What is Masseter Botox?
Do you experience sensitivity or cracking in your teeth? One of the reasons for this could be related to TMJ and teeth grinding. Luckily, this can be treated through Masseter Botox. At Sandcreek Dental, we understand oral problems associated with issues in the jaw and can help you know if Masseter Botox is the right treatment for you. This blog will explore what your masseter muscle is, how masseter Botox is performed, how it can help improve your oral health, and when to know if it’s the right treatment for you.
What is Your Masseter Muscle?
The masseter muscle surrounds the mandible and is responsible for opening and closing the mouth, chewing, and other movement of the mouth. If it isn’t functioning properly or you deal with conditions such as TMJ, these movements can cause pain and discomfort. Masseter Botox aims to relieve these symptoms.
The Procedure
Masseter Botox is a procedure that involves injecting Botox (which relaxes the muscles) into the jaw for reasons such as:
- Relieving jaw tension
- Reducing teeth clenching or grinding
- Improving headaches
- Slimming the face and defining the jawline
Here is what you can expect when getting this procedure done:
- Consult With a Physician or Cosmetic Surgeon: Before your actual appointment, a consultation is essential for a professional to understand your medical history, and goals, and assess the extent of the issue.
- Prepare the Skin: Once you have had a consultation, it is time for the procedural appointment. Before injecting any Botox into the jaw, they will clean and mark the skin for where the injection will go. They may also apply numbing cream or gel to make the injection as comfortable as possible.
- Prepare and Give the Injection: They will then prepare the syringe and needle by filling it with the Botox. They will insert the needle into the place that’s been marked. Depending on your condition and its severity, you may receive 1-3 injections on each side.
- Aftercare: After the injections are administered, they will explain how you should take care of them. Though it doesn’t require recovery time, you should take it easy for 24 hours so there’s no risk of the Botox spreading.
How Long Does It Last?
Botox isn’t a one-and-done procedure and should be done consistently to maintain results. It will usually take about a week for the full results to develop and they will last anywhere from 4-9 months. If you are treating a more intense condition, it is recommended to go every 4-6 months to keep the progress.
How it Can Improve Oral Health
Masseter Botox can reduce teeth clenching and grinding, which can help prevent:
- Damaged enamel
- Chipped teeth
- Gum disease
- Misalignment
Consult a Dentist About Masseter Botox
As a dentist works on your teeth, they can often see signs of TMJ if they are causing issues for your teeth or it’s hard for you to open your mouth. Express to them what’s been bothering you at home and they can consider it with the professional evaluation they have on your teeth.
From there, they can help you understand if Masseter Botox could be a good fit for you and get you in contact with those you can trust to do the procedure. Come see us at Sandcreek Dental today and we can help you say goodbye to jaw and tooth pain.
