Injectables

Injectables

As part of your dental treatment plan, dento-facial aesthetics treatment can involve muscle relaxant injections

This can improve your overall aesthetic outcome, giving you a refreshed natural result. When done well, muscle relaxant treatment enhances your natural appearance.

How does it work?

For suitable candidates injections are placed into specific areas to relax the underlying muscles. This can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and counteract muscles that pull down on the face, providing a more lifted appearance.

After your initial consultation, your provider will schedule a 30-minute appointment at Devonport Dental Care. The effects may take up to two weeks to fully manifest and will last, on average, 3-4 months.

 Please note that results will not be immediate; it can take up to two weeks for the full effects of the treatment to be seen.

Who is suitable for this style of treatment?

• Our practitioners will need to complete a thorough medical history at your consultation, Please bring along a detailed list of any regular medications or known allergies for your provider. Treatment is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

How to prepare for your injectables appointment

To prepare for your appointment at Devonport Dental Care, please arrive with a clean, makeup-free face. To minimize the risk of bruising, consider the following tips:

• Avoid exercise on the day of your appointment.
• Refrain from alcohol at least 48 hours before your appointment.
• Blood-thinning medications may increase bruising risk. If you’re prescribed these, consult your doctor before stopping them.
• Certain supplements, such as fish oil or garlic, may also increase bruising risk.
• Inform Dr. Sundaram Manickam or Dr. Paul Greham about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you’re taking.
• Treatment is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• It is important to be in good general health before receiving injectables.

Pain from Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

Pain arising from a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common reason for seeking dental care at Devonport Dental Care. A typical presentation of this issue involves jaw clenching of the masseter and temporalis muscles. You may find that pressing on these areas triggers pain or that you experience headaches.

Signs and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder

• Facial pain
• Headache
• Restricted jaw movement
• Pre-auricular (front of the ear) pain
• Difficulty eating
• Bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching
• Earache
• Joint sounds (clicking or popping)

As TMD is a multifactorial condition, treatment should also be multifactorial. Physiotherapy is a crucial part of the treatment plan, and your dentist, Dr. Sundaram Manickam or Dr. Paul Greham, may refer you to a physiotherapist specialized in head and neck management. Over time, this approach can help redevelop muscle support for the joint complex and provide ongoing relief.

Muscle Relaxant Injections for Symptom Management

Muscle relaxant injections can help reduce muscle tension and decrease the bite force on your teeth and temporomandibular joint. Additionally, you may be prescribed a nighttime appliance to protect your teeth from wear and tear.

Facts About Muscle Relaxant Injections for Clenching and Headaches

• Clenching muscles, as well as scalp muscles, can be treated to relieve muscle tension-related symptoms.
• The medication has a physiological effect on the muscle for up to 3 months.
• To reduce the risk of bruising, avoid alcohol and exercise for 24 hours before treatment.
• The treatment is administered via injection. As with any injection, there are risks of bruising, bleeding, and postoperative tenderness.
• Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not suitable for this treatment.
• Over time, and with repeated treatments, changes in facial shape may occur, particularly in the width of the jawline, as the treated muscle shrinks.
• The full effect of the injection may take up to 2 weeks to show, with maximum reduction in muscle activity occurring during this time.
• If symptoms persist after a course of treatment, further investigation into non-muscle-related causes, such as joint deterioration, may be needed.

To discuss what treatment may be best suited to your individual needs please schedule a consultation with Dr. Sundaram Manickam or Dr. Paul Greham. Please phone 03 6424 5486 to schedule your consultation.