One of the most popular services on the rise in dentistry is botulinum toxin injections, commonly known by the brand name Botox®. Traditionally used in cosmetic applications to treat fine lines and wrinkles, Botox® has a range of therapeutic applications that are also proving effective in the scope of dentistry.¹ Used as a non-invasive treatment option for patients suffering from TMJ, grinding, clenching, and temporomandibular disorders, the procedure offers fast and effective pain relief for a wide variety of patients. More dentists are also taking advantage of its aesthetic application to enhance the outcome of cosmetic dental procedures. Because dentists are highly trained in facial anatomy and spend large portions of their careers dealing with facial aesthetics and injecting anesthetics into the face, Botox® may be an excellent addition to your clinical skill set. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of adding treatments like Botox® to your practice.

1. Quick, Painless TMJ and Bruxism Relief. Treatment options for TMJ, grinding, and clenching have been limited in the past. Now, muscle relaxing injections can offer your patients significant relief through a simple and non-invasive procedure. By relaxing the hyperactive muscles in TMJ patients and reducing the force of muscular contractions in bruxism patients, Botox® can eliminate the need for nightguards, reduce jaw pain, toothaches and headaches, and prevent premature wearing down of the teeth and gums. A few quick injections a year could change the life of your patients in pain.

2. Enhanced Cosmetic Outcomes. While using neuromodulators like Botox® for TMJ is becoming more and more common in the dental field, an increasing number of dentists are also becoming certified to use Botox® in cosmetic applications. As dentists are highly trained in facial anatomy, facial muscles, and facial aesthetics, cosmetic injectables fall in line with dental skill sets and can be the perfect accompaniment to your smile makeover treatment plans. With proper training, cosmetic injectables can be used to balance facial asymmetry, reduce gummy smiles and high lip lines, and soften the overall look of aging on the face and neck.

3. Patient Convenience. Convenience continues to be a top priority in the busy lives of modern dental patients, and as a result, we’re seeing a rise in the one-stop-shop approach to dental practices. If a patient can get the Botox® services they need from their dentist instead of making an additional trip to a dermatologist or medical spa, that’s valuable time saved and one less appointment to pencil in. Your patients will appreciate the ability to streamline their schedules and get everything they need in one trip.

4. Expanding Your Services Differentiates You From Your Competition. Investing in your skills and becoming certified to administer Botox® shows your patients that you care about their comfort and want them to have access to the most modern treatments available. Offering unique, nontraditional services is a great way to draw in new patients and stand out from your competition. Better before-and-after patient pictures can also have a positive impact on your practice’s marketing and social media metrics.

5. Increased Profitability. On top of the clinical and aesthetic benefits Botox® injections can offer to your patients, they can also be a profitable addition to your business. With no major equipment fees, no lab fees, no additional treatment rooms necessary, and little time needed to administer the treatment, Botox® injections are easy to integrate into your practice. The popularity and name recognition of the treatment both medically and cosmetically can also help retain old patients and draw in new patients who want the most modern treatments available, increasing your productivity and ultimately boosting your business.

At Operation Dental, we support the continual improvement of our dentists through training in procedures like Botox® administration. To learn more about what Operation Dental can do for your career, contact us here.

¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4316364/