Botox

Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When used in controlled doses, Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals that trigger muscle contractions. This relaxation effect makes Botox valuable in both cosmetic and medical settings.

• Cosmetically, Botox reduces the appearance of facial lines caused by repetitive muscle movements, such as frowning, squinting, or smiling.
• Therapeutically, Botox can relieve conditions associated with overactive muscles, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), chronic teeth grinding (bruxism), and even migraine headaches.

Because dentists have an in-depth understanding of the facial muscles and oral structures, they are uniquely positioned to administer Botox with precision and comfort.

Why Dentists Offer Botox

Some people are surprised to learn that Botox is available in a dental office. However, it makes perfect sense. Dentists like Dr. Patton and Dr. Purser are experts in the anatomy of the face, head, and neck. They routinely work with the very muscles and nerves that Botox targets.

At Parkway Dental, we integrate Botox into our services for two primary reasons:

• Facial Aesthetics – We understand that your smile doesn’t end with your teeth. Wrinkles or fine lines around the mouth, forehead, or eyes can impact how your smile looks and how you feel about it. Botox helps patients enjoy a more youthful and refreshed appearance that complements their dental health.
• Therapeutic Relief – Many dental concerns, such as clenching, grinding, and jaw tension, are caused by overactive muscles. Botox can relax these muscles, providing long-lasting relief without invasive treatments.

Cosmetic Uses of Botox

One of the most well-known applications of Botox is in cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics. At Parkway Dental, patients often seek Botox to complement their smile makeover or cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Here are the common cosmetic uses:

Smoothing Forehead Lines

Horizontal forehead lines are among the earliest signs of aging. Botox relaxes the frontalis muscle, softening deep creases and creating a smoother, younger-looking forehead.

Treating Frown Lines

Frown lines, or the vertical lines that appear between the eyebrows, can make a person look stressed or angry even when they are not. Botox injections minimize these lines for a more approachable appearance.

Crow’s Feet

The fine lines radiating from the corners of the eyes, often called crow’s feet, develop from years of squinting and smiling. Botox relaxes these small muscles to reduce their appearance.

Lip Lines (“Smoker’s Lines”)

Fine vertical lines around the lips can be softened with Botox. When combined with cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers or whitening, patients enjoy a balanced and youthful smile.

Gummy Smile Correction

Some patients show excessive gum tissue when smiling, known as a “gummy smile.” By relaxing the upper lip muscles, Botox allows the lip to cover more of the gums for a more proportionate smile.

Jawline Contouring

For patients with a square or bulky jaw caused by enlarged masseter muscles, Botox can slim the lower face, creating a softer, more contoured appearance. Contact us to learn more.

Therapeutic Uses of Botox in Dentistry

Botox is more than a cosmetic treatment—it has significant therapeutic value in dentistry. At Parkway Dental, we use Botox to treat:

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

Patients suffering from TMD often experience jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Botox relaxes the overactive jaw muscles, reducing strain on the temporomandibular joint and providing relief.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Chronic teeth grinding can wear down enamel, fracture teeth, and cause jaw pain. Botox weakens the powerful chewing muscles just enough to reduce grinding while still allowing normal chewing function.

Chronic Headaches and Migraines

Many migraine sufferers experience tension in the facial and jaw muscles. Botox has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines by relaxing these muscles.

Facial Pain and Muscle Tension

Patients with facial pain caused by muscle overactivity can benefit from Botox’s ability to relieve tightness and discomfort.

Orthodontic and Prosthodontic Support

In some cases, Botox can help patients adjust to new dental appliances such as dentures or orthodontic retainers by reducing muscle tension that interferes with adaptation.

The Botox Treatment Process at Parkway Dental

Patients visiting Parkway Dental for Botox can expect a professional, comfortable, and well-explained process:

Consultation and Assessment

Dr. Patton or Dr. Purser will review your goals, medical history, and oral health to determine whether Botox is the right treatment for you. For patients with therapeutic concerns such as TMD, we carefully evaluate your symptoms and jaw function.

Personalized Treatment Plan

We design a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs. The amount of Botox used and the specific injection sites vary depending on whether you are seeking cosmetic or therapeutic results.

The Injection Procedure

• A topical anesthetic may be applied to increase comfort.
• Using fine needles, Botox is injected into targeted muscles.
• The procedure typically takes 10–20 minutes.

Aftercare and Recovery

• Patients may return to daily activities immediately.
• We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, lying down, or massaging the treated areas for at least 4 hours after treatment.
• Minor redness or swelling at the injection sites typically resolves quickly.

Results

• Cosmetic results usually become visible within 3–7 days.
• Therapeutic relief may take up to 2 weeks to fully develop.
• Results typically last 3–4 months, after which follow-up treatments can maintain the benefits.

Why Patients in St. George Choose Parkway Dental for Botox

Patients throughout St. George and surrounding communities trust Dr. Patton and Dr. Purser for Botox because we combine dental expertise, precision, and a patient-focused approach. We see Botox not just as an aesthetic procedure, but as a way to:

• Enhance the results of cosmetic dentistry.
• Provide relief from painful muscle conditions.
• Improve overall facial harmony and confidence.

Our patients appreciate that they can receive advanced facial aesthetic treatments in the same office where they receive trusted dental care.

The Confidence of a Complete Smile

A confident smile is about more than just teeth—it’s about the way your whole face expresses joy, warmth, and personality. With Botox treatments at Parkway Dental, patients can enjoy smoother skin, balanced facial features, and relief from tension-related discomfort.

Dr. Bekki T. Patton, DDS, and Dr. Drew J. Purser, DMD, are committed to helping you achieve both dental health and aesthetic confidence. Whether you want to soften lines around your smile or relieve jaw pain, our team is here to guide you through the process with care and professionalism.

Conclusion

If you are interested in exploring the cosmetic or therapeutic benefits of Botox, Parkway Dental welcomes you to schedule a consultation. Our team will answer your questions, create a personalized plan, and help you take the next step toward a refreshed and confident smile.

Visit Parkway Dental at 1404 Sun River Pkwy #125, St. George, UT 84790, or call (435) 256-6167 to schedule your consultation and learn more about Botox.