MyoTech Dental and Implant Center’s certified Doctors are now providing Botox® Dental Therapeutic treatments for those patients who are deemed to be an appropriate candidate for Botox and if it is, in fact, determined to be the best treatment for the results they desire. Are you suffering from pain that is related to TMJ disorder, clenching or teeth grinding? Do you want to smooth the fine lines and wrinkles that have developed? If you answered yes, you may be a candidate for Botox® (Botulinum toxin Type A) Dental Therapeutic injections administered by MyoTech Dental and Implant Center’s certified doctors.
What are the Benefits of Dentox (Botox for Dentistry)?
Although Botox® is best associated with cosmetic applications; Botox Dental Therapeutic can also relieve painful conditions triggered by the muscles of the jaw. As a therapeutic tool, Botox is an integral part of dental implant surgery, TMJ treatments and ensures the success of other dental services that are provided by MyoTech Dental.
The most common benefit of Dentox (Botox for Dentistry is the reduction in the number of clenching events and their intensity. This will reduce their intensity. Also reducing the destruction of your teeth, jaw joint and gums and will also lessen the discomfort and pain in your fact, teeth, jaw joint and chewing muscles. Other benefits include the elimination of tension headaches and migraines. Botox may also be used to relax muscles that prevent the mouth from opening. To prevent the gums from showing too much when smiling we can treat and relax the upper lip. Excessive and uncontrolled salivary flow can also be reduced. The smoothing of lines between the brows and in the forehead is a beneficial side-effect when treatments are in these areas.
Is Botox Safe?
Yes. Botox is a natural protein and is the most powerful muscle relaxant with the least side-effects. Another safety benefit is that the botulinum toxin does not remain in the body indefinitely, so if there is an adverse effect, or a mistake made, it is only temporary. There is also the likely possibility that with frequent treatments, the injected muscles will atrophy allowing the patient to go longer and longer between treatments. It has no effect on the rest of the body, only affecting the areas treated.
What should I expect at the initial consultation?
At the initial consultation, your doctor will determine, after discussing your desires and the results that you hope to obtain, if you are an appropriate candidate for this treatment, providing this is the best treatment for you.
It is also very important to discuss your medical history with your doctor at this time. He will assess if you are allergic or hypersensitive to any ingredient in Botox. It is imperative that you disclose all medications, vitamins, herbs and supplements that you are currently taking. These substances could hinder or intensify the potency of the Dentox (Botox for Dentistry) or cause bleeding and bruising at the injection sites.
Botox Injection Procedure
Botox is a simple, non-surgical procedure. The doctor will have you contract the muscle area to be treated so he can determine appropriate injection sites. He may use an electronic muscle locating device (EMG) to exactly locate the targeted muscle site. Then targeted injected areas may be numbed with an ice pack or a topical numbing agent. Anesthesia may or may not be used. Finally, the doctor will administer several tiny injections of Botox directly into the muscle or gland. Only the injected areas will be “Botoxed” It will not affect anywhere else in your body.
How long is the Procedure?
The length of the procedure depends on the number of injections needed as determined by the doctor. Still, it is reasonable for the procedure to be completed within 10-30 minutes.
What, if any, hospital stay is required?
Because the procedure is non-surgical and often done right in the doctor’s office, there is no hospital stay required.
Will I need a driver?
No. Botox will not limit your driving ability.
How much pain is there?
The pain associated with this procedure is due to the injections, but it is generally minimal and brief. Some patients have likened it unto a “bug bite” or “prick”. Pain can be reduced by proper injection techniques and by numbing proposed injection sites with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. If you are scared of needles the doctor may offer you Happy Gas or even a sleeping pill.
What can I expect afterwards?
Muscle tenderness will start to disappear almost immediately. Pain and wrinkles begin to disappear within 24-48 hours after the injections, and the patient may continue to see the wrinkles diminish up to one week after the procedure. Salivary flow may be reduced after 3-4 days (only when treated specifically for this). There may be mild temporary bruising, numbness or redness around the injection sites. A small number of patients reported no noticeable difference in the reduction of their wrinkles.
How does it affect salivary flow?
Salivary flow usually is reduced when injected directly into the salivary glands. You will notice a reduction in 4-7 days. The maximum effect will occur in 3 weeks after your treatment. The effects will diminish after 3-4 months.
What is recovery like?
Because the procedure is non-surgical and non-invasive, it is highly likely that the patient can return to normal activities immediately. However, to avoid spreading the toxin in other muscles, patients should not rub or massage the area injected and remain upright for many hours. Physical activity should also be limited for a time.
What is the long-term outcome?
Results of Botox generally last up to four months. Patients should wait at least three months between treatments. There is also the likely possibility that with repeated treatments, the injected muscles will atrophy allowing the patient to go longer and longer between sessions. Do not have Botox treatments more often than every 3-4 months or elsewhere because they may weaken the affects of Botox in your body.
With more and more injections, there is a chance of growing resistant to Botox. Your body may develop antibodies that would cause treatments to become less effective over time. This resistance can be minimized by using the lowest dose possible and extending the intervals between sessions. It is best to limit your Botox injections to one office. Your dentist may be able to take care of all of your Botox needs.
How long do the results last?
The problem treated will disappear for up to four months. The smooth, diminished appearance of the wrinkles will last up to four months. Results may last longer with subsequent treatments due to muscle atrophy. If another round of Botox is not performed, facial or chewing muscle discomfort may return. Excessive salivary flow may recur.
Who is an ideal candidate?
Botox may or may not be the best treatment for the results you desire. An ideal candidate meets the following conditions:
- Between the ages of 18 – 65
- Has a dento-facial problem caused by parafunctional muscle activity
- Has a drooling problem
- Does not object to the disappearance of his/her wrinkles
- Is looking for a non-surgical solution
- Is looking for a temporary solution
- Is knowledgeable about the procedure
- Is realistic in expectations
- Is in good physical and psychological health
- Is not pregnant or nursing.
The above criteria are not comprehensive. Be sure to discuss with your doctor if you are an ideal candidate for Botox and if it is the best treatment plan for your desired results.
Other important Information
With the FDA’s approval of Botox, it has become increasingly popular to administer it in social settings and/or non-medical facilities, sometimes without trained personnel. Although, this can help reduce the costs for patients, they sold be aware of some of the concerns. First of all, it is imperative to have a qualified, trained doctor or dentists administer the injections 9see choosing a doctor). Next, the environment needs to e sterile and equipped to handle any adverse effects. A physician’s office or clinical setting is best. Finally, adherence to post-treatment instructions is key, and these may be neglected in a social/party-like atmosphere. It goes without saying that alcohol should not be a part of any medical procedure.
Some other restrictions are that Botox injections cannot be performed if there is any infection at the injection sites, if you are hypersensitive to any ingredient in the botulinum toxin type A or if you are pregnant or nursing. There is an increased risk with patients that have neuromuscular disorders.
Risks, Limitations & Possible Complications
As with any medical procedure there are possible risks and side effects. Since this is a non-surgical procedure, the risks and possible complications are infrequent, minimal and temporary. The most common reported side-effects are headaches, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eye-lid droop and nausea.
Less commonly reported effects are pain, redness at spot of injection and muscle weakness. These symptoms are thought to be connected with the injection and occur within the first week. There could also be bruising at the injection site.
The lips are used more than the forehead for common activities such as chewing, kissing and talking. Therefore injections around the mouth are less useful and can have more potential inconvenient effects. These every day activities may be come more difficult and too much Botox around the mouth can result in drooling.
Another limitation to Botox injections is that there is a possibility of developing antibodies that would render the treatments less and less effective over time. This resistance could be delayed by using the lowest effective dose possible over the longest intervals of time.
Botox injections should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
Botox Costs:
Depending on the number of injections and the doctor, treatment can cost anywhere from $400 to $1500.
Choosing a Dentist or Doctor
Any health care professional can administer Botox injections. However, a dentist, facial plastic surgeon, neurologist or dermatologist is recommended. He/she should be experienced in botulinum toxin injections and have an intricate understanding of facial anatomy and physiology.
Important Questions to ask you doctor: