Botox
Spokane Valley, WA
 We have all heard of the use of Botox in the cosmetic surgery industry but do you know that it can also have a lot of benefits in the world of dentistry?
In most cases, Botox is used as a minimally invasive treatment to help with lip augmentation and getting rid of facial wrinkles. At Serenity Dental, though, Botox can be used to treat high lip lines for people who wear dentures, teeth grinding, temporomandibular joint disorders, reshaping your smile and other issues.
What is Botox?
Botox is a botulinum toxin that causes botulism, a foodborne illness. However, for the purpose of dentistry, its active, therapeutic neurotoxin is isolated and purified making it safe for dental treatments.
This protein helps relax muscles, which is why it is used to reduce wrinkles. Within a few hours after getting a Botox injection, the protein attaches to the nerve endings that control muscle movement. Over the course of a few days, the toxin block nerve signals that cause muscle contractions, but do not have any effect on sensory neurons.
The effect of Botox is temporary and typically lasts for three to four months. When the symptom returns, you may get another dose of Botox.
Benefits of Botox in Dentistry
Botox has several benefits in the field of dentistry.
Dr. Welton have received the proper training to administer Botox and can offer you a variety of effective new treatment options, including:
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TMJ Disorders:Patients with different type of temporomandibular joint disorders can alleviate muscular jaw pain with the use of Botox By using Botox, dentists can relax the jaw muscles and provide pain relief.
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Bruxism:People who have a habit of teeth clenching or suffer from bruxism experience significant discomfort and treatment options for this issue have been limited in the past. Botox can be used to relax facial muscles and reduce the force of the jaw clenching, thereby providing relief.
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High Lip Lines: Botox can also be used to reduce high lip lines, which can cause a gummy smile. Traditional treatments require gingival surgery and crown lengthening to improve the smile; however, Botox can be used to reduce the lip line and hide the excessive gums in a non-invasive manner.
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Difficulty Accommodating Dentures: Patients who do not have teeth suffer bone resorption, which can reduce the vertical dimension of their alveolar ridge, the ridge that houses the teeth. For these people, wearing dentures can be difficult. Botox can be used to relax the muscles around the new dentures and making it easier to adjust to the transition. |
Side Effects of Botox
Botox is derived from a bacterial toxin, which can have adverse effects if it spreads through the body. Some symptoms include muscle weaknesses, difficulty in breathing, urinary issues, and difficulty swallowing.
Fortunately, though, the risk of these issues is low at Serenity Dental. We make sure that we inform our patients of all the benefits and risks of the procedure and follow best clinical practices to ensure we give you the correct doses to minimize risks.
In addition, Botox has no recovery time and is also affordable. Hence, it is a good alternative temporary treatment option in dentistry.
If you suffer from the issues outlined above, give us a call at (509) 919-1471 and we will schedule you a consultation where we will determine whether Botox is a good treatment option for you. |
