What is Therapeutic Botox?
At Kanaka Creek Family Dental, our dental team offers Botox injections to our patients in Maple Ridge.
The active ingredient in Botox, botulinum toxin, temporarily paralyzes or weakens the muscles into which it is injected. By limiting the movement of these muscles, therapeutic Botox promotes relaxation and can ease pain.
This type of botox treatment focuses on relieving pain points in the jaw, face and neck, but most commonly in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Understanding TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint, responsible for connecting the jawbone to the skull, plays a crucial role in everyday activities such as talking, chewing, and yawning. When this joint becomes misaligned or experiences excessive strain, it can lead to a range of issues collectively known as TMJ disorders. Common symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
Botox Treatment: What To Expect
If this is your first time getting Botox, you might have some questions about the process. We are here to answer them.
Before Treatment
Any questions and concerns you have will be addressed before the treatment to ensure your desired results are understood.
Some have described the injections as a mild pinch. The injection is directed into the muscle under the skin. The needle is very fine in order to help prevent any pain, bruising, or swelling.
After Treatment
After your treatment, it is important to avoid certain activities for the first several hours. You must not lay down, or bend your head for a sustained period of time.
Do not touch or rub the treatment area to avoid moving the Botox and affecting other muscles. In rare cases, some people report getting headaches after a Botox injection.
Botox FAQs
Interested in learning more about the therapeutic botox offered at Kanaka Creek Family Dental? Take a look at the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions:
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Is Botox safe?
Botox is generally considered to be a safe treatment option when administered by a licensed healthcare provider.
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Are there any side effects to Botox?
Side effects from Botox are not common. If they do occur they are typically mild. They can include:
- Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Crooked smile or drooling
- Eye dryness or excessive tearing
If you do experience more than mild side effects that last hours to weeks after receiving Botox, call us immediately.
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When would Botox not be right for me?
Botox treatment should be avoided by:
- People with allergies to any one of the components of Botox®
- Patients who want a permanent fix that lasts more than a couple of months
- People on medication like penicillin, calcium blockers or quinine, who will suffer a bad reaction
- Pregnant or lactating women
- People with neuromuscular disease
- Those with weak facial muscles
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How long does a Botox treatment last?
When treating disorders such as those affecting the TMJ, you can expect the effects to last anywhere from three to five months.
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How can I prepare for treatment?
To ensure that your botox treatment is as effective and as safe as possible, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Provide your dental team with a current list of all medications that you are taking.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.
- We recommend that you stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications two weeks prior to treatment to reduce bruising.
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What are the recommendations for aftercare?
- Try to contract the treated muscle areas periodically for up to four hours after treatment, by frowning and lifting eyebrows to allow the toxin to reach all of the treated muscle.
- Avoid rubbing or touching the injected areas and avoid having facials and massages for 48 hours to ensure that the treatment remains at the site of injection.
- Avoid vigorous exercise and alcohol-based products on the area treated for 48 hours.