Botox

Botox® is more than a cosmetic wrinkle relaxer. It can also treat other medical conditions, like snoring and sleep apnea. At Denver Sleep Apnea in Denver, Colorado, triple board-certified sleep apnea specialist Steven Wilk, DDS, uses Botox to minimize symptoms of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders without pain, downtime, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What is Botox?

Botox is a highly potent neurotoxin that temporarily slows muscle movement. When Dr. Wilk injects Botox into a specific muscle, it can’t contract. While primarily used for cosmetic purposes, like wrinkle reduction, Botox is a powerful treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), enlarged masseter muscles in the jaw, and snoring.

Which sleep disorders can Botox treat?

Botox primarily treats obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which causes the tissues in the back of the throat to collapse during sleep. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, leading to a temporary blockage of the airway and interrupted breathing. People with OSA can experience hundreds of repeated pauses in breath each night.

Without treatment, OSA can lead to complications like daytime fatigue, sore throat, and morning headaches. It can even increase your risk of more serious health issues, such as hypertension and heart disease. 

How does Botox treat sleep apnea?

Botox acts as a muscle relaxer. When injected into the soft palate in the roof of the mouth, Botox allows the throat muscles to relax, preventing the tissue in the back of the throat from collapsing. This can help the airways stay open and unobstructed so that air moves freely through the throat, minimizing symptoms like snoring and fatigue.

What are the benefits of Botox for sleep apnea?

Botox offers many benefits for chronic snoring, including:

• Muscle relaxation
• Reduced likelihood of airway obstruction
• Minimally invasive treatment
• Minimal side effects
• Noncommittal treatment with temporary results
• Improved sleep quality

After a comprehensive dental exam and medical history review, Dr. Wilk can determine whether you’re a candidate for Botox.

What can I expect from Botox for sleep apnea?

Botox for snoring and sleep apnea only takes a few minutes to inject. Dr. Wilk may apply an anesthetic before injecting Botox for your comfort. Next, he administers the medication directly into the soft palate, temporarily inhibiting muscle movement. While you may feel immediate effects, Botox can take up to seven days to settle. 

How long does Botox for snoring last?

Botox typically lasts for about 3-4 months, though results vary depending on individual factors, such as metabolism, the specific muscles treated, and the dosage administered during the injection.

Call Denver Sleep Apnea today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about Botox for snoring.