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Headache dentists have started using botulinum toxin, also known as Botox®. It has traditionally been used to smooth out wrinkles in the face, but now it can treat migraine headaches.

Now that Botox has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat chronic migraine headaches in adults, people dealing with migraines have another alternative treatment to choose from.

How is Botox used to treat migraines?

According to the FDA, over 12% of adults in the United States are affected by migraines. Botox has proven to be effective in the prevention of migraines. The administration believes that the treatment option should be available to the people who need it.

When it comes to treating their patients with migraines, headache dentists provide the drug at intervals of about 12 weeks as multiple injections around the head and neck to try to dull future headache symptoms. The injections produce results that last up to three months, depending on the patient.

Botox is often used in dental offices as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but not as a stand-alone procedure. Headache dentists who use Botox have to have received appropriate education and training prior to administering Botox.

Before a patient undergoes Botox treatment at their dentists, they should make sure that they understand the risks, benefits and costs by asking questions about their treatment plan and the use of Botox to achieve their desired result.

Are there side effects associated with the use of Botox?

Yes, according to the FDA, if Botox is allowed to accidentally spread through the body, the toxin can cause muscle weakness, swallowing difficulties, breathing difficulty and urinary incontinence. However, resistance to Botox is possible over time if the patient has been given high doses of the toxin repeatedly.

When a patient has developed a tolerance for Botox, a different form of the toxin may be needed to achieve the same results.

Can I get Botox treatment at any dentist?

No. Botox is offered by some dentists, but a lot of dentists do not offer treatment that includes the use of Botox. If a patient is interested in using Botox to treat their migraines, they can go online to search for a dentist that offers the treatment. However, it is important that they make sure that the dentist is qualified to administer the toxin.

Even though the use of Botox in dentistry still requires a lot of research and education for both the patient and dental health professional, there is a belief that it will become more common in the near future.

Conclusion

Botox is known for its uses in cosmetic surgery, but it can also be used to treat migraines. That is why headache dentists have started administering it in their practices. If you have migraines and are interested in treating the condition with Botox, then schedule an appointment with a dentist that offers Botox treatment to find out more.

Request an appointment here or call Dallas Laser Dentistry at 469 838 5292 for an appointment in our Dallas office.