Botox applications are the deliberate blocking of the conduction in the nerve fibers in certain regions in order to relax the muscles. This procedure, which is performed with botulinum toxin produced by special bacteria in a sterile environment, creates a temporary effect on the applied area, helping to relax the muscles in the area and eliminate pain.
In Which Situations Are Botox Applications Preferred in Dentistry?
Dentists can benefit from Botox procedures applied to the muscles of the head and neck region, which are effective in creating jaw movements, to support the treatment of various diseases. These diseases, which cause the muscles not to be activated proportionally or to over-develop by showing more activation than the normal level, can be listed as follows:
- Clenching and grinding problems (Bruxism)
- Muscle spasm or movement disorders
- Diseases of the jaw joint due to muscle functions
- Facial paralysis causing asymmetry
Botox applications can be applied in order to balance the activity of the muscles in disease states, as well as to provide the treatment of some salivary gland diseases or to eliminate the pain caused by nerve damage. It can be preferred in the arrangement of the muscles around the mouth in order to increase the aesthetics of the smile. In patients undergoing surgery for orthodontic treatment, botulinum toxin can be used to prevent recurrence of the disease. The most common cases of Botox application are the treatment of bruxism and gum smile problems.
In cases where it is not possible to apply dental plaques to regulate muscle functions in the treatment of bruxism alone; In cases where it is not sufficient to provide treatment, it can be applied to support plaque treatment. Application to the jaw muscles, which are strengthened in the early stages of the disease, is sufficient to regulate the power balance on the face. Since the over-functioning of the muscles will be prevented with the treatment, the damage that may occur in the teeth and joints is also prevented. In the later stages of the disease, the upper facial muscles that assist chewing functions in the temple area may also develop excessively and cause headaches. In these cases, botox can be applied to the temple area in order to provide the ideal treatment. With this procedure, if the main factor that causes teeth clenching or grinding problems is eliminated, treatment can be provided without the need to repeat the botox application. However, if the main factor persists, it may be necessary to repeat the application, as muscle strength may increase again over time.
In gingival smile problems, botox can be applied to reduce the amount of gingiva that appears during laughing. Botox treatment can be applied alone in patients who want to change their smile profile temporarily. If the effect is desired to continue, the application can be repeated. Botox can also be preferred in cases where the muscles in the area are very active to support the surgical treatments of the gingival smile.
How Does the Treatment Process Proceed in Botox Applications?
Botox is a comfortable treatment that can be performed in a short time in a single session. Although the treatment can usually be completed without the need for anesthesia, a more comfortable treatment can be performed by applying local anesthetic cream to ensure superficial numbness of the tissues when necessary. In order to provide an effective treatment during the treatment session, the points to be applied are determined together with a detailed examination and botulinum toxin is injected into these points. Botox application starts to show its effect on the third day following the treatment and reaches its maximum level in the middle of the second week. In this period, the effectiveness of the application in the person is evaluated with the planned control appointment and dose supplementation is made if necessary.
What are the Advantages of Botox Application?
The treatment can be performed comfortably without the need for anesthesia applications.
In addition to its functional effects, it is also effective in reducing and eliminating aesthetic problems such as volume increase and wrinkle formation due to increased muscle activity.
The treatment can be performed without the need for a surgical procedure, while maintaining the integrity of the skin.
It can be a suitable treatment alternative for people who are undecided about changing their aesthetic appearance, as its effect lasts for an average of 4-6 months.
What are the situations in which Botox Treatment cannot be applied?
There is not enough research on the effects of Botox application on pregnant or breastfeeding people. For this reason, Botox treatments are not applied during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Allergic reactions may occur due to botulinum toxin. Therefore, when botox treatment is planned, first of all, the allergy status of the person should be checked by making a trial on a small area of the skin. In cases where the presence of allergy is detected in the patient, botox application cannot be performed.
