Botox is a well known treatment usually used to help minimize and prevent signs of aging, such as forehead wrinkles, laugh lines, crow’s feet, etc. It can and has also been used to help reduce excessive sweating and even manage migraines and acne breakouts. However, not everyone is aware of the benefits Botox can bring to the world of dentistry.
Botox injections, while a preferred option for wrinkle treatment, can also be utilized to help treat common dental problems. Even in cases where a patient is simply looking at Botox as a cosmetic solution, dentists are just as qualified as cosmetic professionals when it comes to understanding the facial muscles, how they interact, and how Botox can improve a patient’s appearance.
Outside of those who seek treatment for wrinkles, Botox is currently part of a number of dental therapies. These include treatments for TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), bruxism (clenching the jaw or grinding teeth), patients who wear dentures, and those who require some medical intervention to improve the overall appearance of new dental restorations.
In cases where a patient has no natural teeth and wears dentures, there may be situations in which fitting new dentures is difficult due to repositioning of the lip muscles over time. Also, Botox can minimize the appearance of a “gummy smile” in patients who do not wish to undergo more invasive treatment methods and prefer a more immediate, temporary option.
Botox has also been used to both soften and sharpen the appearance of the jaw. In cases where the jaw has widened and become more pronounced, typically it is because the patient is suffering from TMJ or bruxism. In both cases, Botox can alleviate muscle tension by relaxing jaw muscles and reducing the force of habitual clenching. In these cases, Botox also reduces pain in the jaw caused by TMJ and bruxism, as well as prevents damage to the teeth.
Botox Pre-Treatment Instructions
If a patient is about to undergo Botox treatment, there are simple steps that should be taken before treatment to both improve results, and reduce possible side effects. While sometimes these steps are not always possible, it is important to minimize risks when we can.
- The patient should be in good health and have no active skin infections around, near, or in the area(s) that will be treated.
- The patient should not have a fear of needles, or if they do, communicate this with their doctor.
- The patient should avoid alcohol at least 24 hours before their treatment is scheduled. This is because alcohol may thin the blood and therefore increase the risk of bruising.
- The patient should avoid anti-inflammatory and/or blood thinning medications for two (2) weeks before their treatment. Medications and supplements such as St. John’s Wort, Aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Ginkgo Biloba, and other NSAIDS, are blood thinning and can increase the risk of bruising/swelling after injections.
- The patient should schedule their Botox treatment at least two (2) weeks prior to any special event they may be attending. This is because swelling and bruising may last for several days.
Your Botox Friendly Dentist Near Park Ridge
If you have been searching for “dentists that do Botox near me” in the Chicagoland area, look no further than Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge. Our knowledgeable team is here to offer you expert Botox therapy for everything from TMJ treatment, to dental care that falls under cosmetic dentistry in Park Ridge, IL. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.