Do you struggle with migraines? We can help! Patients visit dentists for various reasons, such as addressing cavities, chipped teeth, toothaches, and bleeding gums. However, an often overlooked cause for a dental visit is frequent migraines and headaches. Dentists frequently encounter patients experiencing chronic pain in their face, head, or neck. One potential underlying cause of severe migraines is temporomandibular disorder (TMJ). Here’s how dentistry can offer relief for migraines.
What triggers TMJ disorders?
The temporomandibular joint, as described by Mayo Clinic, functions as a sliding hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull, with one joint on each side of the jaw. While there’s no singular cause for TMJ disorders, factors such as genetics, arthritis, or previous jaw injuries may contribute. TMJ can manifest in some individuals with similar conditions while being absent in others. Several cautionary factors may lead to painful TMJ disorders, including misaligned disks, damaged joint cartilage, or joint injuries.
What are the symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ sufferers may experience jaw pain or tenderness in one or both temporomandibular joints. Eating might become challenging and painful around the jaw and ear areas. Persistent headaches and migraines are common symptoms of TMJ disorders. If any of these symptoms are present, seeking dental evaluation is advised.
Relief from migraines
At Westmoreland Dental Group, we specialize in TMJ and offer migraine relief treatments. We provide painless migraine therapy using Botox injections, an FDA-approved method since 2011 for chronic headaches. Botox is injected into affected head and neck muscles to block nerve signals responsible for muscle movement, ultimately relaxing these muscles. This relaxation can reduce or eliminate facial pain. The injections are quick and last up to three months, with patients experiencing reduced headaches and migraines thereafter. Our preferred treatment involves a combination of anesthesia, targeted Botox injections, and an NTI, a specialized night guard.
If you’re suffering from severe headaches and migraines and are interested in our treatment options, please visit us online. Our goal at Westmoreland Dental Group is to deliver quality dental care and alleviate your pain. Explore our website for more information today!