In addition to providing your dentistry needs, Dr. Shenker is now certified to administer Botox and derma filler treatment in her practice.
What is BOTOX?
Botox is the more common name for Botulinum toxin, which is a neurotoxic protein. Botox treatments only take a few minutes and no anesthesia is required. Botox is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. Most people associate Botox with beauty treatments. However, there are also benefits of Botox in dentistry.
Dental/Medical Uses for BOTOX
Botox and Derma fillers can both improve the overall result of restorative dentistry procedures. Dr. Shenker can make this assessment if treatments will enhance your specific outcome.
Botox is also used to treat a number of disorders characterized by overactive muscle movement including spasms of the head and jaw. In 2010, the FDA approved intramuscular Botox injections for prophylactic treatment of chronic migraine headache. Essentially the toxin inhibits release of peripheral nociceptive neurotransmitters, suppressing the central pain processing systems responsible for migraine headache. Similarly, BOTOX is used to relax clenching of muscles, including those of the jaw (grinding).
Botox may help treat symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. You may benefit most from this treatment if other methods haven’t worked. Botox may help treat the following TMJ disorder symptoms:
-jaw tension
-headaches due to teeth grinding
-lockjaw in cases of severe stress
Botox treatment for TMJ disorder is a nonsurgical, outpatient procedure. Dr. Shenker can perform it right in her office. Each treatment session typically takes approximately 10-20 minutes.
Dr. Shenker will inject Botox into your forehead, temple, and jaw muscles. She may also inject other areas depending on your symptoms. Dr. Shenker will decide the number of Botox injections you need.
Although some improvement can be felt within a day or two of treatment, it usually takes several days to feel relief. People who’ve had Botox treatment for TMJ can expect to return to their regular activities as soon as they leave their dentist’s office.
You should remain upright and avoid rubbing or massaging the injection sites for several hours after treatment. This helps prevent the toxin from spreading to other muscles.
Cosmetic Uses for BOTOX
In cosmetic applications, Botox is considered safe and effective for reduction of facial wrinkles, especially in the uppermost third of the face. Injection of Botox into the muscles under facial wrinkles causes relaxation of those muscles, resulting in the smoothing of the overlying skin. Smoothing of wrinkles is usually visible three days after treatment and is maximally visible two weeks following injection. The treated muscles gradually regain function, and generally return to their former appearance three to four months after treatment. Muscles can be treated repeatedly to maintain the smoothed appearance.
Botox injection for treatment of facial wrinkles is the most frequently performed cosmetic procedure in the United States. Treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet, which are the cosmetic indications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and horizontal forehead lines, offers predictable results, has few adverse effects, and is associated with high patient satisfaction.
What are Derma Fillers?
Derma fillers are an alternative to Botox for deep creases and folding of the skin. They can also increase lip volume and contour. Derma fillers are known as a “liquid facelift” because they help you to restore your youth by plumping up your facial structures, softening facial creases, and smooth out wrinkles.
Dermal fillers are actually a range of different substances that fill up those areas that appear depleted and stimulate collagen at the same time. There are several dermal fillers available today which includes, Restylane, Sculptra, Perlane, Radiesse, Juvederm, and Artefill. Each of these fillers have their own characteristics but they basically provide two actions. The first is to plump up the skin by adding more volume to certain areas that have been depleted of collagen. The second is to stimulate the body to produce collagen, on this aspect however, some fillers work better than others.
Like Botox, derma filler treatment is quick to perform. The entire procedure will take Dr. Shenker approximately 30 minutes to complete. It usually takes just one session to get your desired results. Deeper lines may require and additional treatment session. Dr. Shenker will discuss the treatment process with you. Depending on the type of filler used, results can last approximately six months.
Post treatment, you should avoid sun exposure and avoid applying any form of pressure for two to three days.
Botox v. Derma Fillers
The action of Botox is more to tighten and lift the area, whereas dermal fillers are more into creating a volumizing effect. Botox does not stimulate collagen production.
