Dentistry aims to enhance the aesthetics of the smile while achieving and maintaining optimum oral health. One such aspect of oral health in dentistry is alleviating pain in the oral region. Botulinum Toxin, commonly known as Botox, is a muscle relaxant used in dentistry and medicine. While commonly known for its ability to safely reduce fine lines and wrinkles, Botox also has therapeutic uses. At DeRose Dental, Dr. Maria Barnes provides Botox to help treat chronic tension headaches, TMJ disorder, clenching and grinding due to muscle overstimulation.

Is Botox safe to use?

Botox is a chemical agent that has been used in dental procedures for a long time. It is FDA approved and safe when administered in minor quantities. The effect of Botox wears off after just a few months.

How does botox work?

Botox is injected into the skin at the region of stiffness and pain. The molecules of botox spread uniformly under the skin and attach to the nerve endings that are connected to the muscles. The sensory signals transmitted to the muscles will be kept to a minimum, which helps to minimize excessive muscle contractions. This does not affect your sensory functions, such as touch, pain, etc.

How can Botox be used to treat TMD?

TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is an oral condition that affects the TMJ. The TMJs are the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull and enable functions such as biting, chewing, laughing, and talking. When the muscles around the TMJ get stressed due to clenching of jaws, frequent snacking, bruxism, etc., the jaw movement becomes quite painful and difficult. Hence, the dentist can treat TMD by injecting botox near the TMJ to relax the muscles and relieve them of the stress. Within a few days, patients can feel the muscles loosening, making  jaw movement easier.

Botox to Make Aesthetic Changes

Botox is commonly used aesthetically to reduce fine lines and wrinkles of the face, such as frown lines and crows feet. 

Dr. Maria Barnes is certified by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE). The AAFE is a multidisciplinary professional organization whose mission is teaching the best non-surgical and non-invasive facial injectable techniques to healthcare professionals worldwide.

To have a consultation with our dentists, request an appointment online or call us at
(262) 634-8662, and we will be happy to help.

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Racine, WI

5439 Durand Avenue Suite 215, Racine, WI 53406

Email: [email protected]

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