When you consider Botox, possibilities are you imagine a Gen-X person getting it done to keep their young visage. You’d be correct — Botox is by far the most common cosmetic surgery, with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimating over 7.4 million shots done in 2018. 

Dentists are now joining in on the fun. Have you heard about the Botox craze in dentistry? It may be the next great thing!

Botox is a medication derived from a toxin generated by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, as per the National Library of Medicine. Even though it is the identical toxin that induces botulism, a potentially fatal kind of food poisoning, its utilization as an injectable neurotoxin has been allowed by the FDA for aesthetic treatments and more.

It’s now widely used in tiny dosages to treat a wide range of health issues, including increased perspiration, frequent blinking, increased urination, and even headaches.

Botox works by inhibiting nerve impulses that regulate muscle action, preventing them from contracting and temporarily relaxing the epidermis around the injection site. It normally takes a few hours to notice benefits, and they typically last around three months.

Most people associate the term “Botox” with wrinkle-reducing infusions used in beauty treatments. While Botox has been licensed by the FDA for this purpose, its use is steadily growing due to the neuron blocking advantages it provides. Your dentist may give Botox during a visit to your dental office.

While some dentists use Botox for aesthetic operations, Botox has numerous additional applications in dentistry.

• Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder Treatment (TMJ)
• Bruxism treatment (teeth grinding)
• Discarding the “gummy grin” without any surgical procedures.
• Lip reshaping before or after denture insertion or oral surgery.

Should a Dentist Perform Botox Treatments?

Botox as a purely aesthetic surgery will almost certainly never be part of a dentist’s toolkit, given their first and foremost purpose is to provide oral health care. Some argue that because dentists have significant expertise in oral and facial anatomy, health, and function, no one is better suited to prescribe Botox than a dentist.

Some supporters of Botox in dentistry argue that dentists are the best competent and provide a better experience because they provide oral and face injections daily. The injections are faster and considerably less painful since they are taken care of by proficient individuals.

While the use of Botox in dentistry is contentious for some, it appears that Botox may have a role in dentistry, both medically and aesthetically. According to the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics, around 10% of dentists are presently certified to administer Botox, with more pursuing certification daily. Even the American Dental Association provides Botox training to its members!