Immediate Loading Implant Esthetics and the Curious Link to Botulinum Toxin Injections
Immediate implant placement and loading in patients with bruxism has always been a challenge due to heavy and unpredictable occlusal forces. Heavy occlusal forces can cause micromovements to the implant fixture and decrease the chances of implant osseointegration. Botulinum Ttoxin injections are commonly used in Asia as an esthetic option of solution to slim the face. This is achieved by reducing the size of the masseters. What if we could also utilise the advantages of Botulinum toxin injections to weaken the masseter muscles and reduce pathologic occlusal forces from bruxism? In this lecture, we will examine the rationale of the use of Botulinum Toxin injections for function and esthetics and present some anterior implant cases that have been successfully treated with this novel technique.
Learning Outcomes:
- Factors influencing anterior implant esthetics
- How Botulinum Toxin injections work
- Side effects of Botulinum Toxin injections
- How Botulinum Toxin injections can be used to enhance anterior implant aesthetics