What is Botox?
Botox is used medically to treat several conditions and cosmetically to remove wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. It is made from a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Neurotoxins target the nervous system, disrupting the signaling processes that allow neurons to communicate effectively.
There are seven types of botulinum toxins, but only two types are used in small, weak doses for medical and cosmetic purposes.
How does Botox work?
Dr. Prokopets uses Botox to weaken or paralyze specific muscles and block specific nerves. Depending on the condition treated, the effects last from three months to one year.
What does Botox treat?
Dr. Prokopets uses Botox to treat painful medical conditions and help improve your appearance:
Chronic Migraines
To reduce the discomfort associated with chronic migraines, Dr. Prokopets injects Botox into seven head and neck muscles every 12 weeks.
Pathologic Clenching
Low doses of Botox help reduce the chronic trauma that pathologic clenching causes to your teeth, gingiva, and underlying tissues.
Mandibular Spasms
Botox diminishes the limitations caused by spastic muscles, including your ability to eat, perform basic oral hygiene, and receive dental treatment.
Bruxism
Botox decrease the symptoms associated with bruxism, a condition characterized by unconscious grinding, gnashing, and clenching your teeth.
Gummy Smiles
Excessive gingival tissue that shows when you smile tends to cause oral hygiene and cosmetic issues. Dr. Prokopets injects small doses of Botox to limit muscular over-contraction of your upper lip and reduce exposure of your upper gums when you smile.
Enhancing Facial Esthetics
Botox is most commonly known for its effective treatment of facial wrinkles caused by muscular action deforming your overlying skin, including deep nasolabial folds, radial lip lines, and high lip lines.
Call or make an appointment online today with Dr. Eugenia Prokopets in Chevy Chase, Maryland, to find out if Botox is the best way to get rid of dental pain or facial wrinkles.
