Have you ever considered Botox treatment as an option to decrease teeth grinding, jaw pain, and headaches? At Cochecho Dental, Dr. McConathy is able to provide patients with relief from TMJ pain due to clenching and grinding.

A growing number of dentists are now providing botulinum toxin, also known as Botox for patients to temporarily reduce pain in the head, neck, and jaw muscles. Botox is quickly becoming part of the modern dental practice due to it's ability to help patients both cosmetically and functionally. Botox can be used aesthetically in the upper and lower face to re-balance specific muscles, reduce skin wrinkles, and change the positioning of overlying soft tissue. This includes reducing "crows feet" around the eyes, vertical "frown" lines between the eyebrows, horizontal "worry" lines in the forehead, and lifting or arching the eyebrows. The appearance of a "gummy smile" can be minimized or even eliminated.

For patients with severe TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction, Botox may be a great option. Botox is injected into the masseter (chewing) and/or temporalis muscles to reduce the muscle's strength, appropriately weakening the patient's bite force and reducing clenching and grinding. Every patient is unique, requiring careful thought and planning to determine the necessary amount of Botox units to be injected.

At Cochecho Dental, most patients who see Dr. McConathy for TMJ relief with Botox therapy will return every 4-6 months for treatment. The appointment takes approximately 30 minutes or less. Patients start to feel improvement within 2 weeks but sometimes may notice a difference in just a matter of a few days. Patients are able to resume their normal activities promptly after leaving the office.

Call Cochecho Dental to get more information or set up your appointment today at (603)742-3321.