Jaw Botox Injection Pre-Treatment Information (MSK) - Dynamic Regenerative Medicine
You are receiving this information because you are interested in having injection treatment of botox for your TMJ/jaw complaint or for the treatment of bruxism. Moreover, your condition has been identified as one that may benefit with this form of treatment. Here, we provide some basic information instructions regarding this injection procedure.
Botox (Botulinum toxin) injections are commonly used for treating bruxism and TMJ pain. This is a simple and effective treatment used to reduce over contraction of the bite muscle at the side of the jaw (massester), and can often help by reducing pain and bruxism, which can consequently lead to tooth damage.
Botox injection is considered a safe treatment with side effects tending to be mild. However, there are a few things that should be considered before having treatment.
Botox Injections for Jaw Pain Relief
Botox is a muscle relaxing treatment which along alongside aesthetic treatment can also be used to treat pain and inflammation. Botox injections usually work within a few days, and the effects can last up 3-7 months.
What are the Side-Effects of Botox Injections?
Like any drug, side-effects or reactions are always a possibility.
Post treatment redness, mild swelling, bruising, headache, mild discomfort, muscular weakness, unsatisfactory result
Local Side Effects
1 Post injection flare
Although not very common, some patients have discomfort after the injection and may experience a post-injection flare 24 to 48 hours after.
2 Infection
Although fortunately rare, with any injection procedure there is always a chance of infection. To maximise avoidance of this, the area of skin will be sterilised prior to treatment.
3 Nerve Damage
Again, very uncommon. But still a risk with any injection procedure.
4 Facial Asymmetry
This is an unwonted side effects that can be associated with Botox migrating into the wrong area.
Uncommon risks and side-effects – nausea, numbness, dry skin, dry mouth, dizziness, altered sensation, fever, nerve pain, muscle twitching.
Rarely, the medicine may spread to parts of the body where it isn't supposed to go. It can cause symptoms there.
Muscle weakness.
Vision problems.
Trouble talking or swallowing.
Breathing problems.
Allergic reaction.
Loss of bladder control.
Itching.
Anaphylaxis.
Hair loss.
Difficult difficult chewing or swallowing.
Heart arrhythmias, myocardial infarction.
Seizures.
Speech disturbance
Indeed, in the literature, side-effects or complications of botox injections are very uncommon. The main risk may include local infection, however, this is rare. We generally tend to see a little bit of mild post-treatment soreness (85% of cases) which is generally short-lived and well tolerated. Of course this to be expected with any injection procedure and generally settles after a couple of hours to a day or so. In 15% of cases, if you get a small reaction, it can be a bit sore for a few days. It is possible, but very uncommon that you get a severe reaction. But if so, it can be associated with pain, discomfort and stiffness for a couple of weeks. However, this is seldom seen (less than 5%). Continued post treatment pain can always happen, but is very rare. But if this happens, it may warrant further investigation.
Worst case side-effects are obviously, infection, nerve/vessel damage, severe reaction. However, very strict protocols are adopted to minimalise this risk with the best sterile care. Fortunately, we can say that in all of our years of practice we have zero reported cases.
Infections: fortunately are rare, but if do happen in any case, need to be dealt with very promptly. Signs of infection are hot, very swollen, very stiff and general feeling of unwell. If this is to be expected, it is advised to head to A&E to get treated immediately with antibiotics.
Overall, botox injections are considered safe, but risks and side-effects can be present with any drug related procedure and should be acknowledged. Many clinicians will offer an injection as they are quick, easy, and most often effective. However, you should never use this as a stand alone treatment. It should always be used in combination with conservative treatments as directed by you clinician.
Treatment Plan
To start conservative, measure progress, and to follow follow provided information by the clinician.
We like to explain to our patients that botox jaw injections work in 3's - 1) works well, up to a period of 7-10 months, where are you can work on conservative measures, 2) work, short term, and then the problem returns, and 3) minimal positive benefits. In the majority of cases, we see a benefit of up to 6 months that can be prolonged with the correct guidance. Please acknowledge the fact that in chronic conditions with prolonged TMJ damage, botox injections are not a long-term solution.
Contraindications to botox injections include:
1. Allergy or hypersensitivity to botox or any of its components.
2. Active infection in or around the injection site or a systemic infection.
3. A muscular disease like myasthenia gravis.
4. Bleeding disorders or being on anticoagulant medications.
5. Pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, and breastfeeding.
After the procedure
Do not rub or massage the treated areas for 24 hours. Avoid lying down for 2 to 4 hours after getting the shots. Following this advice helps prevent the toxin from spreading to an area where it isn't needed. You will likely be able to return to your usual activities right after the procedure — check with your health care provider.
At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine we have been treating bruxism and TMJ dysfunction for a number of years and pleasantly surprised to see the great success rates with minimal associated side-effects.
Information in regards to Botox treatment can be found here: https://www.dynamicregenmedicine.co.uk/jaw-botox-treatment
Further information in regards to associated Risks and side-effects associated with Botox treatment. of Botox treatment can be found here: https://www.dynamicregenmedicine.co.uk/post/risks-and-side-effects-associated-with-botox-treatment
Further information information in regards to associated risks and side-effects can be found here:
Dynamic Regenerative Medicine
01564 330772