Botox in Dentistry: Method and Applications
Botox treatments have a wide range of commonly known applications in cosmetic treatments. Little information exists, however, in public discourse regarding the use of Botox in dental treatments.
There are several benefits to using the botulinum toxin in dentistry. There are also several risks that must be communicated to patients before treatment. We want to keep you informed about the options available to you when you are considering your dental health.
What is Botox?
Botox is one of the botulinum toxin drugs derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Botulinum toxin, or dermal fillers, attach to the nerve endings in the muscle that has been injected with the serum. The nerves that control the muscle are muted in their transmission of signals to the brain. This means muscle contractions stop altogether for a few months before the treatment wears off.
The active therapeutic Botox neurotoxin is harvested, separated and purified in a lab to guarantee its safe application. The supply, storage, use and administration requirements of Botox are outlined in state and territory drugs and poisons legislation and regulations.
Botox treatments can be reapplied numerous times to the same effect.
Dental Botox
In recent years, studies have compounded industry knowledge regarding the use of Botox in dentistry. The Journal of International Oral Health has accoladed Botox as useful in ‘the correction of parafunctional clenching, extracapsular myogenic temporomandibular joint disorder, trismus and the headaches that accompany these conditions.’
Colgate similarly states, in recent years, dental practitioners have adopted the use of the neurotoxin for indications ranging from cosmetic purposes, such as “gummy smile” and nasolabial folds, to sialorrhea, trigeminal neuralgia, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and bruxism.
Is Botox The Right Treatment For Me?
Dental Botox requires further research. However. at present it can be used to treat a vast range of medical conditions and cosmetic preferences.
You may be wondering if this innovative treatment is the right one for you. There are a couple of things to consider before investing in the treatment. Both the context of application and the licensing of your dental practitioner must be regarded.
Firstly, dental Botox may not be offered as a standalone treatment. It may, however, complement other dental treatments offered as part of a patient care plan. This means a dentist may not offer you Botox in and of itself.
Secondly, the certification needed to give Botox treatments varies from state to state. Make sure you check with your dentist that they are licensed to offer you your procedure.
At Big Smiles Dental, all dental Botox injections are within the scope of our practice. We have full indemnity insurance and are licensed to complete the procedures.
Risks and Side Effects of Dental Botox
Botox is essentially harmless, except in situations where it is allowed to spread throughout the rest of the human body. Spreading of the toxin categorically can cause: urinary incontinence, muscle weakness and dangerous breathing and swallowing difficulties.
Botox variants used in dental care must be approved as scheduled medicines in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
Botox resistance is possible over time after a tolerance has been developed. In these cases, using a different toxin can achieve the same results as before the tolerance was developed. Again, alternative toxins used in these circumstances must be approved by the ARTG.
If you decide to get Botox done at Big Smiles Dental we will fully inform you of the risks and benefits before treatment. Botox may be an alternative when other treatments have failed to work. Botox in dentistry may increase in popularity among dentists to help treat physical and cosmetic conditions. Discussing Botox with our patients is important to us, as many patients don’t know it may be a possible way to alleviate some dental concerns.
Contact our dental practitioners today to book a consultation for all dental Botox treatments. One of our friendly care team will be happy to speak to you about your needs and treatment required. Make an appointment booking today. Our health practitioners enjoy a strong reputation and have many years of experience delivering dental therapeutic treatments and successful dental Botox injections.