You have probably heard about Botox. Both men and women demand this procedure a lot because of its aesthetic benefits. Years ago, it was only popular among women, but nowadays, men who also want to improve their appearance by reducing wrinkles visit our cosmetic dentist in South Miami.
But besides the cosmetic benefits, Botox is now highly used for relaxing the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and many people are asking for therapeutic Botox in Kendall when they visit their dentist’s office.
What is Botox?
Botox is a derivative of botulinum toxin; however, it is not dangerous for your health. It has many benefits, such as cosmetic appeal, and also for treating muscle contractures. It is an alternative treatment for patients who have TMJ issues.
The Temporomandibular Joint
The TMJ is the articulation that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. It allows us to make many movements, such as opening and closing our mouths, yawning, chewing and speaking. Without it, we would not be able to do these things, which is why it is essential to have a healthy TMJ for a better quality of life.
If you have a problem with it, you probably have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), and you must visit a dentist in Kendall who can help you determine the issue and how to treat it. Among the symptoms of TMD, you may find the following:
- Jaw pain, neck pain, ear pain, or a combination of them
- Pain in your face
- A clicking sound when you open and close your mouth
- Headaches
- A ringing in your ear
- Your jaw gets stuck as you try to open your mouth.
- Swelling in your jaw
These symptoms are painful and may reduce your quality of life. If you are experiencing one or many of them, we strongly suggest that you visit a dentist near you who offers therapeutic Botox.
Causes of TMD
- Possible causes are:
- Face trauma that harmed your jaw or teeth
- Contracture of neck muscles
- Arthritis
- Bruxism (the excessive grinding of your teeth)
- Stress
Treatment of TMD
There are many ways to approach TMD. Your doctor will instruct you to:
- Keep a soft diet not to stress the masticatory muscles.
- Use ice packs to alleviate the swelling.
- Apply warm towels to reduce pain.
- Take painkillers or muscle relaxants.
- Massage the articulation with a chiropractor’s help.
- Look for therapeutic Botox near you.
Botox has shown positive results in patients with TMD because the toxin blocks signal from the nerves to the muscles, resulting in the impossibility to contract. The consequence is that muscles soften, and if you suffer from tension in your TMJ, you will feel relief.
Who Can Administer Botox?
A medical practitioner can administer Botox. Commonly, dentists, physicians, and nurses provide the injections; however, they must have taken additional education courses before.
Does My Insurance Cover the Cost of Botox?
If you are looking for therapeutic Botox near you, it is probably one of the questions you may have. Today, more companies are providing coverage for some of the expenses of Botox treatments; however, it has to be therapeutic. For example, if you suffer from migraines and your doctor advises treating it with Botox, your insurance may cover the injections possibly. On the other hand, if it is due to cosmetic reasons, the majority of insurance companies don’t, although you should contact them to make sure.
If you have any other questions related to this or any dental topic, feel free to contact us for further assistance. We have a team of caring professionals who look forward to helping you improve your health.