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Botox Cosmetic is a neurotoxin that originates from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although this toxin is infamous for causing botulism, a type of food poisoning, it has several medical applications when used under controlled dosing. Botox Cosmetic acts by weakening or paralyzing specific muscles or blocking the pathway of certain nerves.

Medical Uses

Botox Cosmetic is commonly used in small doses in the medical community to treat various conditions such as:

• Temporarily smoothing facial wrinkles caused by muscle contractions.

• Controlling overactive underarm sweating.

• Managing cervical dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes severe shoulder and neck contractions.

• Treating uncontrolled blinking of eyes (blepharospasm).

• Addressing overactive bladder.

• Correcting misaligned eyes (strabismus).

• Managing chronic migraine headaches.

Procedure

Botox Cosmetic is administered through fine gauge needles directly into the neuromuscular tissues. It usually takes just a few minutes and does not require local anesthesia. Results are typically noticeable 3-7 days after the treatment. However, pregnant or lactating women and individuals who have had a previous allergic reaction to Botox Cosmetic should not receive treatment.

Dental Uses

Botox Cosmetic can also be used by dentists for various cosmetic and functional dental issues, including:

• Softening facial lines and wrinkles such as crow's feet, forehead furrows, frown lines, lip lines, and bunny lines.

• Reducing neck bands.

• Relieving pain from headaches caused by tension in muscles in the head, face, and neck.

• Addressing relapse of teeth following orthodontic treatment completion caused by an overactive mentalis muscle.

• Improving the appearance of skin dimpling of the chin.

• Reducing pain from headaches due to occlusal (bite) issues.

• Reducing bruxism, a condition that involves grinding and clenching of teeth.

• Lifting the corners of the mouth.

• Softening a square jawline.

• Correcting a gummy smile due to over-retracted upper lips.

Training

Dentists are ideal practitioners for delivering Botox in the head and neck region as they receive advanced training in oral and maxillofacial areas. When selecting a dentist for Botox Cosmetic, look for one with proper certification and insurance. The certification should include at least 16 hours of live hands-on patient training.

If you are interested in Botox Cosmetic aesthetic treatment for a smile makeover, schedule a no-cost cosmetic consultation appointment with Marielaina Perrone DDS at (702) 458-2929. The practice is located in Summerlin, Henderson, and Las Vegas, NV.

Dental implant treatment has revolutionized the field of dentistry over the past two decades for both patients and implant dentists. The technology has been a game-changer for people who have lost teeth, whether it be a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a denture anchor. As dental implant technology has evolved, new dental advancements and techniques have matured, such as the All-on-4 dental implants procedure.

This procedure allows for the placement of four dental implants and the restoration to be placed on the same day, giving patients new teeth the same day as the placement of the dental implants. For this reason, All-on-4 dental implants are also called “new teeth in a day.” This is a major benefit for people who have lost multiple teeth, have poor-fitting dentures, or have experienced trauma or progressive tooth loss due to tooth decay or periodontal disease.

The All-on-4 Dental Implants procedure has opened the door for patients who were not previously considered good candidates for traditional dental implants due to inadequate bone density or volume. The procedure uses four dental implants per arch (upper or lower, or both) with the back dental implants placed on an angle to maximize the use of the existing natural bone structure. Unique dental implants were developed that could support the immediate placement of replacement teeth, making it an attractive option for those with loose dentures or those in need of full upper and lower restorations.

Traditionally, the approach to restoring an entire arch of teeth (upper or lower) involved dental bone grafts, six or more dental implants, and as much as 12-18 months of dental treatment, during which the patient would wear a temporary denture while the dental bone grafts and dental implant healing integrated into the bone. All-on-4 dental implants eliminate the need for bone grafts and multiple dental implant procedures. Patients receive just four dental implants and a full set of new upper or lower replacement teeth in just a few dental visits, which can save time, money, and discomfort.

The All-on-4 Dental Implants procedure provides permanent teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They do not require removal, adhesives, or additional maintenance beyond brushing and cleaning like natural teeth. The procedure prevents resorption of bone and restores facial features, allowing you to taste and enjoy your favorite foods properly.

The All-on-4 Dental Implants procedure typically consists of the following visits:

• Initial Consultation(s): These visits gather important medical history, needed X-rays, dental impressions, photos, and a CAT Scan. The dentist reviews all the information with the patient and develops the proper course of treatment for all dental issues.
• All-On-4 Dental Implants Placement Visit: During this visit, the patient undergoes the actual procedure for placement of the special 4 dental implants. Following the placement of the dental implants, the dentist installs the temporary denture, allowing the patient to leave the office with a beautiful set of fixed, functional teeth the same day as the implant placement.
• Follow-Up Appointments: The patient returns for periodic dental examinations over the next several days, weeks, and months to ensure proper fit and comfort. After six months, the patient returns for a final set of dentures, giving the tissues in the mouth time to heal properly and allowing the implants to integrate into the bone properly.

Most issues arise from inadequate care and treatment before the procedure. The All-on-4 implant procedure can be very complex, and it is crucial that the restorative dentist is involved from planning to final installation. Failure to follow the steps can result in All-on-4 dental implants problems, such as device failure, tissue damage, and unnecessary financial expense for the patient.

For almost 60 years, dental implants have transformed dentistry and the lives of patients. Before their development, options for replacing missing teeth were limited and had multiple drawbacks. Dental implants offer patients the opportunity to restore a natural-looking and comfortable smile, whether they need to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or their entire set of teeth.

So, what are dental implants? They are an artificial tooth root made of titanium that a periodontist or oral surgeon places into the patient's jaw to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, support multiple teeth as a bridge, or support a denture, making it more comfortable and secure.

Dental implants are an ideal option for patients who are generally in good oral health but have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, fracture, or decay. They are more tooth-saving than traditional crowns and bridges because they don't require cutting down healthy teeth or relying on adjacent teeth for support.

Having sufficient bone and good overall health provides the best prognosis for ideal osseointegration, which is the way bone fills in around the implant for strength. Dental implants are intimately connected with the underlying bone and gum tissues in the mouth, so proper fit, good occlusion, and excellent oral hygiene are necessary for long-term success.

Periodontal disease, diabetes, bleeding problems, and smoking can cause difficulty in placement, healing, and longevity of the dental implants. Patients should be upfront with Marielaina Perrone DDS regarding health issues so that the proper steps can be taken to give them the highest chance of success.

There are several reasons to consider dental implants, including cosmetics, stability, maintaining dental health, worry-free living, longevity, and cost. Dental implant restorations are matched to the patient's existing teeth, and they can be used to replace individual teeth or support a removable denture. Dental implants help to maintain bone levels of the jaws and offer stability and worry-free living, with a success rate of over 98% and should, with proper care, last a lifetime.

While dental implants may initially seem expensive, they are only slightly more expensive than a cemented bridge, which generally lasts 10-20 years if diligent oral hygiene is maintained. In contrast, dental implants will not decay and typically can last a lifetime with proper care. They are less expensive in the long run and do not further damage surrounding teeth.

In conclusion, dental implants should always be considered when a missing tooth or teeth are involved. Patients who are informed and educated will make the best choice for their dental care, and dental implants may be the perfect way to give them back what they have lost.

Osteoporosis is a disease that makes our bones more brittle and vulnerable to fracture.This disease disrupts the bodies balance of resorbing old bone and growing new bone. In essence you lose bone faster than you gain it.

This disease tends to affect women more than men and can lead to a fractured hip or even a curved spine as we age. Osteoporosis also has an effect on our dental health.

How does osteoporosis aeffect dental health?

• Osteoporosis reduces bone density and volume in the jaws that holds our teeth in place. Research has shown that women with osteoporosis suffer from more tooth loss than those without the disease.
• Progressive gum disease can also cause deterioration in the bone surrounding the teeth. Combined with osteoporosis this can be a recipe for losing teeth fast. Maintaining Good Dental hygiene at home can help keep this in check.
• Denture wearers with osteoporosis will lose bone density and volume leading to loose and Ill fitting dentures.

• Unfortunately, most patients have no idea they have the disease.

Many different factors can increase the chance of developing osteoporosis. These include age, illness, personal habits, medications, diet, genetics. 

Marielaina Perrone DDS can notice changes in bone levels from radiographs that are taken over time to note if there are any abnormal changes.

Teeth whitening is a highly effective and safe esthetic treatment to eliminate stains and discoloration, allowing you to enjoy a whiter, brighter smile. Teeth whitening typically comes in 2 forms, at home and dentist-supervised in the office. 

Below, cosmetic dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS will compare in-office whitening to at-home whitening. The pros and cons of each will also be discussed.

Understanding Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is completed in a dental office under dentist supervision. Marielaina Perrone DDS will apply a special bleaching gel to your teeth, and then the gel will be activated using a special lighting system. This process may be repeated several times to achieve the desired esthetic results. Your smile looks brighter, and stains are remarkably less noticeable immediately following a teeth whitening treatment.

Understanding At-Home Teeth Whitening

Some patients choose to complete teeth whitening at home instead of in the office. At-home teeth whitening typically involves wearing either bleaching trays that fit over the teeth or the use of drug store gel strips. The trays or strips must be worn for approximately 6-8 hours daily for about 10 to 14 days.

A major drawback of at-home teeth whitening is that the bleaching agent is less concentrated. This will cause the whitening to take longer to see the desired esthetic results, and the final cosmetic result may not be as dramatic as in-office teeth whitening.

Learn More about Your Teeth Whitening Options

To learn more about teeth whitening, please contact cosmetic dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS in Henderson NV.