Botox™ for TMD, Bruxism & Migraine

Botox™ has gained recognition as a viable treatment option for Bruxism & TMD, providing relief from symptoms such as jaw pain, muscle stiffness, and difficulty in jaw movement. TMD encompasses a range of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles, leading to discomfort and limited functionality.

Botox™ and TMD:

The administration of botulinum toxin targets the overactive muscles responsible for exacerbating TMD symptoms. By temporarily paralyzing these muscles, Botox™ helps alleviate muscle tension, reduces pain, and promotes relaxation within the jaw area.

Botox™ and Bruxism:

Botox™ has emerged as a promising treatment option for Bruxism, offering relief from symptoms such as teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and associated discomfort. By targeting the muscles responsible for these involuntary movements, Botox™ helps alleviate tension, reduce grinding intensity, and protect dental health.

Mechanism of Action:

Botulinum toxin, when administered strategically into the muscles involved in Bruxism, inhibits muscle contractions, thereby reducing the force exerted on teeth during grinding or clenching episodes. By promoting muscle relaxation, Botox™ effectively mitigates the damaging effects of Bruxism on oral structures.

Administration:

Botox™ injections are typically administered into the affected muscles of the jaw and temporomandibular joint region. The number and location of injections may vary based on individual anatomy and severity of TMD or Bruxism. Following the procedure, patients may experience a gradual reduction in symptoms associated with both conditions.

Effectiveness:

Botox™ treatment for TMD and Bruxism aims to diminish pain, alleviate muscle tension, and improve overall quality of life for affected individuals. While individual responses may vary, many patients report significant relief from symptoms following Botox™ injections, with improvements sustained over time.

Approximately:

60-70% of patients experience notable relief from TMD and Bruxism symptoms following Botox™ treatment.

30-40% may require additional sessions or complementary therapies to achieve optimal outcomes.

Timeframe for Results:

Patients typically begin to experience relief from TMD and Bruxism symptoms within days to weeks following Botox™ injections, with the full effects becoming evident over time. Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are recommended to monitor progress and adjust treatment as necessary.

Exclusions:

Botox™ treatment for TMD and Bruxism may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, allergies to botulinum toxin, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consultation with a qualified healthcare provider is essential to determine candidacy for treatment.

Pre-Treatment Considerations:

Before undergoing Botox™ treatment for TMD and Bruxism, patients should disclose any relevant medical history, including previous treatments, allergies, medications, and dental concerns. This information helps ensure safe and effective administration of Botox™ injections.

Possible Side Effects:

While Botox™ injections for TMD and Bruxism are generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as temporary bruising, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site. Serious complications are rare but may include allergic reactions or temporary weakness in nearby muscles.

Patients are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns with their healthcare provider prior to undergoing Botox™ treatment for TMD and Bruxism to ensure a positive experience and optimal outcomes.Botox™

Botox™ for the treatment of Migraine

Botox™ is approved for treating chronic migraine, defined as experiencing headaches for at least 15 days per month over a period of three months, with a minimum of eight days exhibiting migraine-like symptoms (e.g., nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, pulsating or localized pain).

Mechanism of Action:

It is believed that botulinum toxin targets the small pain-conducting nerves, known as C-fibres, which transmit pain signals from the head to the brain. By reducing the release of certain chemicals at nerve endings, Botox may alleviate the intensity and frequency of migraines and headaches.

Administration:

Botox™ is administered through a series of 31 to 39 tiny injections (each approximately 0.1ml in volume) beneath the skin or into the muscles surrounding the head, forehead, areas above the ears, neck, and shoulders. These injections are repeated every 12 weeks until chronic migraine symptoms diminish or until it becomes evident that the treatment is ineffective. Often, individuals experience improvements following the first or second set of injections, with some benefiting from a third set if the initial two do not yield desired results.

Effectiveness:

The objective is not complete eradication of headaches but rather an enhancement in overall quality of life, converting chronic migraine into an episodic condition.

Approximately:

• 25% of patients may witness a significant response after the first or second injection series.

• 50% may experience some improvement following one or two injection series but require additional treatment to achieve optimal results.

• 25% may not observe any notable improvement.

Timeframe for Results:

The biological impact of botulinum toxin on nerves typically requires several days or even a few weeks to become evident. Therefore, significant relief from chronic migraine may take at least four weeks to manifest.

Exclusions:

Botox™ is exclusively suitable for individuals diagnosed with chronic migraine and is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Increased risks of side effects are associated with other neurological conditions, previous cosmetic botulinum toxin injections within the past three months, or certain medical conditions and medications.

Pre-Treatment Considerations:

Before undergoing Botox™ treatment, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider if you have experienced issues with injections, previous botulinum toxin injections, muscle or skin inflammation, swallowing difficulties, muscle disorders, neurological conditions, eye diseases, recent surgeries, or are taking blood-thinning medications.

Possible Side Effects:

During the injection process, mild discomfort or stinging sensations may be experienced, with the procedure typically lasting around five minutes. While rare, acute allergic reactions are possible, necessitating a brief observation period following the initial injections. Less than 10% of patients may encounter side effects such as:

• Aggravation of migraines (usually short-lived)

• Headaches (manageable with appropriate medications)

• Skin rash or itching

• Localized pain, bruising, bleeding, or infection at the injection site

• Temporary drooping of eyebrows or eyelids

• Muscle weakness, pain, cramping, or tightness

• Neck weakness and discomfort (often responsive to treatment)

• Infrequent side effects, occurring in less than 1% of cases, include difficulty in swallowing, skin pain, jaw pain, and swollen eyelids. Immediate medical attention should be sought for severe reactions.

It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects, and consultation with a headache specialist is advisable before proceeding with treatment.

Your Clinician… Dr. Kartik Patel

Dr. Kartik Patel is a distinguished healthcare professional who began his journey in healthcare when he graduated from Manchester Dental School in 2009. His passion for providing quality care led him to the Oral and Maxillofacial Department at Chase Farm, Barnet Edgware Hospitals from 2011 to 2013, where he honed his surgical skills and deepened his understanding of facial anatomy.

During his time in the oral and maxillofacial department, Dr. Patel was committed to precision and ensuring the well-being of his patients. He worked on a variety of cases that challenged his abilities and demanded a delicate touch. This experience not only enhanced his surgical skills but also gave him a profound appreciation for the role of facial anatomy in patient comfort.

Dr. Patel's journey in healthcare was deeply influenced by his own experiences with migraines and headaches since his teenage years. He's tried various treatments, from wearing glasses to dietary modifications, posture training, physiotherapy, dental splints, muscle exercises, modified sleep patterns, and supplementation. But nothing has been as effective as Botox, which has given him back the lost hours in his working day and the clarity of thought without the constant hum of an incoming migraine.

His commitment to providing Botox treatment for migraines is personal because he knows firsthand how life-changing it can be. It's incredible how much of your life you can reclaim, and he's honored to be part of this transformative journey for his patients.

In addition to his surgical expertise and understanding of facial anatomy, Dr. Patel brings a meticulous approach and attention to detail to administering Botox. Precision in injection placement is key to achieving the best results and minimizing discomfort.

Beyond his clinical work, he firmly believes in the power of the patient-clinician relationship. Dr. Patel is convinced that fostering a mutual desire to learn about each other and to truly educate the patient is the cornerstone of successful treatment. He sees his role as not only providing medical care but also supporting and educating his patients in their pursuit of improvement in their condition.

Migraines and headaches are complex conditions, and their etiology is multifactorial. While Botox treatment has proven highly effective, several other lifestyle changes and supplementation are often necessary to support optimal outcomes. Making these changes requires a trusting information relationship with patients. Dr. Patel understands the intricacies of these conditions and takes the time to build trust and provide guidance on lifestyle modifications and supplementation that can significantly impact the course of treatment.

Dr. Patel is passionate about self-development, productivity, and leveraging technology for performance enhancement. He's a curious learner and a firm believer in the growth mindset. He's constantly seeking new ways to improve himself and his practice.

Outside of work, he cherishes his family life in Buckinghamshire with his wife and two young children. They're big fans of the outdoors, finding solace in the beauty of nature. Dr. Patel is an avid follower of sports, with a special place in his heart for Tottenham Hotspur, and his love for golf is a constant source of joy.

In summary, Dr. Kartik Patel's time in the oral and maxillofacial department has prepared him for providing Botox treatment for migraines. He brings a blend of surgical expertise, empathy, and attention to detail to his practice. Moreover, his partnership with his wife, who is a leader in TMD physiotherapy, allows them to offer comprehensive care. They recognize the interconnected nature of headaches, migraines, and TMD, and they're committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for their patients. Dr. Patel's dedication to self-improvement, passion for life's experiences, and emphasis on supplementation fuel his commitment to exceptional patient care.

Pricing

Treatment of TMD & Bruxism

Initial Consultation with treatment - 45 mins - from £649

Follow-up - Treatment only - 20 mins - from £549

Treatment of Migraine

Initial Consultation with treatment - 45 mins - from £749

Follow-up - Treatment only - 30 mins - from £649

Location

Botox treatments are provided from our Acton Location:

Perfect Smile Acton
64a Horn Lane
Acton
London
W3 6NP

Click here to find out how to get there via Google Maps

Nearest Public Transport Links:
Acton Main Lin Station - Elizabeth Line
Acton Central - London Overground
North Acton - Central Line Tube

Book appointment:

If you are interested to learn more and/or book in for an appointment please click this link HERE to chat to us via Whatsapp.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.