BOTOX® Injections FAQ

What is Botox® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines between the brows to form over time.  It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  One 10-minute treatment—a few tiny injections—and within days there's a noticeable improvement in moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.

How long will my results last?
Results can last for up to 4 months, and may vary.

How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
Those moderate to severe frown lines between your brows form over time as the result of muscle activity. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected directly into the muscles between your brows. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form.

How long does the process take?
The beauty of a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is that it's a simple, 10-minute, non-surgical process. A few tiny injections, and within days there can be a noticeable improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines between the brows that can last up to 4 months.

Is treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic painful?
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, your physician may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people are in and out of the physician’s office without downtime following BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.

Side effects of Botox® Cosmetic?
Do not use BOTOX® Cosmetic if you:

• have an infection where BOTOX® Cosmetic will be injected
• are allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX® Cosmetic
• are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

What should I tell my doctor before using BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Only your doctor can decide if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you:

• have any diseases that affect your nerves and muscles such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome. These diseases may increase your chance of side effects with BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
• are breastfeeding
• are planning to become pregnant soon.

Can any of my medicines interact with BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Be sure that your doctor knows the names of all the medicines you are using, including:

• antibiotics used to treat infections, such as gentamicin, tobramycin, clindamycin, and lincomycin
• medicines used to treat heart rhythm problems, such as quinidine
• medicines used to treat different conditions, such as myasthenia gravis or Alzheimer’s disease.

As with all prescription medicines, you should also notify your doctor if you are taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal products.

Will my facial expressions continue to look natural?
Although the results are visible, a treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you "had work done." The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is simply reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.

How often is treatment recommended?
If you're pleased with the results of a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, you'll probably want to get on a treatment schedule so you can keep on being pleased. OTOX® Cosmetic is a non-surgical, physician-administered aesthetic treatment that can temporarily reduce the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows for up to 4 months. Within days, you may see a noticeable improvement. Results may vary. You can receive injections with BOTOX® Cosmetic up to every 4 months to help you maintain the results.

Dental Implants FAQ

What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are tiny titanium threaded posts surgically inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These posts heal into the jawbone and act as solid anchors to which esthetic artificial teeth can be securely attached. Moreover, bone loss in areas of missing teeth can affect your facial contours, and the dental Implants will help maintain this bone and helps preserve a youthful facial appearance.

How many surgical procedure will it take?
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your upper or lower jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums and gradually bond with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is fabricating new replacement teeth. After the implant has healed into the jawbone, the patient returns to our office for a brief procedure. Your oral surgeon will uncover the implant and attach a small post, which will anchor your new and esthetic artificial tooth. The entire treatment period usually takes six to eight months. Dental implants placements of proper length and width can restore functionality and the esthetic appearance of your smile. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

What are the main benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants offer patients who are missing teeth a stable, reliable, and realistic replacement option. Patients who receive dental implants can smile with confidence and eat their favorite foods without worry. More importantly, dental implants halt the bone loss associated with missing teeth and wearing removable dentures.

Who is a candidate for implant dentistry?
Almost anyone who is missing teeth is a good candidate for implant dentistry. You must have a sufficient amount of healthy bone in the jaw to support the implant. As with many types of medical procedures, certain health concerns will prohibit people from receiving dental implants. Please schedule an implant dentistry consultation to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.

I've been told I don't have enough bone for dental implants. Is there anything you can do?
Yes. In most cases, a bone grafting procedure can help even severe bone loss. This in-office procedure creates a strong foundation that ensures that there is enough healthy bone for the successful integration of the implant.

Gradual bone loss is common among denture wearers, and many experience difficulty stabilizing their lower denture over time, which can lead to chewing, speaking, eating, and even digestion problems. But with modern bone grafting techniques, we can often return the jaw to normal function and place implants to stabilize a denture.

What are dental implants made of?
Dental implant posts are made from titanium, a metal that is also used for joint replacements. Since titanium is biocompatible, the jawbone grows onto the dental implant post, ensuring a firm and stable foundation for a replacement tooth.

How long does the implant dentistry procedure take?
The length of the implant dentistry procedure varies based on the type of treatment required. In most cases, a two-to-four month healing period is needed to allow the jawbone to integrate with implant post. However, we are sometimes able to deliver fully functioning replacement teeth in a single office visit.

Do I have to go without my dentures during my treatment?
No.  It is possible to wear your dentures immediately after the dental implant procedure; it will all depend on your treatment plan.

How much does the implant dentistry procedure cost?
The cost of dental implants is based on several factors:

• The amount of bone present
• The number of dental implants required
• The type of replacement tooth or prosthesis chosen

Does insurance cover this procedure?
Coverage for implant dentistry in California varies depending on the insurance company and type of coverage. Some medical and dental insurance plans do cover part of the cost for dental implant treatment.  At Valley Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we are very familiar with insurance coverage issues regarding dental implant treatment.

Is financing available for dental implants?
Yes!  We offer third party financing options such as Care Credit.  Interest free and long-term financing is available to help you achieve the full benefits of dental implant treatment.

Wisdom Teeth FAQ

Why should wisdom teeth be removed?
When wisdom teeth erupt into the mouth and align properly within the arch, removal of these teeth are unnecessary. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they do not properly erupt within the mouth. They can grow in various orientations, may partially emerge from the gum, or may remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many awkward positions in the bone as they attempt to erupt into the mouth.

Poorly positioned or impacted wisdom teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacterial growth leading to infection. Moreover, the pressure from erupting wisdom teeth can cause shifting of your primary teeth eventually disrupting the natural alignment of your smile.

Cysts or tumors may form around the impacted wisdom tooth causing destruction of the adjacent jaw bone and teeth. Removal of the offending impacted wisdom tooth or teeth usually remedy these problems.