Lincoln BOTOX® Treatments

What are Botox® Injections? Is it safe for a dentist to do Botox®?

The bottom line is that Lincoln Botox treatments are best provided by trained dental professionals, as dentists have an in‑depth understanding of facial anatomy and oral function. For this reason, dentists across the country are pursuing advanced Botox® training and increasingly incorporating these treatments into their practices.

Botox® Injections – How Do They Work?

Botox®, short for Botulinum toxin, is derived from a purified protein and is commonly used for smoothing areas of facial wrinkles on the forehead, around the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet), between the eyes (glabellar region), and around the area of the lips. Botox® is injected directly into the facial muscles – but do know that it does not affect the muscle whatsoever.

So, how does Botox® work? Botox® works by blocking and affecting transmitters between the motor nerves that innervate muscles. Because the motor nerve endings have been interrupted, the muscle(s) can no longer contract. When the muscle(s) don’t contract, the motion that initially caused the wrinkles ceases. 

Because the “wrinkle” motion has ceased, the skin will begin to smooth out approximately three to ten days after treatment, leaving the skin smooth. For many, Botox® lasts approximately three to four months. After that period, re-treatment of Botox® from a trained “Botox® provider near me” is necessary.

Botox® has many important clinical uses, such as an adjunct in bruxism and TMJ cases. In addition, it can be used for patients with chronic facial and TMJ pain, or it can complement esthetic dentistry cases. In addition, Botox® can be used as a minimally invasive alternative for denture patients – specifically those who are having trouble adjusting to new dentures. 

Botox® also has uses in orthodontic cases – especially when retraining the facial muscles is necessary. Also, Botox® can be used to treat a high lip line surgically, and in some instances, Botox® can be used for lip augmentation. There are no other providers besides dentists who can help patients in so many areas.

Dermal Filler Injections – What Are They?

What exactly is a dermal filler? A dermal filler volumizes creases and folds on the face directly in areas that have lost collagen and fat because of age. After age 30, approximately 1% of hyaluronic acid from within the body is lost. Hyaluronic acid is a natural filler within the body, and because of this, the face will begin to lack volume. The result is an aged appearance with a downward turning of the corners of the lips. Fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane are injected underneath these folds to aid in replacing lost volume, which, in turn, creates a younger-looking face. 

What can fillers be used for?

Fillers can be used for completing cosmetic dentistry cases, asymmetrical lips, high lip-line cases, lip augmentation by creating a young-looking, beautiful frame around the teeth. The effects of dermal fillers typically last 6 to 12 months. After this, the procedure will need to be repeated and, on average, take between 5 to 15 minutes to complete.

Most nurses and physicians use ice and topical anesthetics to assist in numbing the patient. Some of these providers learn how to deliver dental anesthesia, but few are proficient. Thus, the reason many patients prefer dentists for dermal fillers.

Interestingly, and what most people don’t think about or consider is that most dentists inject into the same areas where dermal fillers and Botox® are injected (for cosmetic results). The only difference is an injection intraorally versus extra orally. Another reason this means dentists can provide top-notch care for Botox® and dermal fillers. Dentists inject anesthetic daily, so they know how to make these injections quick, comfortable, and relatively painless. Compared to other medical professionals, patients state injections done by dentists are much faster and much more comfortable.

Common Uses for Botox® In The Dental World – Is It Right For Me?

Botox® has been used primarily as a cosmetic treatment to treat lines and wrinkles on the face. But, the botulinum toxin, the Botox® derivative, has a long history of therapeutic medical uses.

Because of its minimally invasive nature, Botox® and its uses in dentistry have significantly expanded. Botox® can help treat dental conditions such as teeth grinding (Bruxism), high lip lines, ill-fitting dentures from shifting jaw muscles, TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), etc.

Botox® in Lincoln, NE can be used by a dentist who is adequately trained for the following concerns:

Botox® injections can offer a relatively quick solution to many dentally and cosmetically long-term problems.

Adverse Reactions Regarding Botox® and Dermal Fillers – Is There Concern?

What about adverse reactions? The long-term safety of Botox® is very well established clinically, with millions of injections done every year. Botox® treatmentsa are among the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the US.

As for dermal fillers, the most common filler used today is made of hyaluronic acid. As stated earlier, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance within the body. When the effects of dermal fillers (and Botox®) are gone, they are gone entirely – there is no residue present or after-effects that occur.

As far as adverse reactions, far more of them occur with local anesthetics. Local anesthetic reactions can have tremendous effects on the muscular, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. Dentists are knowledgeable about local anesthetics and have had the proper training in handling any complications; thus, once trained adequately in dermal fillers and Botox®, you should have no concerns. 

Frequently asked Questions about Dermal Fillers and Botox®