Jaw Problems in Liverpool
The aim of this procedure is to reduce the symptoms of bruxism (clenching or grinding), decrease muscle hypertrophy (bulkiness), and alleviate jaw pain, tension, or associated headaches. This treatment works by temporarily weakening the masseter muscle, reducing its ability to contract forcefully.
The procedure involves small intramuscular injections of Botulinum Toxin using a fine needle. The treatment usually takes 10–20 minutes and does not require anaesthesia. The effects typically start within 3–10 days, peak at around 4 weeks, and last approximately 3–6 months. Repeat treatments maybe required to maintain results.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Neuromuscular disorder (e.g., Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, ALS)
- Known allergy to Botulinum Toxin or its components (such as human albumin)
- Active infection or skin condition at the proposed injection site
- Received Botulinum Toxin injections within the past 3 months in the same area
- Taking aminoglycoside antibiotics or muscle relaxants that may potentiate the effects of Botox
Although generally safe and well-tolerated, Botulinum Toxin injections can cause side effects, consisting of:
- Mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Localised bruising or tenderness
- Temporary chewing weakness or fatigue
- Slight asymmetry during smiling or facial movement
- Prolonged weakness of the masseter muscle
- Difficulty chewing tough foods
- Smile asymmetry due to diffusion into adjacent muscles
- Dry mouth or altered salivation Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Allergic reaction (extremely rare)
Alternative options may include: Occlusal splints or night guard. Physiotherapy or jaw exercise. Medication. e.g. muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories. Stress management or behavioral therapy.
COST
A deposit of £50 will be required to secure your appointment. This comes off the full charge should you go ahead with treatment. Depending upon stock availability it may be possible to administer the injections in the same appointment should you wish.
The charge is £350, this includes any review appointments / follow up phone consults you may require.
If this is something you are interested in then please book online, email or call the practice (you may need to leave a voicemail, our team will call you back) and arrange for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common jaw problems include temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, difficulty chewing, and lockjaw. These conditions can arise from various causes such as injury, arthritis, misalignment, stress, and excessive use of the jaw muscles.
Symptoms of TMD include pain or tenderness in the jaw, aching pain around the ear, difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing, facial pain, locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth, and clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth.
Jaw problems can be caused by several factors, including genetics, arthritis, jaw injury, long-term grinding or clenching of teeth (bruxism), poor posture that strains the neck and facial muscles, stress, which can lead to tightening of the jaw and facial muscles, and misalignment of teeth or jaw.
Jaw problems are typically diagnosed through a combination of dental examinations, medical history review, physical examination of the jaw and face, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to view the jaw and TMJ in detail, and sometimes dental models to assess bite alignment.
Treatment options for jaw problems vary depending on the severity and cause of the issue but can include pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, oral splints or mouthguards, physical therapy, stress management techniques, corrective dental treatments for alignment issues, and in severe cases, surgical interventions.
Yes, jaw problems can impact overall health by causing chronic pain, affecting eating and nutrition, leading to sleep disturbances, and potentially exacerbating stress and anxiety. They can also affect posture and alignment, leading to further musculoskeletal issues.
At-home care for jaw pain includes applying ice or moist heat to the affected area, eating soft foods to reduce strain, avoiding extreme jaw movements (like wide yawning, loud singing, and gum chewing), performing gentle jaw stretching and relaxing exercises, and practicing stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
You should see a dentist if you experience persistent jaw pain or discomfort, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, abnormal sounds from the jaw joint, or if jaw problems interfere with eating, speaking, or your overall quality of life. Early intervention can prevent further complications.
Yes, misaligned teeth can contribute to jaw problems by affecting the bite and placing additional stress on the jaw joints and muscles. This can lead to TMD, pain, and dysfunction. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or aligners, can correct misalignments and relieve stress on the jaw.
Preventing jaw problems involves maintaining good oral hygiene, using protective mouthguards during sports or if you grind your teeth at night, practicing good posture, avoiding excessive jaw movements, managing stress, and regular dental check-ups to identify and address any potential issues early.