Written by K. Ekon, DMD
On your next dental visit, you may notice a new service being offered by your dentist: Botox. Wait, Botox? Isn't that for wrinkles? Not just for wrinkles anymore, my friend. Dentistry is ever evolving offering dentists the opportunity to provide new services that can profoundly impact their patients' lives. Traditionally, dentistry has focused primarily on oral health, including preventive care, restorative procedures, and cosmetic dentistry. However, many dentists are expanding the scope of their dental services to include additional therapeutic and aesthetic treatments. Dentists who include Botox services into their dental practice have additional tools and techniques at their disposal, to address a broader range of patient needs. Let's delve into how this wonder drug is challenging preconceptions and reshaping the dental industry.
Table of Contents
- What is Botox?
- What Services Does a Dentist Use Botox For?
- Facial Aesthetics
- Gummy Smile
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Migraine-Tension Headaches
- Sialorrhea
- Bruxism
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
- What are the Complications of Using Botox?
- What Type of Training does a Dentist Need to Deliver Botox?
- In Conclusion
Many of us are familiar with Botox and what it does, but what exactly is it?Botox, short for Botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. You've probably heard of the life-threatening food poisoning illness called Botulism? It's the same toxin, one of the most potent toxins known. But, when used in small, controlled amounts, it provides therapeutic services. Botox works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles, causing temporary paralysis of the muscles.
Botulinum toxin was first discovered after a group of Belgian musicians fell ill after eating smoked ham at a funeral in 1897; three of them shortly died. The ham was sent to Emile van Ermengem, Professor of Bacteriology at the University of Ghent, who identified the toxin and named it. Over the years several other scientists worked with the toxin and learned how to purify it. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that its use as a therapeutic agent gained prominence when Dr. Alan B. Scott, an ophthalmologist, conducted experiments using botulinum toxin injections to treat strabismus (crossed eyes) in monkeys. These studies eventually led to the approval of Botox for medical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989. Since then, Botox has been approved for various medical and cosmetic applications, including the treatment of muscle spasms, excessive sweating, migraines, overactive bladder, facial wrinkles, and TMJ pain.
Facial Aesthetics
In 2013, dentists in Washington State joined a rising number of dentists across the United States authorized to administer Botox and other dermal fillers for both cosmetic and therapeutic dental purposes, following comprehensive training. Many dentists who do "Smile Makeovers" use Botox as a finishing touch for the ultimate results. Dentists are discovering that many of their patients have been curious about using Botox. Patients are loving the variety of services and the ease of convenience of not having to schedule a separate appointment with their dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Why not have some wrinkles erased when you have your teeth cleaned?
Gummy Smile
Approximately 7-14% of men and women show extra gum tissue in their smiles resulting in what's called a "gummy smile". Their are several ways to treat this condition including minor gum surgery and braces. Using Botox to relax the lip provides immediate results, although it can be costly and need to be repeated 2-3 times a year.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for carrying sensations from the face to the brain. It is often referred to as the "Suicide Disease" because of the intense, excruciating pain it can cause. The pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia is often described as stabbing, electric shock-like, or searing, and it can be triggered by even the slightest touch or movement, such as eating, talking, brushing teeth, even a breath of wind can trigger it. This pain can be debilitating and severely impact a person's quality of life, leading to profound emotional distress and suffering.
While Botox injections for trigeminal neuralgia are still considered an off-label use, meaning they have not been specifically approved by regulatory agencies for this condition, many healthcare professionals have reported positive outcomes in their patients. Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the long-term efficacy and safety of Botox for trigeminal neuralgia, it represents a promising alternative for individuals who have not responded well to conventional therapies or are unable to tolerate their side effects.
Migraine-Tension Headaches
Botox has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic migraine, which includes tension-type headaches. While the exact mechanism by which Botox provides relief for tension headaches is not fully understood, it is believed to involve several factors including muscle relaxation, pain modulation and reduction of trigger points.
Botox treatment for tension headaches typically involves the administration of multiple injections into specific muscles in the head, neck, and shoulders. The injections are usually repeated every 12 weeks, with the effects gradually building up over time.
Sialorrhea
Hypersalivation or drooling can occur due to various reasons, including neurological disorders (such as Parkinson's disease or cerebral palsy), developmental disorders, medications, or structural abnormalities in the mouth or throat. If left untreated, it can cause complications such as oral infections, tooth decay, aspiration pneumonia and skin infections.
Botox injections can be an effective treatment for sialorrhea, particularly in cases where other interventions have not provided sufficient relief. When injected into the salivary glands, Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating saliva production. By reducing saliva production, Botox can help alleviate the symptoms of sialorrhea and improve quality of life for affected individuals.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition, commonly caused by stress or anxiety, where a person excessively grinds or clenches their teeth, often unconsciously during sleep although it can also occur during waking hours. It can lead to various dental issues and discomfort, including tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and even damage to dental restorations like crowns or fillings.
Treatment for bruxism typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause and alleviating symptoms. This may include strategies such as stress management techniques, behavior modification, wearing a night guard or splint to protect the teeth, and addressing any dental issues that may be contributing to the problem.
Botox injections have emerged as a promising treatment option for bruxism, particularly in cases where other interventions have not provided sufficient relief. When injected into the muscles responsible for grinding or clenching the teeth, Botox works by temporarily paralyzing or weakening these muscles, thereby reducing their activity and the force exerted on the teeth and jaw.
TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Temporomandibular joint disorder refers to a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull. TMD can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
Symptoms of TMD may include: Jaw pain or tenderness, difficulty or discomfort while chewing, clicking/popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint, locking of the jaw joint and facial pain or discomfort, headaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Treatment for TMD depends on the severity of symptoms and underlying causes. In many cases, conservative treatments can effectively manage symptoms. These may include: resting the jaw, avoiding hard or chewy foods, ice therapy, practicing stress-reduction techniques. Dentists may prescribe OTC pain relievers or muscle relaxants.
Dental treatments such as night guards or splints can help reduce teeth grinding and relieve pressure on the jaw joint. Dental corrections, such as adjusting the bite or replacing missing teeth, may also be beneficial. Not all patients experience relief though with these traditional treatments and this is where Botox can help those suffering with chronic pain. Botox injections into the jaw muscles can temporarily paralyze the muscles and relieve pain and muscle tension associated with TMD.
While Botox injections are generally safe when administered by a trained dentist, as with any medication, there are potential complications and side effects associated with their use. If you are considering Botox treatment it is essential you are aware of the risks and to discuss them with your dentist before undergoing the procedure. Some possible complications of Botox use include: pain, swelling, bruising, redness and tenderness at the injection site, muscle weakness or paralysis, allergic reactions and unintended cosmetic outcomes such as asymmetry or an unnatural appearance.
To deliver Botox in WA State you must be a licensed medical professional such as: Physician-MD or DO, Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner or a Dentist-DDS or DMD. You also must attend an accredited training program with hands-on certification. There are also many advanced training courses a dentist can take to practice their Botox skills and maximize their patients' results. Ask your dentist how much training he has had to administer Botox and if he has done any advanced training.
In Conclusion
Dentists offering Botox on their list of services is increasing everyday. What was once solely associated with cosmetic enhancements, such as wrinkle reduction or refining a smile, has now expanded into a multifaceted approach to dental care. Overall, the incorporation of Botox into a dental practice has enabled dentists to expand their services to offer therapeutic interventions to cosmetic enhancements. It has expanded the role of dentists beyond traditional oral health care, allowing them to offer comprehensive solutions for both functional and aesthetic concerns. A win-win for everyone!
More and more dentists in WA State are offering Botox in their services. On our website, we have Botox services split up between therapeutic and aesthetic. To find the nearest Botox dentist near you, go to the Search box and look for "I'm interested in Botox-Facial Aesthetics" OR "I'm interested in Botox Therapy-TMJ, Migraine Headaches". You will receive a list of dentists who offer the Botox services you are looking for.
