Using Botox in Dentistry

Botox is the most common cosmetic procedure, with over 7.5 million injections in 2018 alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It may surprise you to learn that Botox is also being used in dentistry!

What is Botox?

Botox is a drug derived from a toxin called Clostridium botulinum. This is the same toxin that can cause fatal food poisoning known as botulism, but the FDA has approved its use as a paralytic agent for specific procedures. In minor quantities, Botox can also be used to treat migraines, excessive sweating, excessive blinking, and an overactive bladder.

Botox is used to block nerve signals that control muscle movement. This will decrease the ability of the muscle to contract and soften the skin surrounding the injection site. Results are typically seen after a few hours and a Botox injection can last up to three months!

The Use of Botox in Dentistry

Because of its ability to block nerve endings, Botox is now being used in dentistry! A trip to your dentist may include Botox for the following disorders:

• Improving the appearance of a 'gummy smile' without the use of surgery
• Lip adjustment before or after oral surgeries or denture placement
• Treatment of TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder)
• Treatment of bruxism, which is the grinding or clenching of the teeth, usually during sleep

Botox's use in the dentist's chair may be controversial, but it has many benefits as well, cosmetically and medically! Our endodontic office is located here in Centennial, Colorado. We also see patients from the surrounding areas, including Castlewood, Southglenn, Dove Valley, Denver Tech Center, Foxfield, Lone Tree, Cherry Creek, and Greenwood Village, Colorado.