When you think about the possibility of getting Botox, you probably realize that Generation X (Americans born between the mid-60s and early 80s) are doing it. They use it to keep their appearance young.
Your perception is not wrong. Botox is the most popular cosmetic procedure in this country. According to reports published by the American Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeons, in 2018, more than 7.4 million Botox injections were performed.
Today, dentists in Canada are also trying to use this technique. Have you ever heard about Botox injections in dentistry? This is probably another big strength in the medical industry.
What is Botox?
According to the US National Library of Medicine, Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Yes, you read it right: Toxin!
The toxin is the same poison that causes a type of food poisoning called botulism, which can be fatal, but its use as an injectable paralytic for cosmetic procedures is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
In fact, today this drug is commonly used in low doses to treat various health problems. Among them, we can mention excessive sweating, excessive blinking, overactive bladder and even migraine.
Botox function
Botox works by blocking nerve signals that control muscle movement. This action prevents their contraction and temporarily softens the skin around the injected area.
It usually takes a few hours to see the results. These results last up to 3 months.
Botox in dentistry
Most people, when they hear the word Botox, think of an injection that reduces wrinkles and is used in cosmetic procedures. Although Botox has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for such cases, its use is expanding due to its benefits in blocking nerves. In fact, when you go to the dentist’s office, he may use Botox on you.
Although dentists use Botox for cosmetic purposes, there are other uses for Botox in dentistry, which we describe below:
- Temporomandibular joint disorder treatment
- Treatment of grinding teeth
- Reducing gummy smile without using surgery
- Adjusting the position of the lips after placing artificial teeth or oral surgeries
Should a dentist use Botox?
Botox, as a completely cosmetic procedure, can never have a permanent place in dentists’ schedule; Because their main and first goal is to maintain the health of the mouth and teeth, but because dentists receive extensive training in the field of mouth and face, its health and function, some people say that no one is better qualified to use Botox than a dentist.
You can visit the Doctor in Pocket medical platform to view the list of dentists.
In fact, some proponents of using Botox in dentistry claim that dentists are the most qualified in this field and provide you with a better experience; Because they regularly perform oral and facial injections. This work makes the injection operation to be done quickly and with less pain; Because the injection is done by skilled hands.
While the use of Botox in dentistry is controversial for some, it seems that a niche has been created for Botox in dentistry to both aid the cosmetic side and help the medical industry. According to the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics, about 10 percent of dentists are trained to administer Botox injections with more training and practice each day.
Also, the American Dental Association has offered courses for the use of Botox that its members can participate in.
Can botox in dentistry be another bomb in the medical industry? It is not possible to speak with certainty in this case, but considering that the demand for this issue is increasing daily, it is expected to be the same.
