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| BOTOX® - TMJ Treatment That Works! |
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Dallas dentist Dr. Mary Swift Uses BOTOX® Therapeutic To Treat TMJ Headache Pain.
The most promising and exciting new addition to the dental arsenal against TMJ is having BOTOX® injected into the painful muscles. One single session of injections is curative for 2/3 of the patients.* Now there is no need to waste money on TMJ splints or night guards that most patients quickly stop wearing. Instead, you may get relief from TMJ clenching, grinding, and headache pain within a week with therapeutic BOTOX® injections from Dr. Mary Swift at Dallas Laser Dentistry. Dr. Swift has been trained in the therapeutic use of BOTOX® for headache pain and other TMJ symptoms by Andy Blumenfeld, M.D. Dr. Blumenfeld is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he completed both a neurology residency and a neurodiagnostics fellowship. With over 10 years' experience in the use of Botulinum Toxin Type A, Dr. Blumenfeld is an internationally recognized authority on the utilization of Botulinum Toxin Type A for the treatment of headache and has significant experience as a researcher, speaker and national injector trainer. He was Chief of Service for the Department of Neurology at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, and is currently Director of The Headache Center of Southern California. Dr. Blumenfeld is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Benefits of BOTOX® for Dallas TMJ Patients
The most common benefit of BOTOX® is the reduction in the number of clenching events and their intensity. This will reduce the destruction of your teeth, gums and jaw joint, and reduce the discomfort and pain in your face and chewing muscles. A beneficial side-effect is the smoothing of lines between the brows and in the forehead. Since the muscles are unable to contract, BOTOX® may actually prevent new wrinkles from forming. Other benefits are that only the injected areas are affected and results are often seen within 24 - 48 hours. There is also the likely possibility that with frequent treatments, the injected muscles will atrophy allowing the patient to go longer and longer between treatments.
BOTOX® has "an amazing safety record," says Bill Habig, Ph.D., the recently retired deputy director of FDA's division of bacterial products in the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. "Considering it's one of the most toxic materials known and there was a lot of concern about it, it's turned out to be very safe," he says. Many dental patients who are already being treated with BOTOX® for wrinkles could be cured of their dentally related diseases with a slight modification in injection protocol.
BOTOX®'s time to enter the field of dentistry has arrived. Despite the expense not being covered by insurance, we have found many patients will invest in BOTOX® treatment for TMJ, especially when it will make them feel better and look better.
What can I expect at the initial consultation?
At the initial consultation Dr. Swift will first determine if you are an appropriate candidate (see ideal candidate) for Botox® and if indeed it is the best treatment for the results you desire. You should also discuss your medical history with the doctor. She will assess if you are allergic or hypersensitive to any ingredient in Botox®. Furthermore, it is imperative that you disclose all medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you currently take. These substances could hinder or intensify the potency of the Botox® or cause bleeding and bruising at the injection sites.
Botox® Injection - The Procedure
Botox® is a simple, non-surgical procedure. Dr. Swift will have you contract the muscle area to be treated so she can determine appropriate injection sites. ){ targeted injected areas may be numbed with an ice pack or a topical numbing agent. Anesthesia may or may not be used. Finally, the doctor will administer several tiny injections of Botox® directly into the muscle. Only the injected areas will be "paralyzed." It will not affect anywhere else in your body.
How long is the procedure?
The length of the procedure depends on the number of injections needed as determined by the doctor. Still, it is reasonable for the procedure to be completed within 10-30 minutes.
What, if any, hospital stay is required?
Because the procedure is non-surgical and done in the office, there is no hospital stay required.
Will I need a driver?
No. Botox® will not limit your driving ability.
How much pain is there?
The pain associated with this procedure is due to the injections, but it is generally minimal and brief. Some patients have likened it unto a "bug bite" or "prick". Pain can be reduced by numbing proposed injection sites with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. if( you are scared of needles the doctor may offer you Happy Gas.
What can I expect afterwards?
Muscle tenderness will start to disappear almost immediately. Wrinkles begin to disappear within 24 - 48 hours after the injections, and you may continue to see the wrinkles diminish up to one week after the procedure. There may be mild temporary bruising, numbness, or redness around the injection sites. You will not look 20 years younger, but you may find that you look more natural and relaxed or less sad and angry. A small number of patients reported no noticeable difference in the reduction of their wrinkles.
What is the recovery like?
Because the procedure is non-surgical and non-invasive, it is highly likely that the patient can return to normal activities immediately. However, to avoid spreading the toxin to other muscles, patients should not rub or massage the area injected and remain upright for many hours. Physical activity should also be limited for a time.
What is the long-term outcome?
Results of Botox® generally last up to four months. You should wait at least three months between treatments. There is also the likely possibility that with repeated treatments, the injected muscles will atrophy allowing you to go longer and longer between sessions. Do not have Botox® treatments elsewhere because they may weaken the affects of Botox® in your body. With more and more injections, there is a chance of growing resistant to Botox®. Your body may develop antibodies that would cause treatments to become less effective over time. This resistance can be minimized by using the lowest dose possible and extending the intervals between sessions. It is best to limit your Botox® injections to one office. Dr. Swift may be able to take care of all your Botox® needs.
How long do the results last?
Your chewing muscle discomfort will disappear for up to four months. The smooth, diminished appearance of the wrinkles will last up to four months. Results may last longer with subsequent treatments due to muscle atrophy. if( another round of Botox® is not performed, facial or chewing muscle discomfort may return. Facial lines will return to their "pre-treatment" appearance.
Who is an ideal candidate?
Botox® may or may not be the best treatment for the results you desire. An ideal candidate meets the following conditions:
- Between the ages of 18-65
- Has a dento-facial problem caused by parafunctional muscle activity
- Does not object to the disappearance of his/her wrinkles
- Is looking for a non-surgical solution
- Is looking for a temporary solution
- Is knowledgeable about the procedure
- Is realistic in expectations
- Is in good physical and psychological health
- Is not pregnant or nursing
The above criteria are not comprehensive. Be sure to discuss with your doctor if you are an ideal candidate for Botox® and if it is the best treatment plan for your desired results.
Botox® Costs:
Depending on the number of injections, treatment can cost anywhere from $500 to $1500.
Contact us to schedule an appointment right now!
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