Botox® For Bruxism Teeth Grinding in Toronto

The Botox injections are composed of the neurotoxin known as Botulinum Toxin Type A. Injection of this toxin into the facial muscles does not only lead to the elimination of fine lines and wrinkles, but it also works as an effective treatment for teeth grinding. When the doctor injects Botox into the muscles that contract during chewing, it works by relaxing these muscles. Relaxation of these muscles does not only work by releasing tension from the jaws but also prevents teeth grinding and the resulting pain and so

While you may leave the office right after the completion of the procedure, you may have to wait a while before noticing the results of Botox. According to data collected from health clinics, most individuals can see the results of Botox for teeth grinding within 23 hours to 3 days after the procedure. However, for some patients, it may also take up to 2 weeks to experience the true effectiveness of the procedure.

Since the effects of Botox last between 3 months to 6 months in most individuals, it may be repeated every 4 or 6 months. However, over time the facial muscles may get trained to contract less than they did before, causing the effects of Botox to last longer.

Botox may be injected into different parts of the body based on the type of effect the doctor is aiming for. For example, if you are getting Botox for the management of teeth grinding, the doctor will mainly target your jaw muscles, also known as your masticatory muscles.

The dose and volume of Botox used for teeth clenching may differ from one doctor to another, based on their belief and understanding of the case. However, in the majority of the cases, a concentration of between 2.5 to 5 units per 0.1 ml of Botox is used. The dose often injected into the masseter muscle is between 25 to 50 units, while that to the temporalis muscles is between 10 to 25 units.

Before getting an appointment for Botox for teeth grinding, you may have to undergo an initial consultation with the doctor. Your doctor will take your medical history and physically evaluate the muscles of your face, temporomandibular joint, and the inside of your mouth to assess the severity of your teeth grinding and offer possible treatment options for Botox. You may be asked to stop using blood thinners before the procedure, as they may interfere with the healing.

When you go to the doctor’s office to get Botox for teeth grinding, you will first be seated and guided about the details of the procedure. The doctor and our helping staff will then apply a numbing cream to the specific sites of Botox injection to ensure a comfortable experience for you. Once the injection sites are prepared, a fine needle is used to inject the Botox into the muscles on both sides of the face. After all the injections are administered, you may go home and return back to your everyday activities.