Convenient Locations Serving Allston & Brighton, MA
If you experience frequent headaches or migraines, you may be interested to know that one of the world's favorite cosmetic injectables could help you feel better.
Botox injections have been widely used for cosmetic purposes for many years now. The cosmetic use of the purified botulinum toxin is so well-known that most people don't realize that this ingredient was first administered for therapeutic gains. Aside from helping minimize symptoms of strabismus (since the 1970s!) and erasing frown lines, botulinum toxin is also gaining traction as a convenient, effective migraine treatment.
At Soft Touch Dentistry, Dr. Nazila Bidabadi and her team are happy to offer Botox injections for cosmetic rejuvenation and now also for the treatment of migraines. Contact our Brighton or Newton office for more information about our services or to schedule your consultation today.
How Does Botox Help With Migraines?
Generally, Botox injections work by inhibiting the reception of the neurotransmitter that causes muscle contraction. This allows the muscle to relax and the overlying skin to smooth.
Migraines and chronic headaches, though, don't seem to be caused only by muscle tension. Though Botox is injected into certain muscles of the head and neck, it is believed that the botulinum toxin may spread from these muscles to the nearby nerves that extend from the spinal cord. The absorption of the substance may work by interrupting the pathway of the neurotransmitters associated with the headache.
Preparing to Get Botox to Treat Migraines
Before administering Botox for migraines, your dentist will perform a thorough consultation and assessment. Botox may not work on all types of chronic headaches, so it is important to confirm its potential merit for your situation. If you are a good candidate for treatment and have not received Botox injections in the past four months, you may undergo the procedure during the same appointment.
That said, you may also need to schedule your treatment for another day to allow time to stop taking medications or supplements that thin the blood. Doing so can decrease your chances of post-treatment bruising. Aside from your consultation and avoiding certain products, there are no other steps to prepare for a comfortable, effective treatment.
How Long Does Botox Take to Start Working for Migraines?
Botox works differently on migraines than it does on facial wrinkles. In its traditional use, patients expect to see visible changes in their appearance in about one week. For migraines, we anticipate the effects to occur gradually over two to four weeks. It is safe to continue taking your usual medications to ease headache pain as needed until your Botox injections start working.
According to studies, patients who continued receiving Botox injections for migraines at the recommended intervals (about every four months) increasingly felt better, experienced fewer headaches, and took less time off work.
Other Uses for Botox in Dentistry
Botox can also be used to address various muscle and nerve conditions in the jaw and face. As it can temporarily relax muscles, it can provide relief from muscle-related conditions beyond its primary use in migraine management.
Botox for Bruxism
Bruxism, commonly referred to as teeth grinding, is a condition that can cause significant wear and tear on the teeth, jaw pain, and other dental health issues. Botox injections are being used as a treatment option to help reduce the severity of bruxism.
By injecting small doses of Botox into the masseter muscle, the muscle responsible for chewing, the treatment can significantly reduce muscle activity without affecting the normal functions of chewing and speaking. This relaxation of the muscle not only helps to alleviate jaw tension and pain but also minimizes the force exerted on the teeth during grinding, potentially preventing further dental damage.
Botox for TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders encompass a range of problems associated with the jaw joint and the muscles involved in jaw movement. Symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking or locking of the jaw joint.
Botox injections are administered into the muscles involved in jaw movement, such as the temporomandibular muscle and sometimes the lateral pterygoid muscle, to provide relief from jaw tension and spasms. By relaxing these muscles, Botox can help alleviate the pain and improve the range of motion in the jaw, offering a non-surgical treatment option for patients suffering from TMJ disorders.
Why Choose Soft Touch Dentistry?
At Soft Touch Dentistry, you'll find a team of distinguished dental professionals led by Dr. Bidabadi, the chief cosmetic dentist and a clinical instructor at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine for over a decade. Dr. Bidabadi's extensive expertise showcases her as a leader in cosmetic dentistry.
Alongside her, Dr. Jacqueline Jacobson brings nearly two decades of experience in general and endodontic dentistry, having managed her own practices in Massachusetts. Her approach to patient care emphasizes easing dental anxieties and building strong, trusting relationships.
Completing this team is Dr. Mingfang Su, an experienced periodontist with over 40 years in the field, including advanced training at the prestigious Mayo Clinic and a long-standing role as a Clinical Professor of Periodontology at Boston University. His expertise in dental implants, gum surgeries, and extractions makes him a pivotal part of the practice.
Together, this team offers a blend of technical excellence and compassionate care, ensuring that patients receive the most comprehensive and proficient dental treatments available.
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Read what our patients are saying!
"Dr. Bidabadi Went Above And Beyond<br> Once again, Dr. Bidabadi went above and beyond to provide the best dental care. I have been her patient for 15 years and even though I live 35 miles away, I continue to see her and her staff. Went yesterday for quick appointment and when she discovered a problem in another tooth, she worked through her lunch hour to treat me so that I wouldn’t have to make a separate long trip. I trust Dr. B and her practice 100%. Wish she would move north of Boston"
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