Because the majority of dental implant patients are older and have facial aging, dentists may want to consider the benefits of rejuvenation techniques such as Botox to maximize the cosmetic outcomes of the procedure, according to a presentation at the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) annual meeting this week in Boston.
Joseph Niamtu III, D.M.D., an 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," Dr. Niamtu said in an AAID press release. "The standard today requires consideration of facial structures and volume restoration to maximize patient satisfaction with cosmetic and restorative dental procedures."
Most dentists are still not aware of the benefits Botox offers for cosmetic dental treatment, according to Dr. Niamtu.
"How often do we see perfectly restored teeth framed by thin or wrinkled lips?" he said. "Soft tissues around the mouth are just as important as nicely restored white teeth in creating an attractive smile."
Also, for older dental implant patients with facial aging, the corners the mouth begin to turn down and wrinkles appear around the lips. Dr. Niamtu advised that Botox can be used by dentists to relax affected muscles to raise mouth corners and smooth wrinkles to ensure successful and satisfying outcomes.
Botox therapy is a natural and logical expansion for dental practices, Dr. Niamtu contends.
"Dentists have as much training and knowledge in the oral and maxillofacial area as dermatologists and other providers, so they, with proper training, can be as proficient in administering Botox, Restylane and other filling agents," he said. "This clearly is the new future for the achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes in the delivery of cosmetic and restorative dental care."
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