Using Botox™ to Enhance Success in Full Arch Dental Implant Treatments
Around a decade ago, while treating patients in my dental implant office, I devised a novel approach to improve the success rate of implant healing in Full Arch Dental Implant All On X ImmediaTEETH® surgeries. I considered that Botox™, widely known for its use in reducing wrinkles, might offer similar benefits for dental implant healing, particularly when the patient’s bone is still very soft and the implants are yet to integrate.
By administering a modest dose of Botox™ (approximately 40 units) into the Masseter Muscle 1-2 weeks prior to the scheduled surgery, we can significantly reduce or eliminate the chances of patients bruxing, clenching, or grinding their new implants. This is crucial because many patients may not be aware they engage in these habits, especially during sleep. The relaxation of these muscles minimizes unnecessary micro-movements, providing a stable environment for the implants to heal and integrate effectively.
The principle is akin to Botox™’s action on facial muscles that cause fine lines and wrinkles. By applying this neuromodulator to prevent micro-movements in dental implants, we create a sort of “cast” that enhances the likelihood of successful implant integration and expedited healing. This method addresses a known contributor to higher rates of dental implant failure, offering a promising solution for improved patient outcomes.
I have since successfully incorporated this protocol into all of my Full Arch Dental Implant All On X ImmediaTEETH® treatment plans. Regardless of whether patients exhibit signs of bruxism or grinding, Botox™ is included in their pre-surgery treatment plan. Since the effects of the neuromodulator last approximately 3-4 months, by the time the implants have fully integrated with the bone, continued Botox™ treatments are typically unnecessary. Upon completion of the integration process, patients are provided with a night guard to protect their teeth once the bone has hardened and the “concrete” has set.
