Upasana Khemka, Jaipal Singh, Manoj Yadav, Pratibha Singh

ABSTRACT

It is astonishing that Botulinum toxin (BTX), one of the most lethal biological toxins known to man is proving to have escalating therapeutic worth. It has a wide range of remedial and cosmetic application and is a minimally invasive technique. Its mechanism of inhibiting acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions following local injection is distinctive for the treatment of facial wrinkles. Other dose-dependent anti-neuroinflammatory effects and vascular modulating properties have expanded its spectrum of applications. Conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders, headache, sialorrhea, neuropathic facial pain, muscle movement disorders, and facial nerve palsy could also be treated with this drug. Further applications of BTX are likely to be developed. This paper reviews the established and emerging applications of BTX in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery and its usage in non-cosmetic conditions .It intends to dispel some myths on Botox and increase awareness of its usefulness, considering its journey as the most dreaded toxin to a miraculous drug.