Abstract

BOTOX: EXPANDING THE RANGE OF DENTISTRY - A REVIEW

Dr. Sanjeev Onkar, *Dr. Pratik. C. Parkarwar, Dr. Vasundhara Bandagi, Dr. Abhay Kulkarni and Dr. Rajendra Birangane

Abstract

Muscle generated dental disease are quit common in dentistry. A number of diseases affect masticatory function including Temperomandibular joint disorders and masticatory function diseases. Presently these diseases are treated by intraoral appliances, occlusal adjustment and various dental restoration or surgical intervention. There is definite need to expand the current option available for the preventive treatment of such diseases. Botox (Botulium toxin type A) is a new paradigm treatment modality in the form of intramuscular injection. It is an extremely effective way of preventing muscle damage caused by dental hard tissue and restoration. It is a natural protein produced by anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. The toxin inhibits the release of acetylcholine (ACH), a neurotransmitter responsible for the activation of muscle contraction and glandular secretion, and its administration results in reduction of tone in the injected muscle. There are seven distinct serotypes of Botulinum toxin, viz., A, B, C, D, E, F and G, which differ in their potency, duration of action, and cellular target sites. This article describes the different applications of BOTOX in dentistry.

Keywords: Botox, Clostridium botulinum, Temperomandibular joint, muscle, acetylcholine, dentistry.