If you suffer from chronic headaches, you may have a TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular joint disorders cause pain in the jaw joint and muscles. Dr. Dhara Patel treats TMJ disorders in her Schaumburg area office and will be happy to answer any questions patients may have about TMJ treatment.
Learn more about the causes and signs of these disorders as well as their treatment below:
What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)?
The cause of TMJ disorders vary, but some common causes may include:
- Teeth grinding
- Teeth clenching
- Jaw misalignment
- Teeth or jaw injury
- Arthritis
- Poor posture
- Stress
TMJ disorders can manifest in multiple ways, varying from person to person. If you have any of these conditions, you may be more likely to develop a temporomandibular joint disorder than other patients.
Signs of TMJ
There are also several common signs to look out for when it comes to TMJ disorders:
- Earaches
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Stiffness in jaw muscles
- Jaw locking
- Pain in the temple area
- Facial pain
You may have a TMJ disorder if you notice any of these signs. Call today at 847.660.6603 for comfortable and comprehensive TMJ treatment at Best Dental Spa.
Treating TMJ in Hoffman Estates, IL
TMJ disorders can be treated with oral appliances. Before treatment, Dr. Patel will review your options with you and assess your teeth and gums to ensure that the chosen option aligns with your budget and goals. Oral appliances are custom-made mouthguards that keep teeth from grinding together.
They can be worn at night to keep teeth protected from further wear and tear. Dr. Patel may recommend cosmetic treatment if you have excessive tooth damage or wear and tear from grinding your teeth due to a TMJ disorder. Tooth bonding or dental crowns can be used to repair damage and improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Restorative treatments such as dental implants can also be used for severe cases of TMJ.
Botox® for TMJ in Hoffman Estates
Dr. Patel may recommend using Botox to treat muscle tension and TMJ disorder symptoms. Botox has been proven to relieve treated muscles and allow jaw muscles to work more efficiently and without tension.
Dr. Patel may combine Botox with other treatment options, such as a mouthguard, and recommend correlating relaxation techniques for a more comprehensive approach with better long-term results.
Frequent Headaches FAQs
Can dental problems give you headaches?
Yes, dental issues may cause headaches and are a common cause. Toothaches may commonly trigger a headache in patients. If a toothache or cavity is left untreated, it may cause patients to get migraines frequently.
Can a tooth infection go to your brain?
A tooth infection may spread into your brain over time if left untreated. Tooth infections are serious and require treatment. They may cause migraines, contribute to compromised immune systems, and infect a patient’s bloodstream.
Can crooked teeth cause tension headaches?
Crooked or misaligned teeth may cause frequent headaches. These headaches will feel like there is excess built-up tension in your head. When teeth are misaligned, muscles overwork and tension builds in the jaw and facial muscles. This may cause tension headaches.
How long does Botox treatment for TMJ last?
Botox for TMJ will typically provide relief for up to 4 months. The length of time it is effective depends on the severity of the symptoms.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
If you have noticed that you suffer from chronic headaches or other common TMJ disorders symptoms, call Best Dental Spa today at 847.660.6603. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. Patel online.
