Botox

How Does Botox Work?

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Did you know that Botox is widely used by dentists? You can get cosmeticBotox in Tucson, AZ at the dental clinic of Carlos Rodriguez, DMD, but Botox is also helpful in dental procedures. This effective and vetted substance is used around the world for cosmetic and dental purposes.

How Does Botox Work?

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that works to trigger muscle contractions. When this neurotransmitter isn’t triggered, muscles stay relaxed. Botox is a naturally-occurring substance that just happens to have the power to block acetylcholine. So, with the introduction of Botox into targeted muscle areas, the neurotransmitter action is blocked. The Botox actually binds to nerve endings, but only temporarily. The effects wear off over time, which is both why it’s useful for dental treatments and why you need multiple Botox injections over time to retain the effects.

How is Botox Used In Dentistry?

Botox is used in dentistry in a variety of ways. It can help to relieve the pain and discomfort of TMJ, for one thing. TMJ is a very painful condition affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. In certain cases, dental conditions can result in pain and discomfort in the mouth, including the teeth and gums. Botox can be discriminately used to alleviate pain in these areas on a temporary basis until treatment can be completed.

Botox For Cosmetic Purposes

Of course, one of the most popular uses for Botox is cosmetic purposes, and this is available at yourTucson, AZ dentist. All you need to do is to ask about Botox treatments, and we can assist you by treating fine lines, crow’s feet, frown lines and other small imperfections with Botox. Contact us today to book your appointment to learn more about Botox and other dental issues.

Botox and TMJ Treatment

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One of the many things that your Tucson, AZ dentist can treat is TMJ. TMJ affects millions of people all over the world, and it causes everything from minor discomfort to debilitating pain in the jaw and neck. Contact Carlos Rodriguez, DMD to learn more. In the meantime, here is some helpful information about TMJ and its treatment.

Symptoms of TMJ

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms of TMJ. Symptoms may include things like:

  • clicking jaw
  • chronic headaches
  • aches in and around the neck and upper shoulders
  • muscle tension
  • pain while chewing
  • “crooked” jaw movement while chewing

Just because you don’t have the symptoms mentioned here doesn’t mean you don’t have TMJ. If you have any kind of chronic jaw discomfort or pain, talk to your dentist at Carlos Rodriguez, DMD.

Botox For TMJ

Botox is most famously known as a cosmetic beauty treatment to help hide wrinkles. But before it was used in the beauty industry, it was widely used in dentistry. One of the modern ways that dentists use Botox is to treat TMJ. By injecting Botox into the affected jaw muscles, the tension that leads to clenching and grinding (often referred to as bruxism) is reduced. This relaxation can alleviate muscle pain and reduce the intensity of jaw movements that may be causing joint inflammation or damage.

What to Expect With Botox For TMJ

The treatment you receive with Botox for TMJ may immediately work to cease pain and discomfort. But you should know that these results are not permanent. Like Botox used in the beauty industry, the effects of Botox eventually wear off. However, you can expect your results to last about three to four months.

Don’t worry. Your dentist is always available for TMJ treatment in Tucson, AZ. Contact us to book an appointment for your next Botox treatment when you need it most.