Look Your Best With Botox

Posted October 6, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

Are you looking for a way to enhance your natural beauty without undergoing invasive surgery? Why not consider Botox treatments at Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery? We serve aesthetic clients from the Midlothian and surrounding communities. As a specialist, we can provide expert advice and several aesthetic therapies, including Botox cosmetics injections (Ellis County.)

Why Botox?

Botox is one of the easiest and most non-invasive ways to enhance your natural beauty, leaving you feeling more relaxed and confident. The Botox medication can help to reduce the signs of aging and minimize the appearance of wrinkles where it’s applied. It can be used to smooth out areas like smile lines, creases in your forehead, are around the eyes. When lines are no longer visible, your face begins to look a lot fresher and more youthful.

Botox provides proven results without the need to undergo any major cosmetic surgery. After the medication is administered, most people seeing the changes within 3-4 days with the results lasting up to 3-6 months. There’s no need to reschedule around your treatments because no recovery time is necessary. While there may be a very small amount of redness around the injection sites, any irritation is temporary. That being said, you’ll probably want to plan your procedure later in the afternoon, during your day off, or just before the weekend, in case there’s any redness that needs to soothe itself over.

Choose a Botox Provider You Can Trust

Most Botox injections are used to resolve issues across the face or adjacent areas. As you can imagine, our oral surgeon is very well versed when it comes to facial anatomy. We perform quite intricate and detailed procedures every day which require us to have a deep understanding of the muscles and nerves in the head, face and neck. When choosing a practitioner to perform your Botox services, look for someone you know has had previous experience working with delicate facial tissues. When you choose the Midlothian experts at the Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery for Botox injections, you’re not just getting Botox, you are receiving care from some of the most highly trained healthcare providers in Ellis County. You can feel confident knowing you’ll receive expert care in a safe environment, with the latest technology to provide you with the service you expect and deserve.

Botox in Midlothian, TX

If you’ve noticed fine lines and wrinkles slowly creeping up on you and you finally want to put them to a halt, schedule a consultation at Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery today. We can go over your Botox treatment options, and you can have the opportunity to ask the questions you need in order to get the answers to help you make the right decision.

There is no obligation during your consultation or you can start treatment as soon as you would like. Book your appointment at our Midlothian office today and we’ll help you look like the best version of yourself.

Signs and Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Posted September 29, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

Wisdom teeth are usually the last set of your teeth to erupt into your mouth. Sometimes they don’t all come in at the same time, and sometimes it takes months for them to fully make an appearance. There is even a small percentage of people whose wisdom teeth never form, so they don’t ever have to worry about them whatsoever. Then there are other instances where the wisdom teeth are impacted (or even bring extra teeth along with them!)

What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 to 25 years of age. By this time, all the other teeth have already fully developed. At that point, wisdom teeth may not always have the space they need to erupt properly. But that doesn’t stop them from trying. They will continue pushing and pressing into what’s next to them. This can cause them to erupt at an angle or only partially through the gums. Or, it could be fully embedded underneath and not visible at all. All of these teeth are considered “impacted.”

Do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Hurt?

As wisdom teeth continue to grow in, they can begin to cause discomfort at the back of the jaw. But irritation does not always mean they are impacted; when any tooth is breaking through the gums there will always be some amount of discomfort. If the pain gets worse or persists, then there is a good chance the tooth is impacted.

Left alone, impacted wisdom teeth can cause damage to the tooth in front of them or interfere with the surrounding bone and nerve structures. In either case, having them removed is the best option for your overall oral health.

When to Remove Impacted Wisdom Teeth

How do you know if you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted? First, it’s always good to keep your regular dental checkups. This way your dentist can take the proper x-rays needed to keep an eye on your wisdom tooth development and instruct you on possible treatment, if necessary. Depending on certain signs and symptoms, they can refer you to our Midlothian oral surgeon at the appropriate time. Or, you can contact our office directly.

Here are some signs and symptoms to out for:

Swelling in your mouth, cheeks, or jaws
Tender and bleeding gums behind your back teeth
Pain or discomfort at the back of your upper or lower jaw
Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth
Bad breath

Ellis County wisdom teeth extractions are a common solution to a very common problem. Removing problematic wisdom teeth is something the Texas Institute of Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery specializes in. Our expert has years of training and experience to help our patients get their healthy smiles back on track.

Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal, Ellis County

For more information about wisdom teeth extractions, sedation, the procedure, and recovery, contact our office in Midlothian today. We can see you for a consultation and review the best treatment options with you. Call us today!

Benefits of Dental Implants

Posted September 19, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

Did you know that statistically, 7 out of 10 people will lose at least at least one permanent tooth due to gum disease, an accident, or a failed root canal? On top of that, 1 out of 4 adults will lose all their permanent teeth by the age of 74. Thanks to advanced dental implants, it’s possible to have a brand new smile all over again.

Your Midlothian specialist at Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery advocates for a healthy oral hygiene routine to help you avoid unnecessary tooth loss. After all, your teeth are a very important part of your everyday life. Sometimes we don’t realize how big a role they play until we lose one or more of them.

Side Effects of Tooth Loss

When you do lose or extract a tooth, things can get a bit tricky. Eating is more complicated. The food easily gets stuck, or you may not be able to chew as well as you should. It’s not only eating that can become an issue. Depending on where the tooth is, speaking can be altered and the pronunciation of specific words more difficult. The inconvenience of losing teeth is not only about how we look, but it’s also about how comfortably we are during day to day activities.

How Can a Dental Implant Help?

When one or more teeth have been lost, finding the right long-term replacement is very important. Your choice will also help to reinforce the remaining teeth and the structures surrounding them. That’s why there are so many popular choices like dentures, bridges, and dental implants available.

Dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium which allows it to bond directly with your bone. Once it’s placed, the bone in your jaw will begin to fuse or “integrate” onto the post in the course of a few months. This process allows for maximum stability as the implant will then act as the “root” of your replacement tooth.

The crown portion of your restoration, which you see above the gum tissues, will be custom made and attached onto the integrated dental implant. It will be both strong and attractive, so you can eat or smile as normal.

Why Choose a Dental Implant?

Choosing the right option for tooth replacement is important for almost every daily activity. If you know what you are trying to achieve, we can help you make a decision based on your needs and preferences. Dental implants make a great choice because they target most of the concerns for people with missing teeth.

By choosing and implant, you can enjoy advantages like:

Long term results
The look and feel of a natural tooth
Fewer diet restrictions
Bone preservation
Being non-invasive to adjacent teeth
Restored function

These are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy when you invest in a dental implant. But are implants right for you? Call us to schedule your personalized consultation today!

Should You Extract Your Tooth?

Posted September 8, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

Teeth can be complicated at times. Choosing to extract one is usually a last resort. If you take care of your teeth well and make your oral health a priority, most can last for decades. They were created to withstand the force of our eating multiple times a day. But when our teeth are not taken care of as well as they should be, problems can compound on themselves, creating bigger oral health issues. It doesn’t take much for a tooth to start acting up, especially if there’s an untreated cavity or abscess. It’s best to stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine each day, consisting of brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. This can help maintain healthy gums and reduce your chances of getting cavities.

But sometimes things can get a little out of hand. Or maybe you’ve experienced trauma to a certain tooth. It’s not the most popular choice, but a tooth extraction is probably your best solution if your tooth is so damaged that your dentist considers it “non-restorable.”

Why Would I Need to Extract a Tooth?

If you’re in pain or have a badly-damaged tooth, tooth removal is usually the best option.

In cases where the tooth has been severely damaged from a large amount of decay, a simple filling cannot correct the problem. If too much tooth structure has been involved, the tooth is no longer strong enough and will ultimately crack or break. If there is an infection inside of the nerve that’s causing pain, a root canal is usually best. But sometimes the tooth will need to be extracted to stop the pain and infection from spreading further (or possibly affecting the surrounding teeth.)

Where there is an advanced amount of periodontal disease, too much gum and bone deterioration can compromise the tooth’s integrity. When it is detected early enough, the gum tissue can be rehabilitated and the teeth saved. But if there is a severe amount of bone loss and tooth mobility, an extraction then becomes the only practical treatment option.

Similarly, wisdom teeth are usually extracted because of the numerous side-effects that they create in your mouth. Proactive third molar extractions help to keep your overall smile as healthy as possible.

What Happens After You Extract a Tooth?

A dental extraction may be necessary in order to keep the rest of your smile intact, not to mention offer peace of mind. Unfortunately, there will then be a large space left created where the extracted tooth once stood. This can cause issues with eating and even interfere with your self-esteem.

A dental extraction doesn’t have to be where your story ends. A great solution is to replace any missing teeth as quickly as possible. Options like dental implants offer the most long-lasting and lifelike results.

Reserve a Consultation Today

Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery is your Midlothian expert in surgical tooth extraction and dental implant therapy. Contact us today to find out how we can help you enjoy a healthier, more attractive smile.

How Do Botox and Fillers Work?

Posted August 29, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

Did you know that when you smile or laugh, you use your whole face? You probably didn’t realize it, but your whole face is involved in the moment of joy! Your teeth and gums are on full display, and as you probably already know, there are countless cosmetic dental treatments that help you teeth look their best.

But what about the other areas of your face? Such as around your eyes, across your cheeks, lips, forehead, and the areas around your mouth. This is where medications like Botox and dermal fillers come into the picture. These products can help enhance your facial features in a natural and minimally-invasive manner.

How Does Botox Work?

Botox stops certain chemical signals from being activated inside of nerve tissues. It’s mainly designed to stop the muscles from contracting in the injected area. This is why Botox is mainly used for facial cosmetic purposes or even managing migraine headaches. The injections cause a temporary relaxation of the facial muscles, which help to combat the formation of wrinkles and creases on the forehead, the areas around the eyes, and mouth. Unlike surgery, Botox treatments are temporary and can last 6 to 9 months at a time. That means you can try it once without a permanent commitment.

How Do Dermal Fillers Work?

Fillers differ from Botox in the fact that they do not limit muscles from contracting. Fillers are typically used to fill in lines and wrinkles and add volume to specific areas of the face. These injections are made up of hyaluronic acid, which can be found naturally in your body. Fillers boost the skin’s supply of hyaluronic acid, smoothing out unwanted wrinkles or creases around the mouth and adding volume to areas across the face.

As we age, we begin to see small facial changes happening over time. You may be looking for a solution that isn’t drastic as surgery and offers fast results. Botox and fillers are suitable options for smoothing out the skin again, giving you a more youthful appearance but in a natural way. These injections are only taking what you already have and revitalizing or enhancing it. The services we provide at the Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery are designed to provide you with optimal results in a comfortable and conservative manner.

Why Trust Us?

Botox treatments must be administered by providers specifically trained in such medications and cosmetic treatments. Our Midlothian specialist performs oral and facial surgeries every day, always working with the muscles and nerves of the face and facial structures. Who better than to place your cosmetic injectables?

Here, you’ll receive specialized care from an expert in orofacial aesthetics. Our office is a fresh, comfortable, and inviting space where you can undergo treatment in a safe and modern environment. When you choose our Ellis County office to perform Botox or filler treatments, you are choosing to invest in the quality of care you deserve without compromise.

Botox and Fillers in Midlothian

If you want to learn more about Botox or filler treatments, contact the Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery team today for a no-obligation consultation at our Midlothian office. We will be able to answer all your specific questions and help you decide on the treatment that is best for you.

3 Reasons to Consider Zygomatic Implants

Posted August 19, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

A zygomatic dental implant can sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but it isn’t science fiction. Zygomatic implants are a type of dental implant that oral surgeons and implant specialists use to treat specific cases where missing teeth are involved.

Replacing missing teeth is not only beneficial aesthetically, but it also improves your health and quality of life. When teeth are missing, the bone in the jaw tends to shrink away. This can make traditional dentures very uncomfortable or loose, because they won’t fit properly due to the shrinking bone tissue. It can also make it challenging to place implants, especially in the upper jaw. That’s where zygomatic implants can help.

Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants have longer posts and are anchored at an angle in the zygomatic bone, or cheekbone, giving much more support to those who have less facial bone structure to work with. The implants are also placed at an angle, which means they can avoid the sinus area and any nerves or blood vessels adjacent to them.

Severe bone loss is the main reason you may choose a zygomatic implant, but there are other benefits as well.

No Bone Graft Needed

In the past, if a patient with severe bone loss wanted to consider implants for missing teeth, they would need to have a bone graft. This is where bone is transplanted or synthetic materials placed in the jaw to grow and create a stable environment for an implant. With a zygomatic implant, patients can bypass the need for a bone graft in the upper jaw. Having a bone graft is a separate surgical procedure from implant surgery and would require its own recovery time. It is also another added cost to the implant treatment that those patients can avoid.

Saves Treatment Time

Since no bone grating is required for most zygomatic dental implants, there is no need to factor in the healing or integration time for that surgery. This can reduce your oral rehabilitation timeframe by anywhere from 3-6 months, depending on the individual. A zygomatic implant also means that a prosthesis has the potential for immediate placement in limited cases. We aim to provide some type of restoration—whether permanent or temporary—for all dental implant clients, eliminating the need for you to ever be seen with missing teeth during your oral rehabilitation.

A Smart Investment in Your Smile

Dental implants are much more than a way to improve the way we look, they are a way to improve the quality of life we experience. A person’s normal daily habits (such as eating, smiling, or speaking to coworkers and friends) are dramatically improved. In turn, your investment in traditional or zygomatic dental implants can tremendously benefit your confidence.

You can’t go wrong with dental implants. Zygomatic implant designs open up a door of opportunities for people who typically don’t qualify for treatment.

Find Out if Zygomatic Implants are Right for You

Schedule a consultation with the Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery today to discuss whether zygomatic implants are right for you.

Dental Implants for People with Bone Loss

Posted August 9, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

There are many reasons why maintaining strong and healthy teeth and gums is important. When you keep up with a good oral hygiene and preventative care routine, it helps ensure your teeth and gums can last you a lifetime. But a lack of attentive care can lead to cavities, root canals, and gum disease. All of these leave your smile in a weakened state, along with running the risk of losing your teeth altogether. Apart from the aesthetic aspect and how this may affect you, the roots of our teeth play an important role in maintaining a healthy level of bone within the jaw. As we lose teeth, we lose the bone structure around those spaces as well.

Why are Teeth Important for Bone Levels?

Besides enabling us to eat properly, teeth and their roots provide the necessary stimulation needed to maintain bone density and height throughout our jaws and facial profile. Once we lose teeth because of infection, trauma, or disease, there is a gradual recession of the bone’s density and mass.

The health and integrity of the jawbone then become compromised, which can lead to other issues. One of those is the inability to properly place an implant in the jaw to restore any missing teeth. After all, dental implants require adequate bone support to hold them in place.

For those people who want to have an implant placed but lack bone support, there is a way that it can still be achieved: by performing a bone graft.

Bone Grafting (Augmentation)

Severe bone loss can usually prevent a person from getting a dental implant placed, but working with a specialist who offers bone augmentation (or bone grafts), can change that.

Bone augmentations involve placing biocompatible bone material or synthetic products into the areas where the bone has resorbed, allowing it to regenerate and restore the height, contour, and density of the jaw in that space. This treatment is important because implants need the right amount of healthy bone for them to be successful.

If implants are placed in areas where the bone levels are too low or narrow, it can potentially lead to the implant failing. Choosing a specialist who has extensive training and experience with bone augmentation gives those with severe bone loss the chance to successfully pursue dental implant treatment.

The team at the Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery is highly experienced in performing bone augmentations and is proud to offer our patients this option when they might not otherwise qualify for dental implants.

Ridge and Sinus Augmentation

There are two types of augmentations: ridge and sinus. Ridge augmentation involves restoring and recontouring the bone along the jawline, particularly when there are several lower teeth missing. Whereas sinus augmentation involves the bone in the upper jaw, because of its close relationship with the nasal sinuses (your sinus cavity is essentially the roof of your mouth.)

Working with our Midlothian implant specialist means you will be partnering with a team that has extensive knowledge and experience with both types of augmentations, and we will be there to support you throughout the whole process.

Severe bone loss does not mean your dreams of having implants can’t come true. Schedule a consultation with our Ellis County implant expert today to learn more about the treatment options available.

How PRF/PRP Treatments Jump-Start Your Way to a Better Recovery

Posted August 1, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

If you’ve never heard of PRP(Platelet Rich Plasma) or PRF(Platelet Rich Fibrin), you are not alone. Many don’t know what these treatments are or the benefits they provide. But both are essential in helping jump-start your road to better recovery after oral surgery.

These treatments may sound new or like non-traditional or alternative medicine. The truth is it has been around for quite some time, with extensive research when it comes to recovering from dental or oral surgery. Athletes have been using it for years to aid in their recovery after injury and surgery.

At the Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, we try to remain at the forefront of advancements in minimally-invasive care and therapies. That’s why we’re delighted to offer PRP or PRF to our patients after dental surgery.

Platelet Rich Plasma and Platelet Rich Fibrin

PRP injections are made up of two parts: plasma and platelets from your body’s own blood supply.

Platelets play an important role in the healing process throughout the body because of their clotting abilities. They can also stimulate tissue regeneration and cell reproduction when applied to specific areas. PRF is similar to PRP, but is applied as a paste and has a high concentration of fibrin and white blood cells. It is thought to be the more advanced version of PRP, but both treatments offer great results.

At the time of an oral surgery, a vial of blood is drawn from the patient’s arm, then spun in something called a centrifuge. Layers of the blood are separated, leaving the platelets, plasma, and fibrin behind for us to place into the surgical site.

PRP/PRF Benefits After Dental Surgery

Why is PRP/PRF being used after dental surgeries? One of the main benefits are that these treatments speed up the recovery process in patients after the extraction of teeth, bone grafting for implants, facial reconstruction due to trauma, or other oral surgeries. This is because PRP/PRF accelerates the regeneration of both soft and hard tissues. Bone growth around implants is much faster, reducing the overall recovery and completion time of placing an implant. When teeth are removed, the placement of PRP/PRF into sockets can reduce infection and inflammation. There is also a reduction in the need for painkillers while healing.

The best thing about PRP/PRF is its 100% natural. Since the components are taken from the individual, there isn’t any concern related to the original source. Your body naturally accepts it.

Some other benefits of PRP/PRF are:

Triggers new blood vessels and cell growth
Builds connective tissue
Helps to breakdown and use up protein for faster healing

Unfortunately, not all patients are a candidate for using PRP/PRF. Depending on your medical history, medications that you’re taking, or the type of oral surgery planned, we will discuss the option with you during your evaluation.

We offer no-obligation consultations so that you will be well informed of the process from start to finish. Let us help you heal and recover in the best way possible. Call us today!

Botox and Juvéderm Smile Treatments

Posted July 19, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

You may be wondering what Botox and dentistry have to do with one another and why do some dental practices offer Botox treatment? When you’re planning to create your dream smile or improve facial aesthetics, Botox or Juvéderm treatments can offer a unique opportunity in helping to achieve your desired results.

As you get older, you might start noticing those smile lines beginning to deepen a bit more. To the point it’s now something you cannot help but notice. And then there are the creases across your forehead or around your eyes. Soft tissues frame your smile and help you show off your personality. Our anti-aging treatments in Midlothian can help you smile again with a renewed, youthful confidence.

Facial Rejuvenation Treatments

At our office in Midlothian, we frequently recommend Juvéderm for patients who are considering cosmetic dental treatments. Juvéderm is a dermal filler that can be safely injected into the skin to smooth out the appearance of creases and wrinkles. While frequently applied to address smile lines, other areas in the face can be affected as well. Think lines at the bridge of your nose or around your eyes; these areas can also benefit from Juvéderm dermal filler treatments. This approach will minimize the effects of aging and leave you looking as youthful on the outside as you feel on the inside. Our Midlothian specialist can also use the treatments to bolster the facial structures around the mouth, and to provide premium aesthetic results after treatments like tooth replacement with dental implants.

Botox Treatments in Midlothian

While having Botox treatment can produce similar cosmetic results as Juvéderm, it works a little differently and also offers certain functional benefits. Botox is more of a muscle relaxer, easing the tension that creates fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, many doctors use Botox to help treat patients who suffer from muscle spasms, migraines, and tension in the jaw muscles. The use of Botox can help with muscle tension whether it’s an aesthetic concern or related to your orofacial function.

Temporary Facial Cosmetics

Botox and Juvéderm are not a permanent treatment. Results can last anywhere from 3-6 months, depending on how often you choose to re-apply the product. This option is perfect for people who want to address their facial aesthetics but prefer to avoid permanent cosmetic surgery.

Your treatments are minimally-invasive and usually take around 20 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on the area being treated. There may be some soreness and redness afterward around the injection sites, but these will improve after a few days.

Our Midlothian office is quiet and comfortable, and our friendly staff will be sure that you have all that you need to feel relaxed and prepared for your appointment.

Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery boasts an experienced team of professionals and orofacial experts who look forward to helping you look and feel confident without compromising your oral health.

Limited Summer Wisdom Tooth Consultations Still Available

Posted July 12, 2022 by drslaughteroffice

We know summer can get a bit busy, and scheduling dental appointments can easily be an afterthought. At the Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, we want to remind you that we still have a limited number of wisdom teeth consultations remaining for the summer.

Why Summer is a Good Time For a Wisdom Tooth Consultation

Planning a wisdom tooth consultation during the summer months may seem like it can cause an interruption to your plans, but it can actually do the opposite. An early consultation can allow for better planning of your schedule. During the consultation, you learn everything you need to know about your case and what will be necessary when it comes to treatment (if applicable). This visit will also give you the opportunity to look ahead at your schedule to plan for the surgery accordingly.

You can choose to have the wisdom tooth removal during the summer, which has advantages, or choose to schedule something a little later that may fit better with your plans. Either way, after a consultation, you will be better prepared to make an informed decision that fits in with your summer and back-to-school plans this fall. Especially if your teen is headed off to college.

Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal in the Summer

Having a summer consultation means you can set aside free time to have the surgery completed before school starts back. Being out of school will give your teen the perfect opportunity to relax and recover without any added stress. There won’t have to worry about interruptions during exam periods or the possibility of missing school-related activities. They can take a week out of their summer to have the surgery and rest and recover properly.

Having the consultation ahead of time also means you can organize whatever is necessary for the appointment and recovery. Things like proper transportation to and from the office, picking up required medication, and preparing the right foods to eat for the next few days during recovery. These are just a few things that can be prepared ahead of time to make the whole process a bit smoother.

Get Your Questions Answered

Consultations are an important step before your wisdom teeth are removed. During this appointment, we will be able to take any necessary scans for the doctor to make a proper diagnosis. We use state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology in order to see as much detail as possible to ensure our surgical team is well prepared in advance. The consultation is also the appropriate time to discuss any medical issues or concerns you may have. For example, if you have diabetes, are taking specific medications, or have had problems with anesthesia in the past. This is the best time to discuss such concerns before the wisdom teeth start to cause pain or infection.

Texas Institute of Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery offers wisdom tooth removal for our patients in the Midlothian and greater Ellis County area. Call us now to reserve an appointment.

Dear valued patients,

Our Blog