41994_Australasian_Dentist_100_EMAG

CATEGORY LINICAL

4. Monitoring: Close monitoring during and after the procedure may be necessary to detect and manage any signs of bleeding or complications. Although using Botulinum Toxin generally involves using a very small gauge of needle, such as a 31 or 32 Gauge, where a patient has a long clotting time, it is prudent that you do not dismiss the patient until you are sure that there is stability at the injection site. So to summarise, the use of botulinum toxin is a safe and predictable treatment. However, like all treatments thatweperform on our patients, it is super important to evaluate the risk versus bene t to our patient, and identify conditions that may increase the risk for our patients. u

1. Bleeding Risk: Anticoagulants increase the riskof bleeding. Botox injections can cause localized bleeding at the injection site. erefore, your patient will need to be aware that there is a potential risks of bleeding or bruising. 2. Individual Health: Your patients overall health and medical history play a signi cant role indetermining whether it’s safe for you to inject Botoxwhile they are on anticoagulants. Conditions like clotting disorders, previous bleeding episodes, or recent surgeries may increase their bleeding risk. 3. Expertise of the Injector: If you decide to proceed with Botox while your patient is on anticoagulants, it’s crucial to avoid known large vessels. In particular, if treating the Temporalis muscle, the super cial temporal artery courses through the area that you are likely to inject. It is important that you palpate this vessel, or visualize it with Laser guidance (for example, an Accuvein device or similar) to avoid direct injection. Although there is no long-term health de cit, the patient may experience a large haematoma following treatment.

If your patient is completing a course of contraindicated antibiotics, explain the issue to them. Assuming they’re otherwise suitable, you can o er to delay their treatment until they’ve completed the course. Anti-coagulants Anticoagulants, such as warfarin or aspirin, are medications that help prevent blood clots. Botox (botulinum toxin) is often used for cosmetic purposes or to treat certain medical conditions, primarily related to muscle and nerve functions. When considering both anticoagulants and Botox, it’s important to be cautious and communicate openly with your patients. Here are a few factors to consider:

If you would like to learn more about incorporating cosmetic injectables

into your dental practice, visit: www.dermaldistinction.com

ADA News Bulletin (2)180mm x 120mm.indd 1

11/7/18 1:35 pm

AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST 63