Pain arising from a temporomandibular disorder is a common reason for seeking dental care. A common presentation of this problem is jaw clenching of the masseter muscle and temporalis muscle. You may find that pressing in these areas are trigger points for pain or may experience headaches.
Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder
- Facial pain
- Headache
- Restricted jaw movement
- Pre-auricular pain
- Difficulty eating
- Bruxing/clenching
- Ear ache
- Joint sounds
As with any multifactorial problem, a multifactorial approach to treatment is required. Physiotherapy is a key part of the treatment regime, and your dentist may refer you to a physiotherapist trained specifically in the management of head and neck for treatment. Long term, this may help to redevelop muscle support of the joint complex and provide ongoing relief.
As symptom management, muscle relaxant injections can aid in reducing the muscle tension and bite force that you are able to apply to your teeth and temporomandibular joint. You may also be prescribed a night time appliance to protect your teeth from wear and tear.
Facts about muscle relaxant injections for clenching and headaches
- Clenching muscles and muscles on the scalp can be treated to relieve muscle tension related symptoms.
- The medication has a physiological effect on the muscle for up to 3months.
- In preparation for your treatment, limit alcohol and exercise for 24hrs prior to reduce
the risk of bruising. - The treatment is administered by injection. As with any injection there is the risk of bruising, bleeding and post operative tenderness.
- Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not suitable for treatment.
- Over time and repeated treatments, there can be changes to face shape in the width of the jawline as the muscle becomes smaller.
- The injection dose will take 2 weeks for maximum reduction in muscle activity.
- Further investigation would be required into non muscle related causes for the pain such as joint deterioration should symptoms be ongoing after a course of treatment.
Gold Coast Jaw Clenching and Headache Injections Prices
| Treatment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Masseters | $550 |
| Temples | $250 |
| Headaches: Tailored to individual | From $800 |
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