When you have headaches on a regular basis, this could be caused by a serious oral health issue known as TMJ disorder, or TMD. Treatment not only stops discomfort, but helps restore proper balance to your bite. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist talks about how we use TMJ treatment to bring relief for headaches and jaw pain.
Headaches and TMJ Disorder
People suffering from TMD often report frequent headaches and migraines, as well as aches in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders. A popping or clicking in the jaw is reported as well, and over time difficulty opening and closing the mouth is a problem too. TMJ disorder develops when the jaw joints are strained, which could be due to tooth loss, misalignment, injury to the face or jaw, and malocclusion.
The Link to Bruxism
The disorder could also make the onset of teeth grinding more likely, and vice versa. Bruxism is a danger for the smile because the constant pressure due to grinding or clenching as you sleep cracks, chips, and wears down tooth structure, leaving your smile more vulnerable to issues like tooth decay and function, and causing painful aches and sensitivity that grow more severe with time.
Treatment with an Oral Appliance
The treatment process starts with an initial exam. Using digital x-rays and intraoral oral cameras, we will examine the wear and friction on your teeth, as well as the jaw joints and oral structures. We also assess the balance of your bite. From there, we can make a diagnosis with accuracy and precision. Treatment then depends on various factors, and could include crown placement to restore bite balance or even orthodontic care to address misalignment.
But in most cases, we correct the issue with a simple and comfortable oral appliance. Crafted based on digital images and measurements taken of your smile, the device is worn like a nightguard as you rest at night. The device then repositions the jaw to ease pressure and improve overall alignment. If you grind your teeth, this also puts a barrier between the upper and lower sets of teeth, preventing further damage. If you have cracked or chipped teeth or worn-down structure, we can repair it in as little as one visit with dental bonding.
If you have any questions about how we tackle these preventive issues with an oral appliance, or if you have painful symptoms that need attention, then contact our team today to schedule your next visit.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT GENERAL DENTISTRY?
To find a solution for your aching jaw and painful headache, then please schedule a consultation today by contacting Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX at (972)-530-0552. You can also find our practice at 6850 N Shiloh Rd, Suite C Garland, TX 75044.
