Do you suffer from frequent headaches that have not been diagnosed? Do these frequent headaches affect your quality of life? You may have an underlying TMJ disorder or bite problem. TMJ disorder is one of the dental concerns that Bella Smiles treats in Long Island, NY. Stress and tension in the jaw as a result of an imbalance in the bite often lead to recurring headaches. In most patients, these headaches are most noticeable in the morning.
Bella Smiles is your premier dentist office with locations in Riverhead, Roslyn, and Nesconset, NY. We offer quality TMJ treatment options that can help with your pain while restoring a healthier smile. Properly identifying the underlying cause of your painful symptoms is the key to a lasting treatment plan for what is often a complex issue.
Our dental care team will evaluate all aspects of your oral health, including the function of the jaw joint. Your dentist will perform a complete bite analysis to determine if your headaches are from a TMJ disorder.
Teeth Grinding & Headaches
In many cases, teeth grinding and jaw clenching is creating tension in the jaw. When you do this, it can lead to frequent headaches and other related concerns such as ear pain, neck stiffness, and jaw pain. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, may be the result of daily stress, muscle tension, or the symptom of a bite problem.
We will work with you to identify the lifestyle habits or dental concerns that are causing your teeth to grind. Dental concerns can include malocclusion, damaged teeth, and missing teeth, all of which can detrimentally affect the function of the bite.
Treatment for TMJ Headaches
Dr. Lotardo, Dr. Pop, or Dr. Caesar will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your unique oral health needs. The goal of treatment is to relieve headaches and other painful symptoms by restoring your dental health and a natural, functional bite.
Options to treat headaches may include:
Mouthguards or dental splint
We offer custom dental appliances, such as a mouthguard or splint, that are designed to reposition the jaw and prevent teeth grinding. Patients commonly wear the while sleeping or even during high-stress times. They are made of thick material that protects the teeth and reduces tension on the jaw. This is an easy and minimally invasive treatment that is very effective.
Restorative dentistry
There are several restorative treatments we can use to treat your TMJ headaches. This can include dental crowns, tooth bonding, or other procedures. These treatments can adjust the way your teeth make contact and create a healthier bite.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a helpful tool to alleviate some TMJ symptoms including headaches. We may recommend Invisalign to reposition the teeth and realign the bite. Clear aligners are a great treatment to discreetly pull teeth into proper alignment. This can help prevent frequent headaches caused by teeth grinding.
If you suffer from headaches and suspect it could be from a TMJ disorder, schedule an appointment today with one of our expert dentists. We offer both diagnosis and treatment for headaches that are from TMJ issues or teeth grinding. They will do a full exam of your mouth, teeth, and jaw to determine the best treatment to help you find relief from your headaches. With offices located in Riverhead, Roslyn, and Nesconset, NY, we can treat patients in many Long Island communities.