Effective Neurotoxin Treatment for Teeth Grinding at Foothill Square Dental
Dr. Roy specializes in treating bruxism, the medical term for unconscious teeth clenching, shifting, or grinding. Severe cases of bruxism can lead to tooth and jaw damage, causing pain and discomfort. While conventional treatments like medications and mouthguards exist, they may not always provide relief for patients with severe bruxism. In such cases, Dr. Roy may recommend neurotoxin injections as an effective alternative or additional therapy.
Teeth grinding can result in various side effects, including tooth sensitivity, gum recession, enamel loss, flattened teeth, chipped teeth, bone loss leading to tooth mobility, TMJ disorders, migraines, tension headaches, jaw misalignment, facial asymmetry, facial pain, jaw soreness, and enlargement of the masseter muscle.
Neurotoxin injections have been proven in medical studies to reduce unconscious teeth grinding and alleviate painful symptoms associated with jaw clenching. Moreover, they can help reduce the severity of side effects such as migraines, facial pain, jaw discomfort, and masseter muscle hypertrophy.
Compared to traditional treatments, neurotoxin injections have advantages in addressing the root cause of bruxism and minimizing the frequency and intensity of teeth grinding. The neurotoxin temporarily weakens the muscles responsible for the clenching and grinding.
Conventional treatments like medications and mouthguards have their limitations. While medication can be effective for some patients, it may not relieve symptoms for others. Mouth guards are helpful in preventing dental damage but may not alleviate other uncomfortable side effects.
Neurotoxin injections for teeth grinding can provide the following benefits:
- Reduction in the severity and frequency of teeth grinding
- Treatment for migraines and headaches
- Relaxation of the masseter and temporal muscles
- Prevention of tooth enamel erosion and additional tooth damage
- Restoration of proper jaw functionality
- Treatment of masseter muscle hypertrophy
- Decrease in facial pain and discomfort
It's essential to note that the effects of neurotoxin injections are temporary. Similar to cosmetic injections for wrinkles, regular appointments are required to maintain the results. Typically, patients experience relief of symptoms for 3-6 months after the initial treatment. Additional neurotoxin injections will be necessary to sustain these results. Dr. Roy will assess each patient's case of teeth grinding and determine the appropriate quantity and frequency of neurotoxin treatments for optimal outcomes.
The procedure itself is straightforward and conducted under Dr. Roy's expert guidance. During a consultation appointment, Dr. Roy evaluates the severity of muscle tension and bruxism, ensuring a personalized treatment approach. The actual injection process takes only about 15 minutes. With precision, small doses of neurotoxin are administered directly into the masseter muscle, externally, ensuring minimal discomfort. Patients can resume their regular activities immediately after the appointment.
The neurotoxin weakens the targeted muscles, reducing involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching, resulting in less wear and tear on the teeth. Additionally, it can alleviate damage to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and reduce headaches. The procedure is relatively painless, as a numbing cream is applied before the injections. Patients can rest assured that voluntary movements like chewing and facial expressions remain unaffected by the neurotoxin. Over time, with consistent treatments, the jawline can attain a softer, more natural appearance.
Following the procedure, patients receive detailed aftercare instructions. While they can resume their regular activities, they should avoid heavy lifting, straining, vigorous exercise, or manipulation of the injected area for four hours post-treatment. The full effect of the neurotoxin may take anywhere between 2-10 days to become evident. Dr. Roy advises patients not to schedule any important events for two weeks after treatment, just in case any temporary side effects, such as bruising, may occur.
With Dr. Roy's specialized approach and neurotoxin therapy, patients can regain control over their bruxism and find relief from its burdensome symptoms, leading to improved oral health and overall quality of life.
Please call the front desk to schedule an appointment.