Botulinum toxin, most commonly known as botox, is an injectable neurotoxin that is most associated with softening frown lines and smoothing wrinkles. However, Botox has a number of health benefits in addition to its aesthetic ones when administered correctly.
Botox As A Medical Treatment
Botox is often used as a treatment for headache and migraine relief in addition to treatment for jaw pain, jaw tension, and TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) disorders. In 2010, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved the use of Botox as a treatment for chronic migraines and has also been recognized as a viable treatment for other medical conditions such as TMJ, neck spasms and even overactive bladder.
How Does Botox Work?
As a medical treatment, Botox is injected into the facial muscles affected with pain and discomfort and then works like a pain reliever as it binds to cramped muscle fibers and then causes them to relax. Botox blocks the chemical signals that indicate pain causing a temporary paralysis of the designated muscles and preventing those neurotransmitters from reaching the nerve endings around the head, neck, and jaw.
How Long Does It Take For Botox To Work?
Botox for the treatment of chronic headaches or jaw pain is most often quick and effective. A majority of patients report noticeable improvement within the first few days of treatment and relief within the first couple weeks. While patients may notice improvement following the first treatment, Botox is most effective in treating pain following a consistent number of treatment cycles. Patients often notice the greatest effect after the second or third treatment, with each treatment lasting for approximately 10-12 weeks.
Who Can Administer Botox?
Botox is a non-surgical procedure that can be administered by a doctor and arguably more effectively by a dentist. A dentist is one of the most knowledgeable medical professionals in the oral and facial areas making them uniquely qualified in the administration of Botox injections.
Dr. Barton H. Foutz of Foutz Family Dentistry in Henderson, Nevada is highly trained in head and neck musculature and has extensive knowledge and experience administering injections in and around the face. For years, Dr. Foutz has provided patients with therapeutic Botox injections that have provided invaluable relief from migraines, chronic headaches, TMJ tension, and jaw pain. For more information about Botox and how it can help with headaches or TMJ, call our office today at (702) 792-5929 to set up a consultation with Dr. Foutz.
Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929
