Relaxing Botox treatments are also available pre-operation for masseter muscle operations
Botox injection treatment is one of the treatments performed to reduce jaw bone stress with patients suffering from jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Botox injection treatment is one of the pre-operation treatment options. Botox injected into the tissue completely relaxes the masseter muscle, and the relaxed muscle may reduce in size (atrophies). While Botox treatment may result with reduced muscle size, it cannot alter the thickness of the jawbone or the actual volume of the muscle tissue, however this is a temporary solution. Surgical thinning of the bone and removal of the muscle offers permanent changes resulting with ideal aesthetic looks.
Another beneficial result of the Botox treatment is its relaxing effects on those suffering from teeth grinding and jaw clenching. A thinner jaw muscle helps partially alleviate symptoms of teeth grinding. This is one of the reasons why Botox injections to jaw muscles are so popular. Masseter muscle Botox injection treatment can be performed in one or two sessions, between 10-15 minutes in total. Changes to facial shape begin to appear within a week and reaches top effect in about three weeks. Total effect lasts for about 4 months. Continued injections may result with permanent thinning of masseter muscle.
When Botox treatment should not be performed?
The active ingredient of Botox injections is a protein called botulinum toxin type A. While the Botulinum toxin is not harmful, it is not recommended to patients who are;
- pregnant or nursing mothers,
- children below the age of 12,
- patients using blood thinners or those suffering from blood clotting problems, as complications may arise during the procedure
Before the injection, the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon must be fully informed of any prescription drugs currently used by the patient. Painkillers, aspirin, blood thinning drugs or hypertension drugs must not be taken at least 2 weeks before the treatment and no alcohol should be consumed at least 3 days before the operation. You Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon will decide the best course of action for your treatment.
What treatment methods are employed for teeth grinding, jaw clenching and jaw joint problems?
Initially non-surgical treatments are considered for these complaints, and surgery is planned if there is no result from these treatments.
Non-surgical treatments include dental treatment, pharmaceutical treatment, night guard treatment, laser treatment, arthrocentesis treatment and Botox treatment. If these options do not offer the desired results, a temporomandibular joint operation may be required.
