DT-06 From Toothache to Toxins: Botulinum Toxin in the Endodontic Practice
CE Hours: 1.0
Description: While botulinum toxin is most widely recognized for its cosmetic applications, its therapeutic value in dentistry-and specifically in pain management-is rapidly expanding. This presentation will explore the scientific basis and clinical applications of botulinum toxin for managing pain and dysfunction in the orofacial region. Particular emphasis will be placed on its role in the endodontic practice. Attendees will gain an evidence-based understanding of how botulinum toxin works at the neuromuscular junction, as well as the central nervous system. Current research will be presented to provide a well-balanced overview of the applications for dental practice. Through didactic information and clinical case presentations this session will challenge participants to consider how botulinum toxin may enhance outcomes in complex pain management and interdisciplinary care and provide the endodontic specialist with an additional tool for pain management in clinical practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the pharmacology and mechanism of action of botulinum toxin relevant to dental applications.
- Identify clinical scenarios in endodontics where botulinum toxin may be beneficial, including persistent pain and suspected muscular disorders.
- Evaluate the current evidence supporting or disputing the therapeutic use of botulinum toxin in dentistry.
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LockedSteven Bender, DDS
Dr. Steve Bender recently retired from Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas Texas as a Clinical Associate Professor where he directed the Facial Pain and Sleep Medicine Clinic. He is now serving as a guest lecturer for the Orofacial Pain Residency Program at LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and has earned Fellowships in the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, the American Headache Society, and the American College of Dentists. In addition, he is a past president of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas in 1986 and then studied orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders at the Parker E Mahan Facial Pain Center at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville Florida from 1998 to 2000. Since that time, his practice has been limited to the diagnosis and management of orofacial pains. Dr. Bender currently serves as an Associate Editor for CRANIO® The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice.
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose