Botox In Coronado

Botox is incredibly versatile in its application to treat both cosmetic and medical problems. Botox can improve the aesthetics of your face by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles that appear around your smile lines, nose, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. 

We can also correct puckered or “butt” chins, correct frown lines that are causing you to have a permanent frown face, and even treat gummy smiles by relaxing the upper lip so it can retract at normal levels. This will leave you with a more youthful appearance. 

The Botox process begins with a consultation with Dr. Villalobos. Your Coronado dentist will assess your symptoms if you have TMJ or bruxism and will examine your facial structure to help determine if you’re a good candidate for Botox. 

After having an open and honest discussion about what you want Botox to treat, your aesthetic goals, or why you want to get relief through Botox, we will formulate a treatment plan that will address these concerns. The number of injections you will receive will be dependent on your personalized treatment plan and what you want out of Botox.

You will be given instructions on how to prepare for your injections. There will be a list of things you need to avoid, including certain topical products, medications, and supplements that can interfere with Botox. 

You will then come into our office and receive a numbing agent so you don’t feel any pain. A very small needle will be injected into several areas of the face at a certain concentration that has been carefully formulated to meet your needs. 

The whole process only takes about 15 minutes. We will then provide you with aftercare instructions on things to avoid and what to expect in the coming days. Botox lasts for 3 to 6 months and will eventually be metabolized by your body if you do not return for more injections. 

Contact us at Coronado Dental Associates to schedule a consultation with Dr. Melanie Villalobos.

A good candidate would be an ideal who wishes to improve their facial appearance or get relief from pain, teeth grinding, or TMD with the use of Botox. Patients should be in good physical health and not be pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s also good to have realistic expectations about what Botox can do. 

This is not a permanent procedure so you will need to keep up with Botox injections to maintain the same effects. Botox is also most effective at treating dynamic rather than static wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by facial movements and expressions while static wrinkles are caused by a lack of collagen and skin elasticity. 

Very active patients may metabolize Botox faster than patients who do not exercise frequently. This may mean you need to get touch-ups more frequently.

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. There isn't a single cause of TMJ, but rather a combination of factors that can contribute to its development. Some common causes include:

• Jaw misalignment: If the joints and muscles in your jaw are not properly aligned, it can put stress on the TMJ and lead to discomfort and pain.
• Teeth grinding or clenching: Habit• • ual teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, can strain the TMJ and surrounding muscles, leading to TMJ disorder.
• Arthritis: Certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, can affect the TMJ and cause pain and inflammation.
• Injury or trauma: A direct injury or trauma to the jaw, such as a blow or impact, can damage the TMJ and result in TMJ disorder.

‍It's important to note that these are just some of the common causes of TMJ, and each individual may have different contributing factors. If you suspect you have TMJ, we encourage you to reach out to our team. From there, we can do an examination and create a personalized treatment plan to get you out of pain.

TMJ disorder can manifest in a variety of symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms of TMJ include:

• Jaw pain or soreness: This is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ. The pain may be localized to the jaw joint or radiate to the surrounding areas, such as the ears, temples, or neck.
• Difficulty or discomfort while chewing: TMJ disorder can make it painful or uncomfortable to chew, which can affect your ability to eat certain foods.
• Clicking or popping sounds: You may experience clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth. These sounds can be accompanied by a sensation of the jaw getting stuck or locked in a certain position.
• Headaches or migraines: TMJ-related headaches are often described as tension headaches that originate from the jaw joint. They can be recurrent and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as neck pain or facial pain.
• Ear pain or ringing in the ears: TMJ disorder can cause ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ears, or ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears (tinnitus).

TMJ flare-ups can be triggered by a variety of factors, and what triggers one person may not necessarily trigger another. However, some common triggers of TMJ flare-ups include:

Stress: Stress can cause muscle tension and increase the likelihood of teeth grinding or clenching, which can aggravate TMJ symptoms.
Poor posture: Slouching or poor posture can strain the muscles in the neck and jaw, leading to TMJ discomfort.
Chewing hard or tough foods: Eating foods that require excessive chewing or putting excessive pressure on the jaw joint can trigger TMJ symptoms.
Excessive gum chewing: Constantly chewing gum can strain the jaw muscles and exacerbate TMJ symptoms.
Cold weather: Some individuals may experience increased TMJ pain or discomfort in cold weather due to the tightening of muscles.

The administration of Botox for TMJ treatment is generally well-tolerated and minimally painful. The needle used for Botox injections is very thin, which helps minimize discomfort during the procedure. Additionally, a topical anesthetic can be applied to the treatment area to further reduce any potential discomfort.

While individual pain tolerance may vary, most patients report only mild discomfort or a slight pinching sensation during the injection process. The procedure itself is relatively quick, with each injection taking only a few seconds.

After the procedure, some patients may experience mild soreness or bruising at the injection site. However, these side effects are typically temporary and resolve within a few days.

It's important to consult with a dental professional experienced in Botox treatments for TMJ to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. They can address any concerns you may have and provide you with detailed information about the procedure and potential side effects.