Dentists Incorporating Facial Injectables to Address Patient’s Needs

A dental survey that was conducted in 2015 yielded data showing an increase in the number of patients in need of cosmetic dentistry and an increase in production with each visit with these cosmetic patients. This same study showed that the most popular of the cosmetic procedures were bonding, whitening, and veneers. With all this cosmetic dentistry being talked about brings me to my next topic regarding esthetics and cosmetics; the use of botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers in the dental office.
Botox is a protein that has been purified and derived from the botulinum toxin. Its mechanism of action works by stopping the release of acetylcholine from the motor nerve endings. Because of how Botox works, it has seen to be beneficial for patients suffering from migraines, bruxisim, and TMD. It has also deemed to be ideal for eliminating wrinkles, such as crows feet around the eyes, and peri-oral lines around the mouth and lips region.
Each state has different regulations and limitations on the administration of facial injectables and it’s associated advertising, and if the injectables are for an esthetic or therapeutic patient need. Most states require continued education and training in this specific field. As cosmetic and therapeutic dentistry combine, it is extremely pertinent as providers in this field to listen to our patients and offer them all possible treatment solutions to properly address their needs and concerns.