Updated: Aug 8, 2019

As the use of BOTOX in dentistry becomes more popular, more research studies are being conducted to investigate its uses. BOTOX can be used in a dental office when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan within a dental scope of practice and not as a stand-alone procedure. The dental professional must have received appropriate education and training prior to administering BOTOX.

How does BOTOX work

After injection into the muscle, BOTOX binds to the nerve endings that control movement of the muscle. Over the next few days to two weeks, the toxin works to block the signals from the nerve that control muscle movement. BOTOX only effects the nerve transmission move the muscle, not sensations.

How is BOTOX used in dentistry?

The decision to use BOTOX for conditions specific to dentistry need to come after your dentist performs a full evaluation, makes a diagnosis of what is causing the symptoms you are suffering from, and decides on a treatment plan which includes your goals for your solution. Then BOTOX can be administered. Dentists providing BOTOX to their patients should have training specific to administering BOTOX for dental related conditions. Often the use of BOTOX for dental condition includes other modalities to implement a more thorough and encompassing plans for immediate and relief and long term resolution, if possible. Often after combining BOTOX treatment with other modalities, such at bite splints, the patient can stop the BOTOX treatments or significantly reduce the frequency of the BOTOX and maintain their comfort with the bite splint. If the symptoms recur, BOTOX can be administered again.

1) BOTOX has been used to treat uneven smile lines and excessive gingival display, known as a “gummy smile.”

2) BOTOX is used to treat an overly prominent mandible angle or an over square jawline and facial asymmetry due to masseter hypertrophy (excessive use from clenching or grinding).

3) BOTOX is used to treat trismus or limited opening by relaxing tight or spasm-ing jaw-opening muscles.

4) BOTOX has been used to treat parafunction such as, clenching or grinding and the resulting muscle pain, tenderness that result from excessive function.

5) Used to treat myogenic TMD by relieving pain caused by hyperactive muscles that control the jaw. In some people, it maydecrease intensity and frequency of clenching and grinding.BOTOX effects do not stop sleep bruxism.

6) BOTOX has been used by oral surgeons to decrease muscle movement after jaw fracture surgery that can interfere with bone healing.

7) BOTOX reduces wrinkles and hyperactive muscles of the face, forehead and undesirable downturn of the corners of the mouth.

Final Considerations

Therapeutic doses of BOTOX are higher than cosmetic doses. Expect more units to be needed for the desired effect. Specialized training is required to use BOTOX for therapeutic purposes. More complications arise with therapeutic doses because the dose is higher. There is the possibility of diffusion into unintended neighboring muscle.

Complication can include, but not limited to, systemic overdose that can cause nausea, fatigue, and more dangerous, allergic reaction.

Local complications include headache, pain at the injection site, swelling, bruising, ptosis (sagging of the face). Finally, there has been shown to be reduced therapeutic effect due to antibody formation with high usage.

If you’re considering using BOTOX for condition related to dentistry, a thorough evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan should always be performed by a qualified dentist. Come into Biltmore Innovative Dentistry and after a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, discuss treatment options and if BOTOX is right for you with Dr. Ebner.

Resources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4672850/: Botox Therapy in Dentistry: A Review

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/52ef/10e976bd70c76e571ac24221374dec649185.pdf :Use of a botulinum toxin A in dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery

This blog is not meant to offer any advice, to diagnosis or suggest treatment recommendations for any condition, health related or otherwise. It is for entertainment purposes only.