JOURNAL ARTICLE

Botulinum Toxin for Treating Temporomandibular Disorders: What is the Evidence?

  • Published In: Journal of Craniomandibular Function, 2023, v. 15, n. 3. P. 233 1 of 3

  • Database: Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Delcanho, Robert; Val, Matteo; Nardini, Luca Guarda; Manfredini, Daniele 3 of 3

Abstract

This article systematically reviews the current scientific evidence on the clinical use of botulinum toxin (BTX) injections for treating various temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), including myofascial pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular disorders, bruxism, and masseter hypertrophy. Analysis of 24 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 698 patients revealed good evidence supporting BTX efficacy in reducing masseter hypertrophy, equivocal evidence for myogenous TMDs (myofascial pain and muscle spasms), and weak evidence for TMJ articular disorders. Studies showed considerable heterogeneity in BTX types, doses, injection sites, and outcome measures, limiting comparability and precluding meta-analysis. The authors conclude that further high-quality, methodologically consistent RCTs with standardized diagnostic criteria and protocols are needed to clarify BTX's therapeutic role and optimize treatment strategies for different TMD subtypes before routine clinical use can be recommended.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Craniomandibular Function. 2023/07, Vol. 15, Issue 3, p233
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Environmental Sciences
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:1868-4149
  • DOI:10.11607/3023
  • Accession Number:173080083
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Craniomandibular Function is the property of Quintessence Publishing Company Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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