For many of us, the first time we heard about Botox it was in relation to the cosmetic benefits it can provide. However, our office realized that there was more to Botox than smoothing out wrinkles; we realized it had the potential to offer our patients relief from dental discomfort and even alleviate painful symptoms caused by oral health issues. In fact, Botox was developed specifically for muscle spasms around the eye. When Doctors used it, they noticed wrinkle reduction. And that launched the cosmetic use of Botox around the world.
That is the difference experience can make between the average dentist and the dedicated dental professionals here at Evolution Dental. We are always seeking the latest oral health techniques and incorporating the newest dental technology into our treatments, committed to providing you with the happiest and healthiest smile.
Located in Palm Desert, CA, contact Evolution Dental today and learn how you can benefit from our therapeutic Botox services.
What is Botox?
Botox is a purified protein derived from Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to targeted muscles, reducing their activity and relaxing them. This mechanism makes Botox effective for both cosmetic and medical applications.
Medical Botox has been used as a pharmaceutical for a variety of purposes. By delivering calculated doses of Botox to select areas such as nerves or muscles, it can produce a wide range of long-lasting results.
While it is true that Botox became a household name thanks to the cosmetic benefits it can provide, it is the medicinal and alleviating properties that our office uses Botox for.
We offer Botox treatments at Evolution Dental to soothe away muscle tension and stress in your jaw, maximizing your comfort so you have even more reasons to smile.
How Can I Benefit from Therapeutic Botox?
Our mouths can be seen as a very complex network, each section working together to contribute to our oral health and overall well-being. This teamwork of hard tissue (like our enamel) and soft tissue (like our gums or tongue) is vital for everyday activities like chewing, speaking, and of course, smiling.
However, our mouths play vital roles in other areas such as keeping our facial muscles taut, our jaw bones healthy, and our bites in proper alignment. When an oral health issue disrupts the synergy of our mouths, it can put our dental care at risk.
Below are just a few examples of those oral health risks and how our Botox services can help.
Chronic Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)
Let’s face it – life is stressful and often beyond our control. Bruxism is a common result of that stress. It began to rise significantly during Covid and has not subsided. While some people feel the effects as a sore jaw or sore and worn teeth, not everyone knows they suffer from bruxism. And while bruxism was diagnosed in the past as a “daytime” or “nighttime” type, today it is just called “Bruxism” because most people brux (clench or grind) both day and night.
Naturally, this increased stress on your jaw and teeth can have negative consequences. Bruxism has been known to cause:
- Enamel Erosion
- Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Teeth
- Jaw Pain While Chewing
- Aching Muscles of the Face, Neck, and Shoulders
- Tension Headaches and Earaches
Since these symptoms are caused by prolonged tension in the jaw, Botox can be an effective solution. With a single treatment applied to certain sections of your jaw, your muscles will be relaxed and alleviate the discomfort and tension caused by bruxism.
Treating temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMD)
Like bruxism, TMD can cause (or even be caused by) prolonged tension that we don’t have control over. For TMJ/TMD, the tension is specifically dangerous to the connective tissue and joints of our mouths. In many cases, TMD leads to symptoms so painful they actually disrupt day-to-day activities. These symptoms include:
- Pain around the joints of your jaw
- Increased frequency of ear aches or even ear infections
- Unable to chew comfortably or even prevent you from chewing certain foods
- Struggling to open or close your mouth without discomfort
Due to Botox’s ability to ease muscle tension, it is a great treatment option to relieve even the most severe TMD symptoms. It can even prevent further damage by giving the joints a chance to recover and heal.
Migraine Relief
If you experience frequent migraines or sudden, blinding headaches, you might be surprised to learn this can be an oral health issue. While both bruxism and TMJ contribute to migraines, the simple fact that you may be holding unnecessary tension in your jaw puts an incredible strain on your face, neck, and shoulders.
The result? An increase in migraines or sudden tension headaches that can leave you feeling miserable.
If you are looking for migraine relief and nothing has worked so far, give us a call. Our Botox service might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Treatments Can Be Better with Botox
At Evolution Dental, you get access to some of the most advanced treatments available today and the peace of mind that comes with our commitment to providing you with the healthiest and happiest smile. We honor this commitment by creating a truly personalized treatment plan that meets your oral health needs and dental goals.
That is why our therapeutic Botox service pairs so well with other treatments. Where certain treatments address and correct the cause of an oral health issue, Botox can be a wonderful addition that offers pain and tension relief and alleviates the symptoms.
For example, our customized night guards can protect your jaw and teeth from bruxism, but they are even more effective when combined with Botox for muscle tension relief. This combination of prevention and relaxation can also be applied to our oral splints that correct TMJ/TMD.
If you would like to learn more about our TMJ treatments and how they work with Botox, visit our TMJ page.
The Botox Process at Evolution Dental
Our office is constantly evolving to make your visit with us comfortable and quick. Botox is completed in a single visit, though Dr. Cast may recommend that you receive a Botox treatment once every couple of months if your symptoms are severe.
Here is how we use Botox to give you relief from pain and tension:
- Consultation | If you are struggling with TMJ pain or headaches, set up a consultation in our beautiful office in Palm Desert, CA. Dr. Cast will determine if Botox can help us meet your needs.
- Appointment | You will come in for a 1-hour appointment where we carefully place the Botox in your TMJ or around your temples. We offer sedation dentistry if this part of the treatment makes you nervous.
- Relief From Pain | You will have a recovery period of a day or two, but after that, your smile will be free from pain and tension. The Botox treatment should last a couple of months.
You may only need to complete this treatment once, or it may become a repeated treatment to help your smile, depending on the cause of your pain and tension.
Recovery should be simple. You may experience sensitivity, bruising, or slight swelling, but it should dissipate in a day or two. If it does not, reach out to our office quickly.
Why Choose a Dentist for Botox Treatments?
When considering Botox treatments, choosing the right provider is crucial for both safety and results. Dentists, like Dr. Cast, bring a unique set of skills to the table that make them exceptionally qualified for treating both bruxism and TMJ. With extensive training in facial anatomy, dentists have a deep understanding of the muscles, nerves, and structures that govern facial expressions. This expertise ensures precise, targeted Botox treatments that enhance your comfort and well-being.
Dr. Cast’s background sets him apart even further. Dr. Cast is a former lecturer and Clinical Instructor on Botox and dermal fillers, and he has trained dentists in both California and Texas.
At Evolution Dental, Dr. Cast uses Botox for therapeutic purposes, such as relieving TMJ-related pain and reducing the frequency of tension headaches. Choosing a dentist for Botox means working with an expert who understands the intricate connection between oral health and overall well-being, ensuring that every treatment is both precise and impactful.
Discover the Benefits of Botox and Contact Us Today
Discover how Botox treatments at Evolution Dental can complement your oral health regimen. Ideal for managing conditions such as TMD, Botox not only alleviates discomfort but also enhances functional aesthetics. Embrace a comprehensive approach to dental care with this innovative solution right here in Palm Desert, CA.
Learn how your oral health can be improved with our Botox treatments by contacting our office today.
About Dr. Cast
Dr. Douglas Cast is a Southern California native. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Georgetown University. Dr Cast is both a former Clinical Instructor and a Lecturer at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, which is a global leader in teaching dentists from around the world in the art and science of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Dr. Cast played an instrumental role in designing some of the cosmetic advancements commonly seen in higher-end cosmetic dental treatments today.