Red Light Therapy

 At Alabama Dental Sleep and Wellness we utilize Red Light Therapy, which is a medical treatment that uses focused light to stimulate a process called Photobiomodulation (PBM). During PBM, photons enter the tissue and interact with the mitochondria, which is responsible for making the energy of the cell.  This triggers a biological cascade of events that leads to an increase in blood flow, cellular turnover, decrease in pain, and acceleration in the healing process of the related tissue.

This treatment might be beneficial for any of the following concerns or diagnoses:

• Sleep Apnea and Snoring
• TMJ discomfort & headaches
• Oral muscositis following chemoradiation
• Dry mouth
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Apthous ulcers
• Cold sores
• Oral lichen planus
• Angular cheilitis/ chronic cracked corners of lips
• Sensitive teeth/ post whitening sensitivity
• Halitosis (Bad breath)

Botox

Botox is an injected protein that decreases the muscle’s ability to contract fully, which in turn decreases the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, Botox can be used to relieve Temporomandibular (TMJ) muscle pain and headaches in certain patients

At Alabama Dental Sleep and Medicine, we will sometimes use Botox to relieve Temporomandibular (TMJ) muscle pain, neck pain and headaches.  Botox is an injected protein that decreases the muscle’s ability to contract fully, which in turn decreases the appearance of wrinkles. Commercial preparations of Botulinum toxin include Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Myobloc and Jeuveau.

Areas that can be treated with Botox include the following areas of the face:

-wrinkles between the eyebrows, called frown lines, glabellar lines, or 11’s

-wrinkles around the eyes, known as crow’s feet

-horizontal creases in the forehead

-“bunny lines” on the side of the nose

-gummy smile

-vertical lines around the mouth, often called “water bottle lines”

-dimpling on the chin, often called “cobblestone” chin

In addition, Botox can be used to relieve Temporomandibular (TMJ) muscle pain and headaches in certain patients. Patients that report TMJ muscle pain typically hold more tension in the masseter and temporalis muscles that are associated with the TMJ. Botox can relax these muscles back to a baseline state, allowing the patient to feel relief.

The effects of Botox are temporary, lasting 3–4 months, depending on the area and how frequently the areas have been previously treated.