Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Muscle-Relaxing Injections for Jaw Pain in London, Ontario
Clenching and grinding put the jaw muscles to work all night, and sometimes all day too. Over time that can cause aching jaw muscles, tension headaches at the temples, a tired or stiff jaw in the morning, and worn or cracked teeth.
For some patients, therapeutic muscle-relaxing injections (neuromodulators) can help. A small amount of a purified protein is injected into the overworked chewing muscles, which relaxes them for a few months. At Lunar Smile Dentistry, Dr. Adel Elbaz uses these injections as part of a wider plan for jaw pain and clenching, usually alongside a night guard.
Who might benefit
You may be a candidate if you have:
- jaw muscle pain or tightness, especially in the morning
- tension headaches at the temples linked to clenching
- bruxism (grinding or clenching) that a night guard alone hasn’t controlled
- enlarged, overworked jaw muscles (masseter hypertrophy) from long-term clenching
- TMD (temporomandibular disorder) where muscle tension is a major part of the pain
Injections aren’t the first step for everyone. Jaw pain can come from the joint itself, a tooth, sinuses or other causes, so we start with a full assessment.
How the injections work
The neuromodulator temporarily reduces the signal from the nerve to the muscle, so the muscle can’t contract as hard. The jaw still opens, closes and chews normally, but the forceful clenching that causes pain is reduced. Effects usually begin within a few days, build over about two weeks, and wear off gradually over roughly three to four months.
What to expect
- Assessment. We ask about your symptoms, check your teeth for wear, feel the jaw muscles and joints, check how wide you can open, and may take a panoramic x-ray of the jaw joints.
- A treatment plan. We explain all your options, including a night guard, jaw exercises, stress and sleep habits, and injections, along with the benefits, risks and cost of each.
- The injections. A few small injections are placed into the chewing muscles at the side of the jaw, and sometimes the temples. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Most people describe a brief pinch.
- Follow-up. We check in after a few weeks to see how you’ve responded and adjust future doses if needed.
After treatment
- avoid rubbing or massaging the injected areas for the rest of the day
- stay upright for a few hours and skip strenuous exercise that day
- you can return to work and normal eating right away
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and temporary: tenderness or a small bruise where the injection went in, or a mild headache. Some people notice their chewing feels weaker for hard foods for a few weeks. Rarely, the effect can spread to nearby muscles. Injections aren’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with certain neuromuscular conditions; we’ll go through your medical history first.
Injections and night guards together
A custom night guard protects your teeth from grinding but doesn’t stop the muscles from clenching. Injections reduce the clenching force. For many people with significant clenching pain, the two together work better than either alone. If you snore or have been told you stop breathing at night, tell us: grinding can be linked with sleep apnea.
Cost and coverage
Therapeutic injections for TMD and clenching are usually not covered by dental insurance, although some extended health plans may contribute. We give you the cost before treatment. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide.
Common questions
Will it change how my face looks?
It can slightly slim the lower face over time if the jaw muscles were enlarged from clenching. It doesn’t affect your smile or facial expression when the injections are in the chewing muscles.
How long does it last?
Usually about three to four months. Some people find they need treatment less often over time as the clenching habit eases.
Will I still be able to chew?
Yes. You’ll chew normally. Very tough foods may take a little more effort for the first few weeks.
Is this the same as cosmetic treatment?
The same type of medication is used, but here it’s used therapeutically, for jaw pain and clenching related to your teeth and jaw.
Book a jaw pain assessment in London
Book online or call 226-884-2573. We’re open six days a week, with evening appointments until 9 pm on weekdays. See all other dental services.
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