Current Perspectives on the Adjunctive Use of Botulinum Toxin A in Endodontic Practice for Nonodontogenic Pain Management: A Web-Based Survey.

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the increasing use of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) in dentistry, there is limited research on its use in endodontics, a specialty that often receives referrals for dental pain that can coexist with nonodontogenic pain. The purpose of this study was to assess whether endodontists believe BoNT-A can be useful in an endodontic practice as an adjunctive treatment for nonodontogenic conditions overlapping with dental pain.

Methods: A 23-question survey was emailed to 3,979 members of the American Association of Endodontists. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression were performed with significance at α = 0.05.

Results: Among the 211 respondents confirmed to be endodontists in the United States, 1 in 11 (9.14%) currently administer BoNT-A treatment. The top nonodontogenic conditions indicated for BoNT-A were myofascial orofacial pain (49.22%) and temporomandibular joint disorders (41.97%). Half of the endodontists (50.26%) believe that BoNT-A could be useful for nonodontogenic conditions overlapping with dental pain. Regression analysis identified variables significantly associated with this belief: BoNT-A can improve patient satisfaction (P < .05), BoNT-A training should be offered in residency (P < .05), BoNT-A would increase profitability (P < .05), and BoNT-A will be incorporated more in the future (P < .05).

Conclusion: Endodontists have split opinions on administering BoNT-A for nonodontogenic conditions overlapping with dental pain. Including BoNT-A training in residency may be key to encouraging multidisciplinary pain management in endodontics.