Whenever you consider Botox chances are acceptable you consider a Gen-Xer having it done to keep up their youthful appearance. You wouldn’t be wrong – Botox is by a long shot the most famous restorative technique out there with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons detailing over 7.4 million infusions given in 2018.
Also, presently dentists are getting in on the activity. Have you caught wind of this pattern of Botox in dentistry? It could possibly be the next big thing!
What is Botox?
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. While it’s a similar poison that causes a dangerous kind of food contamination called botulism, its utilization as an injectable immobile has been FDA endorsed for restorative methodology and the sky is the limit from there. Indeed, it’s presently ordinarily utilized in little dosages to treat an assortment of medical conditions including extreme perspiring, inordinate squinting, overactive bladder and even headaches.
Botox works by hindering nerve signals that control muscle development, which makes them unfit to contract, relaxing the skin around the zone that was infused. It commonly takes a couple of hours for results to be seen and they normally last around a quarter of a year.
Botox in Dentistry
Most people who hear the word “Botox” think of wrinkle reducing injections used in cosmetic procedures. While it is true Botox was approved by the FDA for such, it is now expanding in its application due to the nerve blocking benefits it offers. In fact, a trip to see your dentist could include them offering Botox.
While some dentists do use Botox for cosmetic procedures, there are many other uses for Botox in dentistry. Such as the following:
• Treatment of Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
• Treatment of bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Reducing a “gummy smile” without surgical intervention
• Adjustment of lips before or after denture placement or oral surgeries.
Should a Dentist Do Botox?
Botox as a purely cosmetic procedure will likely never be part of a dentist’s repertoire – as their first and primary goal is oral health care. But, because dentists have extensive training on oral and facial anatomy, health and function, some say there is no one better qualified to administer Botox than a dentist.
In fact, some proponents of the use of Botox in dentistry claim dentists are the most qualified, and offer a better experience, because they administer oral and facial injections on a regular basis. This can potentially make the injections quick and less painful.
While the use of Botox in dentistry is controversial to some, it seems there may be a place for Botox in dentistry, to help both medically and cosmetically. According to the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics about 10% of dentists are currently trained to administer Botox with more seeking training every day. The American Dental Association even offers Botox training for its members!
Is Botox in dentistry going to be the next big thing? We do not have a crystal ball, but it’s a trend we see increasing especially as demand grows and more and more state dental boards support the practice.
At Orange Beach Family Dentistry, we care about trends in dentistry because they can have an impact on our patients’ oral health, which is our primary concern. If you’d like to talk further with a dentist about your goals with the health of your mouth and teeth, or even the use of Botox in dentistry.