Masseter Muscle Relaxing Treatment

Treatment for Bruxism(2) and related symptoms.

Masseter Muscle Relaxing Treatment is a procedure in which muscle relaxant is injected into the masseter muscle (1) to relax it. The masseter muscle is a large muscle that connects our lower jaw to the upper jaw. It is the main chewing muscle, along with the temporalis muscle which is situated at the side of the top of the head.

If you suffer from grinding or clenching (parafunction) of your teeth, or have pain/headaches that are related to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), then muscle relaxant into this muscle can make a huge difference.

The muscle is large, so by relaxing some of it to alleviate the excess pressure being put through it during grinding/clenching, the power being transferred to the jaw joint and teeth is much reduced, without stopping normal chewing function.

Our teeth and jaw joints are designed to be in contact for approximately 5-7 minutes total a day during normal chewing – clenchers and grinders can have contact in excess of 8 hours a day…so no wonder we see the damage in the teeth and jaw joints as often as we do.

Like any muscle, the more it is used, the bigger it becomes, and along with this, more power, thus being able to cause more damage. The clenching and grinding usually start as a stress response, but can very easily become habitual as a result. By reducing the power the muscles can put through the dental structures, the damage caused is reduced as well as the size of the muscle. Muscle relaxants therefore can act as a stress breaker.

Having 1 or 2 treatments, usually 6 months apart, is often enough to break this habitual cycle. Further treatment may not be required for several years after, although every case is different of course.

For some patients, a special mouthguard called a “Michigan Splint” may be prescribed in conjunction with the muscle relaxant injections, and indeed the temporalis muscle may also require treatment if this looks to be involved in the clenching or grinding.

Following a consultation, the treatment can be carried out if you are suitable.

The skin is cleansed, the injection points marked out and the muscle relaxant is administered. The treatment is relatively quick and not painful. Effects take up to 2 weeks to manifest, during which time you may notice it takes you a little longer to chew your food. A review is then conducted 2-4 weeks after this initial dose to see if you require any further product.

(1) Masseter muscle - Chewing muscle
(2) Bruxism - Teeth grinding/clenching