Many people might question if a Dentist can deliver Botox, or if they are the right person to do so. The answer is Yes, but like anyone else they must have the proper training. There is one caveat, according to Dental regulations the delivery of Botox must be part of a full smile treatment. This means that you must be a dental patient at the office where you are receiving injections.
Why would you want to get your Botox done at the dentist?
Dentists are Medical Doctors who are highly trained in the anatomy of the head and neck.
Dentist offices are experts in infection control and sterilization.
Dentists are artists, that’s right, the ability to create a filling or crown that looks like a real tooth is a highly artistic endeavour. Dentists have an eye for beauty and a steady hand.
Dentists are highly experienced and proficient at gentle and precise injections.
Dentists and their staff are fully equipped and trained for procedures far riskier than Botox injections.
It is discreet, nobody will question you going to the dentist.
It is convenient and can be combined with your regular dental appointment.
At Viewmont Dental Centre Dr. Gakhal and Dr. Johal and the staff are highly trained by the Pacific Training Institute for Facial Aesthetics. Botox is actually a brand name (like Kleenex), the actual product is Botulinum Neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A). Viewmont Dental Centre using the Dysport brand of BoNT-A which is just as, if not more effective than Botox.
How does BoNT-A work?
BoNT-A is a purified protein that blocks nerve transmission so that the muscles can’t contract and cause wrinkles. Because it is a purified protein, much like a vaccine it cannot cause the disease that is normally associated with it.( ie you cannot get Botulism from Botox treatment.)
Is it Safe?
BoNT-A has been around for more than 20 years and has been highly studied and found to be extremely safe. Side effects are rare and temporary, and may include tenderness at the injection sight, small bruising, and short term headache. The most severe side effect is ptosis or drooping eyelid. This is very rare and temporary, especially when the administrator is properly trained.
Do the Injections hurt?
The needles used are fine and pain-free. The area will be numbed with some ice and at most you will feel a little pinch.
Who can get Botox?
There are a few rare conditions that are contraindicated for treatment.
These include :
If you have a disease of the NeuroMuscular Junction including Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome and Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).
If you are taking amino glycoside antibiotics (such as Neomycin, Streptomycin, Gentamicin)
If you are taking NeuroMuscular blocking agents such as Curare, or Succinylcholine
Caution should be used in the following circumstances:
You have an allergy to any of the ingredients including Cow’s milk protein
You are pregnant or nursing
You have an infection at the injection site
How long does it last?
Generally injections last 3-4 months, sometimes a little longer, especially with regular treatment. It typically takes about 2 weeks after the injections for the full effects to take place.
BoNT-A is a simple and quick, minimally invasive treatment that delivers dramatic results with no downtime. What are you waiting for?