The use of botulinum toxin (BT), commonly referred to as Botox, is gaining traction in the dental field, offering both therapeutic and cosmetic uses. Although initially known for its cosmetic applications, BT has evolved into a versatile tool in dentistry, addressing different oral health issues. A recent study from India has reviewed its current applications.

BT is now used to treat bruxism and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) by relaxing the masseter muscles, reducing clenching and grinding and leading to improvements in pain relief and jaw function. For bruxism and TMD patients who have not responded well to typical therapeutic alternatives, BT injections can provide a minimally invasive therapy that helps suppress soft-tissue activation, lessen muscle tonicity and significantly diminish the severity of symptoms.

Moreover, the authors reported that BT can support favourable outcomes for dental implants for this same reason. A primary cause of implant failure is the lack of osseointegration, sometimes resulting from strong masticatory forces in patients with abnormal masticatory habits.

BT injections also have application in surgery for oral and maxillofacial fractures, alleviating tension in hyperactive muscles of the periodontal apparatus during periodontal procedures. Additionally, the authors noted that intraoperative BT injections reduce muscular activity, lowering tension and promoting better healing at the surgical site.

The study also reported the use of BT to reduce the appearance of excessive gingival display by relaxing the upper lip muscles, and to address a number of conditions involving the salivary glands and trismus.

The study, titled ‘Botox: Current and emerging trends for dental practitioners in esthetic dentistry’, was published online in Cureus.

From: https://www.dental-tribune.com/news/botulinum-toxin-in-dentistry-study-shows-trends-in-applications/