Most people have heard of Botox as a cosmetic treatment. Celebrities and other people on TV often talk about how it can remove wrinkles from around the eyes, mouth, or other areas of the face. But did you know that Botox is also used in dentistry?
Nearly 20% of dentists in America use Botox to treat physical ailments like TMJ disorders and bruxism. They can also use it as a cosmetic dental treatment to correct things like thin lips or a gummy smile. If you’re interested in dental Botox for any of these reasons, here’s what to expect at your appointment.
How to Prepare for Your Botox Appointment
Step 1: Consultation
At your consultation appointment, one of our dentists will ask you about your past dental treatments and discuss your medical history. They will also look at your skin to examine the possible injection sites.
Your dentist will also review the procedure with you and formulate a treatment plan. If you want to move forward with your Botox treatment plan, you can schedule an appointment. Your dentist will go over everything you should and should not do before your appointment, and let you know what to do to prepare for the procedure.
Step 2: Preparation
There are several things you should and should not do before a Botox procedure. Instructions may vary from person to person, but in general you’ll need to follow these rules:
- Do not drink alcohol within 24 hours of your appointment. Alcohol is a blood thinner, so it can cause bruising at the injection sites. It also dehydrates and dries the skin, making Botox less effective.
- Do not drink caffeine within 24 hours of your appointment. Caffeine increases your blood pressure, which increases the chances of bruising at the injection sites.
- Do not use topical skincare products within three days of your treatment. Some products (especially those containing retinoids and retinols) can cause your skin to break open, increasing the chances of bruising or infections after the procedure.
- Do not wax, tweeze, or bleach your facial hair within two days of your treatment. This opens the skin and makes you susceptible to bruising and infection at the injection sites.
- Do not take aspirin or other blood-thinning medications within 24 hours of your appointment. Thin blood can cause worse bruising, but always ask your doctor before stopping prescribed medications.
- Do wash your face. Washing your face with a gentle cleanser and water before your Botox appointment will keep dirt and other residue out of the injection sites while you are receiving treatment.
How Long Does a Botox Appointment Take?
A dental Botox treatment will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes to complete. One of our dentists will clean the injection site area with an antiseptic solution, just like doctors do when you get a vaccination. Your dentist will then use a small syringe with a very fine needle to inject small amounts of Botox into the muscles of the face.
You may experience a slight pinching sensation when the needle enters the skin, but the procedure is relatively painless. After your appointment, you can generally return to your regular daily routine, minus a few activities.
Botox Aftercare
After your appointment, your dentist will have you schedule a follow-up visit for about two weeks later. They will make sure everything looks good and ask you questions about how you are feeling. It is important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure you receive all of the benefits of your Botox treatment.
The amount of Botox and number of injections depends on the size of the treatment area and on your desired outcome. Dental Botox treatments usually last for about three to four months before you will need to return for a followup treatment. These booster procedures will help the effects of your Botox treatment last longer.
Dental Botox Treatments in South Jordan, Utah
Dental botox is a great way to get relief from facial pain, jaw pain, teeth grinding and more. The procedure does not take long, and you can generally resume your daily routine right after. As long as you follow the instructions our dentists give you, you will be back to your normal self again in no time.
If you have any questions or concerns about what to expect at your dental Botox appointment, contact Copper Creek Dental. We are here to help you with all of your dental needs.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/10/2024) Image by Tribute Family Dentistry from Pixabay