Do you find yourself suffering through headaches on a fairly consistent basis?
Are you unsure what is causing your headaches or migraines (and your doctors cannot pinpoint the cause either)?
Visiting your dentist can provide relief from headaches and migraines, especially if the causing factor is TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD).
What is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a type of jaw joint dysfunction. This disorder can cause painful symptoms if not diagnosed properly and treated right away. TMJ disorder is treatable, providing that you have the correct diagnosis and treatment methods available to you.
TMJ disorder can be confused with symptoms of other disorders. Patients complain of the following symptoms, which are oftentimes linked to TMJ disorder:
- Pain in and/or around the ears. The pain can sometimes move to the neck region and cause popping sounds in the TMJ joint (located near the ear) when talking, yawning, or chewing.
- GERD symptoms or diagnosis often accompanied by migraines and headaches.
- Migraines over a 10-year span in which medications or other cures do not seem to work.
- Grinding or clenching the teeth, known as bruxism, which tend to produce migraines and headaches.
- Consistent ringing in the ears that lasts for months or years in which the ENT doctor cannot find a cure or pinpoint the cause.
- Frequent sore throat symptoms and/or issues with swallowing in which antibiotics or other medications have not helped.
- Blurry vision. The ophthalmologist may recommend glasses or contacts, but the blurry vision problem still exists.
How our Johns Creek Dentist Treats TMJ Pain and Disorders
Dentists need experience and training to diagnose and treat TMJ and occlusion problems. We can do that right here at Lifetime Smiles. Treatment is often based on the patient’s symptoms and diagnosis.
We may recommend any of the following treatments and solutions to relieve your TMJ symptoms:
- Working on your posture so you can develop a good, healthy posture.
- Eating a healthy diet filled with soft foods, such as vegetables, fruits, etc.
- Avoiding hard or chewy foods that can cause extra discomfort and problems to the joint.
- Trying different techniques to alleviate your stress and symptoms.
- Using ice packs to minimize any swelling or inflammation in your jaw region(s).
- Using moist heat to reduce painful symptoms and to improve functioning.
- Sleeping on your side with a pillow support placed between your neck and shoulder.
- Placing your fist underneath the chin when yawning to prevent the jaw from locking in place.
- Avoiding the habit of jaw clenching (also known as bruxism), whether you clench your jaw throughout the day or throughout the night while you sleep.
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to provide extra comfort and relief from TMJ symptoms.
These are all at-home remedies you can try. When you come in for your appointment, we will perform a thorough evaluation of your gums, bite, teeth, and jawbone. This will help us determine if you can benefit from TMJ therapy.
Get Relief from TMJ Right Here in Johns Creek with the Summus® Laser
Dr. Forester of Lifetime Smiles in Johns Creek uses a special laser system called the Horizon Class IV Laser System by Summus® Medical Laser to help treat TMJ and TMJ-related problems.
- This is a cutting-edge tool that can help decrease any inflammation, pain or swelling you may be experiencing in relation to the TMJ joint.
- The laser also helps to increase circulation and heal tissues faster to lessen your recovery time and to help you get relief faster.
- Laser treatments have helped many TMJ patients with very few side effects after the treatment.
Once Dr. Forester determines you have TMJ problems, he will create a treatment plan, including the number of laser treatments you”ll need. Patients typically experience less TMJ pain after the first laser treatment.
Depending on the severity of your TMJ problems and your degree of symptoms, multiple laser treatments may be needed.
Are you ready to find relief for your headaches and TMJ pain once and for all? If so, we encourage you to call us today to schedule your appointment.
At this initial appointment, we will discuss your symptoms and review your medical history. If TMJ disorder is diagnosed, we can provide relief and treatment(s).