781 Centre Road, East Bentleigh, VIC 3165
Many people experience considerable discomfort or debilitating pain from bruxism (the clenching and/or grinding of teeth in sleep) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) that cause jaw pain. At East Bentleigh Dental Group, we keep up to date with the latest dentistry technologies and techniques to provide effective treatment for these afflictions. One relatively new bruxism cure and TMD treatment involves the use of injectables to relax facial muscles, stop clenching and ease headaches associated with bruxism and TMD.
Bruxism refers to clenching of the teeth, while TMD is a disorder affecting the jaw that includes bruxism as a symptom. This means a bruxism cure will typically vary from a TMD treatment, although some treatments such as injectables can be useful for both conditions. The symptoms of bruxism can include clenching and grinding teeth in sleep, flattened, chipped or fractured teeth, sensitive teeth, pain in the jaw and worn tooth enamel, while common symptoms of TMD include grinding or grating noises with movement of the jaw, jaw and face pain, bruxism, difficulty opening the mouth, worn tooth enamel, tinnitus, dizziness, headache and earache.
Bruxism and TMD can be caused by a range of factors, including:
With stress and anxiety being one of the contributing factors to bruxism, one of the best ways to prevent symptoms is to practice relaxation techniques. Visiting your dentist regularly can also identify any issues with your teeth or jaw that could be causing you to unconsciously grind your teeth. Damage to the teeth due to bruxism can be prevented with the use of a mouthguard or dental splint that’s worn while sleeping to protect the teeth from grinding and clenching.
Our staff can provide an injection that relaxes facial muscles and stops the spasms that cause painful headaches as well as other symptoms of pain and discomfort. The injection is generally administered using a very fine needle into the specific muscles that are causing the pain. This helps to achieve a reduction in teeth grinding while allowing other muscles to continue functioning normally for actions such as chewing and other jaw movements.
The dosage of injectable used will vary depending on the location of the afflicted muscle as well as the severity of the pain. Your dentist will examine you before determining which dosage is appropriate for your bruxism cure or TMD treatment. Due to the fineness of the needle used, the treatment does not typically cause pain. No anaesthetic is required and the treatment can be completed in as little as 15 minutes.
Our dentist may also recommend a Gelb splint for some cases of TMD. This splint is custom made to fit your mouth and is worn at night to relax the muscles and change the position of the jaw, helping to reduce the symptoms of TMD.
Home remedies for relieving symptoms of bruxism and TMD can include practice of mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress, massage of the neck, shoulders and face to relax the muscles, and applying a warm washcloth to the jaw area to alleviate tension
If you’re suffering from the effects of bruxism or TMD and you’re interested in finding a solution, get in touch with the friendly team at East Bentleigh Dental Group today.
Explore the answers to common queries about our dental services in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. From appointment scheduling to post-treatment care, find the information you need to make your dental experience with us smooth and informed.
Call us at (03) 9575 1100TMD treatment involves the use of injectables, which are administered into the jaw area in order to relax the muscles and alleviate symptoms of TMD. The treatment is not painful and can be performed in just 15 minutes.
It can take between 2 to 7 days for the injections to reach their full effect, and they can last for up to 4 months before repeat injections are required.
There is no recovery time required after TMJ injectable treatment, however it may take up to two to three weeks for the treatment to start providing relief from symptoms.
The bruxism treatment used will depend on the extent of teeth grinding and the symptoms experienced by the patient. A custom mouthguard can be worn at night, protecting the teeth from grinding. This involves your dentist taking impressions of the teeth and making a mouthguard that fits comfortably in your mouth. For more severe bruxism, injectable treatment may be recommended, which involves injecting a substance into the jaw muscles in order to relax them and prevent teeth grinding.
Some minor side effects can be experienced after bruxism and TMD injectable treatment, such as bruising and tenderness. Our dentist will explain what you can expect during your initial consultation.
