Those seeking dental implants should also consider Botox, a leading cosmetic surgeon said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Since a significant majority of dental implant patients are older with facial aging, rejuvenation techniques, such as Botox, may maximize the cosmetic outcomes of the procedure.
Joseph Niamtu III, DMD, a well known oral and maxillofacial surgeon, told the AAID audience that for many dental implant patients restoring facial volume is as critical as the dental restoration for achieving optimal cosmetic outcomes.
"The face is the frame for cosmetic dentistry, and dentists should consider the benefits of facial volume restoration when performing implant surgery on older patients with facial aging," said Niamtu. "The standard today requires consideration of facial structures and volume restoration to maximize patient satisfaction with cosmetic and restorative dental procedures."
Naimtu said all states currently allow dentists to give Botox injections for purely dental reasons, such as relieving temporomanidibular (TMJ) pain, but not for cosmetic purposes.
He added that approximately 8 percent of dentists in North America now provide Botox cosmetic treatment for patients and the number is growing, as state dental boards lobby to allow dentists to use the agent for cosmetic dentistry.
