OKC Dental Arts — Local services in Oklahoma City

MASSETER BOTOX: Read this first

I saw Dr C for masseter Botox. I had a slight pain in the left side of my face occasionally during the evening. It wasn’t bad, went away when I slept but I found it annoying and thought masseter Botox may help. I thought about it for a while but never went to try it. When I saw it offered at the dentist office I thought why not give it a try, it would probably be best to have a dentist do it. What could go wrong, right? A lot.

I had the consult with Dr C and was warned about not rubbing the areas after the injections so the Botox would not migrate and that there is a risk of pain, swelling, etc at the injection site. No other risks were discussed. I blindly trusted that she was telling me everything I needed to know. Biggest mistake of my life.

I woke up the day after Botox blindsided by the beginning of a never ending nightmare. I felt severe pressure in the sides of my face and within a day the pressure grew into my ears. Within 48 hours of that the pressure grew under my chin so it felt like I was being choked far under water while someone was squeezing my face. I googled and nothing said anything about my reaction but advised to give it 4-6 weeks for the Botox to settle.

It did not get better. The pressure never went away and pain joined. I saw Dr C for a splint and other doctors for the pain but nothing helped. I finally gave up and naively thought that once the Botox wore off things would go back to how they were before. That’s not how it works.

After suffering more months with no relief I told Dr C about how the Botox really affected me to see if it would help figure out a solution to my pain and discomfort.

While talking about it, she mentioned a few things that stood out Some people are more sensitive to Botox If you clench when the masseter is paralyzed it can strain other muscles It can cause some patients muscles to become tight

It was kind of her to call but hearing that stuff only after having had the bad reaction felt like a slap in the face. Where was that information during the consult?

I never would have risked getting it if I had known it could make things worse.

I have spent countless hours and a lot of money trying to get my face fixed. No success yet but have learned a lot of info I think is important for anyone considering this to know since you cant count on the person doing the procedure to tell you.

Can mass Botox make things worse? YES Does mass Botox stop clenching? No. Clenching is neurological so paralyzing the mass muscle only stops that muscle from activating when the jaw clenches What happens if you keep clenching when having the mass Botox? It can put extra strain on the other muscles that activate when clenching causing increased tension and potential pain If you don’t like the Botox, can it be reversed? No Does your muscle revert back to how it was once the Botox wears off? No. The muscle will be smaller due to the paralysis so it won’t always feel exactly like it did before the Botox. The Botox wears off but the effects it had don’t just go away What happens to the mass if you stop getting Botox and keep clenching? The muscles are now smaller and haven’t been worked in months so if you keep clenching the same amount it will put strain on the newly reactivated muscles which can cause significant facial/head tension and pain Do all orofacial pain/tmj specialists recommend Botox for clenching? No

None of that was discussed during the consult. If I had known I never would have considered the mass Botox.

Would I recommend mass Botox? NEVER. It ruined my face and I feel extreme discomfort from its aftermath every second of the day still after almost 10 months Would I recommend Dr C? No. She is very nice but when talking with her now I dont know if I am being told everything I need to know. I know to always ask questions now but what if I dont ask the right ones. I cant trust or recommend a medical provider who knows of more risk to a procedure but does not discuss it with the patient until after...

I'm a relatively new patient (about a year), but so far have been very impressed by Dr. Fling's skill at interacting, informing, and performing at a technical & artistic level. In terms of availability, Dr. Fling is accessible via cell phone, and encourages any and all emergency calls. As long as he is available, he is willing to either see you or send a competent staff member as a substitute to see you at his office (including weekends).

Dr. Fling's office is professional and cozy, and as a reflection of this fact, the dentist and his staff (particularly Tammy and Crystal) are down-to-earth and accessible. I like them. They are not pushy, nor hypocritical. Crystal, a dental assistant, is soft-spoken and has a relaxing demeanor (and can also be somewhat cutely goofy sometimes). I can be overly direct, sometimes for fun, but Dr. Fling plays along (demonstrating occasional playfulness), and is not "professionally stilted," nor ignorantly condescending. In general, Dr. Fling demonstrates a general polite reserve, a demeanor which I attach to his professionalism. So kudos to Dr. Fling and his great selection of staff members.

In addition to Dr. Fling's sincerity and likability, and more importantly, Dr. Fling has won me over by showing pride and great skill in his own work (technical and aesthetic). Someone who takes pride in his work can also be much more easily trusted to do what is good for the individual and work to the best of his/her ability, without overwhelming emphasis on dollar signs. When it comes to a part of my body, it better be someone I can truly trust to do a fantastic job!

This is in stark contrast to some mediocre, snake oil dentists that are more interested in a facade to increase their bottom-lines -- "zero-value dentists," or maybe even "negative-value dentists," factoring in unnecessary, personal costs. An incompetent (and/or greedy) dentist could cost thousands of dollars in work, not to mention thousands of dollars in possible repairs for shoddy work (a double whammy). For this reason, choosing a dentist should warrant due consideration, and I consider myself very fortunate in discovering this particular dentist (and I did my research beforehand, including personal visits to a couple of dental offices before reaching my decision to make Dr. Fling my dentist). The simple reality is some dental offices are designed to lure people in with smiley, kind staff and office decor and technology (all which cost money), all for the purpose of designing a primarily profit-oriented business at others' unnecessary expense. Caveat emptor.

To reiterate: Dr. Fling is artistic, technical, genuine, and likable. He "earns" his prices. He may "brag on occasion," but it's relatively lighthearted, and not overbearing. I think he's entitled to toot his own horn for what he delivers. His work would definitely speak for itself without him ever saying a word.

I don't give compliments easily, nor am I seduced by kindness that is not backed up by some functional value -- quid pro quo. I'm pragmatic and incredibly incredulous. Dr. Fling, however, has impressed me above and beyond the norm to warrant plenty of compliments and this review. You will get the great service (i.e., dental advice/direction, personability) and product (i.e., dental work/an attractive smile) at this office.

So, if anyone reading this is concerned about finding a remarkable dentist in the OKC metro area, or perhaps just in Oklahoma period, then do yourself a favor and check Dr. Fling out. He's awesome! In fact, he's awesome enough that I would still visit him even if I end up moving...

HIGHLY RECOMMEND IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW DENTAL OFFICE!!!!

Well I have been to OKC Dental Arts two times now over the past 6 months for regular check and cleanings and I never thought I would be leaving a google review of a dental practice. What I love is this practice isn't brand new, it's been established for years, and the knowledge and professionalism of the doctors and staff was such a pleasure to receive being a client.

The practice sits in a nice office complex just a block north of Nw expressway. When you walk into the office from the courtyard I was greeted with a friendly 'Hello' from Kenzie. My cleaning was very thorough on both visit I believe the Trennet was my first hygienist and Jericho was my second and were both very friendly.

I met Dr. Cord on my first visit and Dr. Fling on second. I have to say neither of the doctors were pushy at all for procedures of work to get done. Instead they very thorough in explaining how and why the problems that are bothering me are happening. They also explained different options to me, and they outsource recommended to specialist that they have worked closely with for years for the issues that I'm currently having.

Payment was super easy at the end of the visit, Hannah I believe her name was, helped me set up my next appointment and offer to set an appointment up with the office Dr. Cord and Dr. Fling recommended.

I found my new dental office!!! 5 out of...