Dr. Jennifer Shiflet has completed advanced training through the American Academy of Facial Esthetics in the use of botulinum toxin products, including Botox®, Xeomin®, and Dysport®. As a dentist, Dr. Shiflet has extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the head, neck, face, and oral cavity, as well as significant experience administering precise injections.
Botulinum toxin treatment is minimally invasive, typically takes only a few minutes, and requires little to no downtime. Depending on your individual needs, Dr. Shiflet can recommend treatment to soften the appearance of facial lines, complement your smile, or help manage certain types of muscle-related facial and jaw pain.
Botulinum toxin is a purified neurotoxin protein that temporarily reduces muscle activity in the area where it is injected. When administered in carefully controlled doses, it can be used for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.
Cosmetically, botulinum toxin can soften dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated facial muscle movement. It may also be used therapeutically to reduce excessive muscle activity associated with certain pain conditions.
Treatment may be appropriate for patients interested in addressing:
Forehead lines
Wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”)
Lines between the eyebrows (“frown lines”)
Certain types of headaches or migraines
Jaw muscle tension and discomfort
Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
Certain types of temporomandibular joint (TMJ/TMD)–related muscular pain
Some therapeutic uses of botulinum toxin in dentistry, including treatment of bruxism and certain forms of TMD-related pain, are considered off-label. Dr. Shiflet will evaluate your symptoms and discuss whether treatment is appropriate for you.
The effects of botulinum toxin are not immediate. Most patients begin to notice changes within several days, with full effects generally developing within approximately two weeks.
There is typically little to no downtime following treatment, although temporary redness, tenderness, swelling, or bruising can occur around the injection sites. For this reason, we recommend scheduling treatment at least two weeks before a major event such as a wedding or photo session.
For new patients in particular, we recommend a follow-up visit approximately two weeks after treatment to evaluate the results. The duration of treatment varies from person to person, but cosmetic effects commonly last approximately three to four months.
A trigger point is a sensitive area within a tight band of muscle that can cause pain locally or refer pain to another area. For example, a trigger point in a neck or facial muscle may contribute to discomfort that radiates into the head, jaw, or surrounding areas.
For some patients, these areas of muscle tension can cause significant discomfort and interfere with everyday activities such as chewing, eating, sleeping, or turning the head.
Trigger point injections may be performed using a local anesthetic and, in selected cases, botulinum toxin. The goal of treatment is to reduce muscle tension and discomfort and improve function. Botulinum toxin may be considered when prolonged reduction in excessive muscle activity is desired.
Before recommending treatment, Dr. Shiflet performs a thorough examination to determine the source of the patient's discomfort and whether trigger point therapy is appropriate.
Trigger point therapy may be considered for patients experiencing:
Muscular facial or jaw pain
TMD-related muscle pain
Head and neck muscle tension
Certain types of neck or shoulder pain
Because facial, jaw, head, and neck pain can have many different causes, treatment recommendations are individualized following a comprehensive evaluation.
We typically recommend a follow-up visit approximately two weeks after treatment to evaluate your response and determine whether any additional treatment is appropriate.
If you would like to learn more about Botulinum Toxin Treatment, please contact our practice to schedule an appointment.
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