There are various reasons why a patient would visit their dentist, including things like cavities, chipped teeth, toothaches, and bleeding gums. One reason not many people think of is visiting the dentist for frequent migraines and headaches. Dentists often see patients who suffer from constant pain in their face, head, or neck. One of the reasons someone may experience severe migraines is because they suffer from temporomandibular disorder, also known as TMJ. Here is how dentistry can provide migraine relief.
What causes TMJ disorders?
According to Mayo Clinic, the temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw. There is no specific cause that leads to TMJ disorders, but some may include genetics, arthritis, or previous jaw injury. TMJ may show up in some people and not others who have similar conditions. There are a few things to be cautious of that can lead to painful TMJ disorders. In addition, disks moving out of proper alignment, joint cartilage is damaged, or joint damage can lead to TMJ.
What are TMJ symptoms?
If you experience TMJ you may have pain or tenderness in your jaw, or in both temporomandibular joints. Eating may be challenging and cause pain to your jawbone and around your ear. One notorious symptom of TMJ disorders is constant headaches and never-ending migraines. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, visit your dentist.
Migraine Relief
At Westmoreland Dental Group, we specialize in TMJ and migraine relief. We now offer patients painless migraine therapy through the use of Botox. FDA approved Botox in 2011 for chronic headaches. Botox injections go into the affected head and neck muscles. It blocks nerve signals that are causing muscle movement and relaxes the muscles. Once the muscle is relaxed, it will reduce or eliminate facial pain. These injections only take a few minutes and remain active for up to three months. Patients will begin to notice their lack of headaches and migraines following this treatment. The ideal treatment we provide would include a combination of anesthesia and Botox injects in selected areas and an NTI, which is a specialized night guard.
If you are experiencing severe headaches and migraines and are interested in our treatment options, please visit us online here! Our mission is to provide quality dental care and relieve any pain you are suffering from. Check out Westmoreland Dental Group for more information today!