TMJ Dentist
Dallas, Texas
TMJ Treatment for Migraine Headaches
What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
How Do I Know If My Bite is Misaligned?
What is TMJ/TMD?
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?
How is a Misaligned Bite Treated?
What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry is centered on your bite and resolving the problems created by a misaligned bite. With a healthy bite, there is a working relationship between the muscles, jaw joint and teeth. If any one part does not function correctly, your bite can become misaligned. When this happens, the muscles in your jaw and the joint itself are overworked to align your teeth when you bite. If this problem persists, it can lead to other problems like TMJ.
How Do I Know If My Bite is Misaligned?
Diagnostics include jaw measurements, computer modeling of your bite mark, and x-rays of your jaw structure. Some symptoms associated with a misaligned bite are:
- TMD
- Neck, facial or shoulder pain
- Migraine headaches or dizziness
- Neck pain
- Jaw popping
- Ringing in your ears
- Crowed, sensitive or loose teeth
- Damaged fillings
- Grinding of your teeth
- Loss of feeling in your arms
- Receding gums
What is TMJ/TMD?
TMJ is short for the temporomandibular joint, and disorders of the joint are known as TMD, although sometimes TMJ is confusingly used to refer to the disorder as well. This is a neuromuscular condition, characterized by mouth misalignment and pain or discomfort in the jaw muscles. TMJ is the result of an improperly aligned jaw and bite, which means your jaw muscles can never fully relax. This leads to muscle tension and pain.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?
This condition has various symptoms, which are seen in different degrees. The most common symptoms are:
- Jaw pain
- Neck pain
- Blurred vision
- Tooth pain
- Soreness in your face
- Ringing in your ears
- Headaches and migraines
- Back pain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
How is a Misaligned Bite Treated?
The first thing TMJ dentists do is to relieve your pain and other symptoms. Then, depending on the severity of your condition, you'll often be given custom-made mouth guards. Sometimes Dental Crowns are used to build up worn teeth. In more severe cases, you may receive traditional Orthodontics, Invisalign, or undergo oral surgery. Treatment involves identifying the most comfortable position for your jaw and bite, and achieving it through different bite positioners. Doing this allows your jaw to rest comfortably and alleviates muscle tension to relieve your symptoms.
If you want to learn more about the causes, symptoms or treatment of migraine headaches, contact Dallas' expert neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Gary Alhadef to set up your free initial consultation.
Print the online Patient Forms
800-930-8803
Contact Us
Gary E. Alhadef, DDS
8226 Douglas Ave Suite 753
Dallas, Tx 75225
