Breakthrough Botox treatment: Port Douglas Dentist tackles teeth grinding

BUSINESS FEATURE

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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The team at Port Douglas Dentist offer a comprehensive approach to improving patients’ quality of life through dentistry. Picture: Newsport

In today’s hectic world, stress isn't just a mental burden; it’s affecting our physical health too, with more people dealing with nighttime teeth grinding. Thankfully, Dr Maitrayee Pathak at Port Douglas Dentist is offering a solution.

Dr Pathak is now offering Botox injections to address teeth grinding, recognising the urgent need for effective relief alongside traditional remedies like dental splints.

“Teeth grinding, often stress-induced, can cause severe jaw and neck pain,” she noted, highlighting that this persistent discomfort, felt daily but not severe enough for prescription medication, is not widely acknowledged.

“Many patients seek occlusal splints for jaw pain, grinding, and bruxism, but some struggle to wear them due to discomfort or sleep disruptions.

“Botox, typically used for wrinkles, shows promise in managing grinding-induced pain. It targets jaw muscles, relaxing them to ease spasms and reduce pain.

“These injections aren't a permanent fix; repeat sessions every 6-18 months may create new neural pathways, potentially reducing or stopping grinding in the long run. Assessing changes in tooth wear takes 3-6 months.”

Choosing a dentist over a nurse for injections, who undoubtedly has proficiency, Dr Pathak, with over 10 years of specialisation in head and neck anatomy as a dentist, offers a unique advantage.

She clarified, “While other professionals also possess expertise, my focused knowledge in this area and frequent experience with injections improve my proficiency and precision.

“It’s important to note that while many see Botox as primarily cosmetic, it offers significant relief for discomfort, pain, and dental issues. Our teeth are vital for long-term enjoyment of food, and by addressing damage, we can enhance quality of life. 

“So far, I’ve seen really positive outcomes with this treatment. Approximately 90-95% of patients experienced significant pain reduction or complete relief, decreasing reliance on painkillers and often noting reduced grinding.”

Dr Pathak’s process involves an initial consultation to discuss treatment options, tailored to individual factors like dental damage. New patients may undergo patch tests to check for adverse reactions.

Temporary smile changes post-injections are normal, reassured Dr. Pathak, adding that they're transient and resolve without permanent effects.

She assured that stopping treatment won't worsen grinding or clenching but may return it to its previous state. Patients have the option to continue treatments every 6 to 8 months but are not obligated to do so.

Cosmetic injections

Dr Pathak not only offers pain relief with Botox but also provides cosmetic injections. 

“While procedures aimed at improving aesthetics can indeed yield impressive results, it's crucial to emphasise the importance of ongoing skin care and maintenance,” she said.

Another advantage of going to a dentist for cosmetic injections is that numbing techniques for facial treatments, especially lip injections, are often overlooked by practitioners, causing unnecessary discomfort. 

“Unlike dentists, many practitioners lack expertise in numbing techniques for facial treatments,” Dr Pathak explained.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, click here or call 07 4099 4618 to schedule a consultation with Dr Maitrayee Pathak.