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Botulinum Toxin
More commonly known as teeth grinding, bruxism is a medical condition in which you unconsciously clench your teeth when you’re awake, or clench or grind them during sleep. New Image Clinic offers a treatment that injects botulinum toxin into the jaw to help stop involuntary grinding of the teeth.
Using botulinum toxin to reduce involuntary grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. Jaw clenching can often be a sub-conscious action that happens when a person is feeling stressed or anxious, while concentrating or during intense exercise. Mild bruxism may not require treatment, however in some cases, facial pain and stiffness, earache, headache, and worn-down teeth may occur as a result of jaw clenching.
Some lifestyle choices can be contributing factors of jaw clenching, such as drinking alcohol, smoking, using recreational drugs and drinking lots of caffeinated drinks.
By injecting small doses of botulinum toxin directly into the large jaw muscle, the muscle is weakened enough to stop involuntary grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. This significantly relaxes the muscle and reduces the wear and tear on the teeth due to grinding and headaches should be reduced.
Before we administer the injections, you will have a consultation to assess your suitability for the treatment and to discuss possible side effects and any questions you may have.
For the treatment, anaesthetic cream will be applied to the treatment area about 30 minutes prior to the procedure. The treatment involves placing numerous tiny injections over the large jaw muscle.
You will notice effects within one day, but it will take about 2 weeks for the full result to come into fruition.
The area treated may be a little sensitive and bruised following treatment, but this quickly subsides.
Botulinum toxin treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism) is a maintenance treatment that is ongoing. Delivering results that last between 4 – 6 months, you will get longevity without permanency.
Patients can go about their day as normal. We advise against strenuous activities and heat for the first 48 hours after the treatment.
