast-acting with most patients noticing the differences in just 3-5 days. It also allows patients to experience less hypersensitivity and less likely to develop antibodies that prevent Xeomin® from being effective.

Our Patients Are At The Root Of Everything We Do

We are committed to delivering a positive dental experience for every patient, every time. Our warm and welcoming team fosters a relaxing, comfortable environment that feels like home. We use cutting-edge technology, such as digital X-rays, scans, and 3D-printed appliances, to ensure your comfort and provide exceptional care. Request an appointment today!