Aug
Sleep is supposed to be a time for the body and mind to rest and rejuvenate. However, for patients with bruxism—the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth—this period can be anything but peaceful. Bruxism causes sleep disruptions, constant headaches, jaw pain, tooth damage, and other undesirable symptoms.
Have you tried to overcome bruxism without success? It’s time to schedule an appointment with Red Hill Dental Practice. Dr Chris Wooldridge and his team can treat bruxism with non-invasive and fast-acting Botox. Yes, you heard that right—Botox! While this product is famous for smoothing out wrinkles, fine lines, and other aging signs, it’s effective in treating bruxism.
Bruxism happens at night when sleeping, so many sufferers aren’t aware of it. However, this doesn’t mean this progressive condition doesn’t cause damage. Bruxism exerts significant forces on your dental structures, causing several unpleasant symptoms.
Some include:
Severe bruxism causes extensive dental damage, warranting tooth fillings, crowns, root canals, and even dental implants for teeth damaged beyond repair. Bruxism must be treated as soon as possible to halt its cycle of destruction.Â
Botox is a natural neuromodulator approved by the FDA to treat headaches, migraines, bruxism, and other conditions. When injected into the overactive jaw muscles, it soothes any soreness and tension caused by tooth grinding. Botox doesn’t affect the muscles themselves. It interferes with the communication between the nerves and muscles. This relaxes the muscles but still maintains the primary function of speaking, chewing, and grinding food.Â
Bruxism treatment with Botox is a fast and painless procedure. The procedure starts with a consultation, where the doctor isolates the troublesome jaw muscles. Then, we’ll inject the Botox product into the jaw muscles using a super-thin needle. Don’t worry! The injections are painless because we numb the injection site with topical anesthesia.
Your treatment lasts 20-30 minutes. You’ll also experience minimal side effects, allowing you to return to your everyday life right after treatment. Many patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and pain at the treatment sites, which are easily manageable with a cold compress. However, you should avoid massaging the area.Â
You’ll experience jaw pain relief after 2-3 days, but full effects will be after two weeks. Unfortunately, Botox treatment isn’t permanent. Since your body metabolizes the product, you’ll need retreatment every 3-4 months, although this varies from patient to patient.Â
Botox offers numerous benefits, whether used for clinical or cosmetic purposes.
Some include:
Bruxism may not seem like a big deal, but it can cause severe damage if left unaddressed. If you are in Red Hill, Victoria, don’t let bruxism ruin your quality of life. Call (03) 5907 5942 to schedule an appointment with Red Hill Dental Practice for Botox treatment.Â
Dr. Emma Barnsley has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years since earning her Bachelor of Dentistry from Sheffield University in 2003. She also holds an MFDS from The Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow. Dr. Emma is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the ICCDE (Orth), and her expertise spans general, cosmetic, restorative, and surgical dentistry. She is particularly focused on optimizing children’s dental development. Dr. Emma is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care and stays committed to continuous professional development to ensure the best outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Julia Gellatly has over 15 years of dental experience, having graduated with honors from her Bachelor of Dental Science in 2009. She further advanced her qualifications with a Master’s in Forensic Medicine from Monash University in 2020, becoming a certified Forensic Odontologist. Dr. Julia is known for her expertise in restorative and pediatric dentistry, with a special focus on alleviating anxiety in patients. She is recognized for her thorough patient education and gentle approach, ensuring informed, comfortable care. Her continuous pursuit of professional growth underscores her dedication to excellence and patient trust.
Dr. Chris Wooldridge is a highly skilled dentist with extensive post-graduate training, including a diploma in Advanced General Dentistry and a Mastership in Implantology from Melbourne University. With years of experience, he is an active member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the Australasian Osseointegration Society, and the International Team for Implantology. Dr. Chris is dedicated to offering advanced, evidence-based treatments and regularly undertakes professional development. His commitment to patient care, education, and the latest techniques ensures a high standard of dental care and fosters trust and confidence in his patients.
With two decades of experience, Skye Greenhill is a highly qualified dental therapist who graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2004. She holds a postgraduate certificate in dental therapy (advanced clinical practice), which she completed in 2010. Skye is recognized for her expertise in pediatric and young adult care, and she prioritizes reducing dental anxiety through patient-centered approaches. She has also served as a clinical demonstrator at The University of Melbourne. She stays current with the latest practices through regular professional development, ensuring trustworthy and high-quality care for all her patients.
Dr. Paul Gleeson has over 35 years of dental experience, with expertise in general, cosmetic, restorative, and surgical dentistry. A graduate of the Las Vegas Institute, Dr. Paul is highly skilled in implant planning and placement. He is a respected member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the VDEAS Study Group. Known for his commitment to tailored patient care, Dr. Paul stays current with the latest advancements in dentistry, ensuring his treatments are of the highest standard. His long-standing experience and dedication to excellence make him a trusted name in dental care.
Dr. Raoul Harrison has over 40 years of experience, having graduated from Melbourne University in 1983. He has extensive expertise in oral surgery, implant placement, and wisdom tooth removal, with advanced training from Zurich and Boston. Dr. Raoul has been placing implants since 1997 and is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the International Team for Implantology, and the International Association of Dental Traumatology. His dedication to continued education and collaboration within his field makes him a highly authoritative and trusted professional in oral surgery and implantology.