UNDERSTANDING THE DENTIST’S ROLE IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF BOTOX FOR THERAPEUTIC AND COSMETIC CONCERNS

A well-trained dentist understands the role of Botox in the dental office.  Its application addresses both therapeautic and cosmetic issues, thereby enhancing the patient experience tremendously.

The number one cosmetic procedure request in this country is Botox for the treatment of frown lines.  Following a close second are laser skin treatments and dermal fillers.  These can be used to enhance the effects of Botox by replacing lost volume and tightening the skin.  Dentists understand this and are incorporating Botox and dermal filler treatments into their practices as valuable tools used to address both therapeautic and cosmetic concerns in their family of patients.

Today, the main reason a patient seeks Botox treatment is to look and feel better.  Living in a world that places great importance on facial esthetics means having access to treatment modalities such as this. Botox is vastly sought after for the reduction of vertical and horizontal frown lines as well as radiating crow's feet.  When applied to the upper part of the face and administered in higher doses, the dentist is able to address both pain, headaches, migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, and myofascial pain. Simultaneously, the patient benefits from the cosmetic enhancements resulting from the treatment of these same muscles.  A properly trained dentist is able to thoroughly diagnose and determine the source of the problem causing pain, thereby customizing the dosage and injection template used.  So, you see, Botox may be applied to treat both therapeutic concerns and cosmetic enhancements simultaneously, when necessary. Understanding its mechanism of action, and how to achieve or tap into each as needed, allows Botox to benefit the patient on varying levels.  

Comprehensive, hands-on training enables the dentist and his or her team to guide the patient through this process in a safe and pleasant manner.  The dentist should feel confident to deliver either the therapeutic or cosmetic benefits of treatment.  When appropriate, these same benefits can be followed up with further enhancements to the oral and facial environment.  The use of procedures such as smile makeovers, implants, crowns, and other dental treatments allows the dentist to optimize the patient's oral health and appearance, further adding to the patient's confidence in his or her health and image.

Why should a patient consider getting Botox from a well-trained dentist?  

• A patient typically has confidence in his or her dentist, enabling a comfortable relationship.
• A dentist is skilled in giving facial and oral injections.
• A dentist is highly trained in the anatomy and problems associated with the head and neck.
• Botox treatment in the dental office is discrete.  The patient feels they are in a trusted and comfortable place.

Predictable and desired results are achieved with comprehensive training and implementation of the required knowledge and techniques.  Full understanding of Botox's mechanisms of action enables proper diagnosis and customization of the dose and injection template indicated to achieve the patient's desired results in a safe and predictable manner.

Understanding the therapeutic effects of Botox enables the treating dentist to greatly improve the quality of life of those patients suffering from chronic headaches, migraines, and neck discomfort.  Its application also improves surgical outcomes by reducing the damaging effects of muscle and other soft tissue pulls within the mouth. When patients feel better they also look better.  And, when they look better they also feel better. When providing quality care in a safe and predictable environment, a well trained dentist has the capacity to positively improve a patient's life.  

Listening to the patients' desires and providing comfortable and predictable results is what every quality dentist aims toward.  I cannot think of a better way to represent my profession; as with other quality oriented dentists, I aim to make sure my patients leave me feeling and looking better.

Feel free to contact me at ritadarghamdmd.com.  Together, we can achieve that "Smile You'd Be Proud To Wear...ANYWHERE!"