Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Chronic headaches create challenges when navigating through daily activities. When you have chronic pain, it may be a sign that you need to seek professional treatment. One common underlying condition of frequent headaches is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). TMJ symptoms can seem similar to pain from heightened stress levels or sleeping in an awkward position, so patients often dismiss the symptoms thinking the condition will disappear in a few days. When debilitating headaches return, it could leave you searching for answers. Fortunately, relief from chronic headaches may be closer than you think! Tusculum Dental Care shares how Greeneville dentists provide chronic headache relief so that you can tackle your daily to-do list and get on with your life.
What is TMJ disorder?
Strained tendons or muscles in your jaw joints are the leading cause of TMJ because of inflammation from tension or stress. The condition can cause a misaligned bite, missing teeth, or bruxism, which is the clenching and grinding of your teeth while you sleep. Some physicians overlook or misdiagnose TMJ disorder and think over the counter, or prescribed medication can rid you of your chronic condition. However, while pain medications treat the symptoms of TMJ, it will not address the underlying cause. Therefore, the pain will return until the underlying cause receives proper treatment. Your Greeneville TMJ dentists understand why you have headaches and how to treat you to reduce the frequency of your headaches properly.
How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder often causes frequent, intense headaches that may resemble a migraine or continuous neck or jaw pain that does not respond to traditional medical treatments. You may experience pain while chewing, lockjaw, hear a clicking or popping noise when speaking or chewing, or have pain in your upper back, head, neck, or face. Although the above symptoms do not include all possible symptoms of TMJ, speaking with your highly-trained Greeneville TMJ dentists about your symptoms can help in the diagnosis and treatment of your condition.
How do I get chronic headache relief?
You may achieve temporary relief of your chronic headaches by using over the counter or prescribed medications. However, taking pain medication is not a long-term solution. It only treats the symptoms of TMJ and not the condition itself. In other words, medicating TMJ headaches is like putting a Band-Aid over the problem. Your board-certified dentists in Greeneville can provide all natural, medication-free relief from your chronic headaches. A custom oral appliance can help you relieve tension in your jaw joints, reducing your pain.
How does an oral appliance work to reduce jaw pain and headaches?
An oral appliance can keep your jaw in appropriate alignment while sleeping. The custom-fitted device can help reduce tension and stress, allowing your jaws to relax. As you progress through treatment, your leading TMJ dentists in Greeneville monitor and make proper adjustments to provide the best results in realigning your jaw and reducing jaw pain and headaches. During your treatment, the dentists determine the appropriate alignment for your jawbone, which may cause the need for additional therapies to stabilize your bite permanently. Some of the treatments could include smile reconstruction, orthodontics, or replacing your missing teeth.
TMJ in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Headaches can cause challenges and decrease your quality of life. When you treat the problem with medications, you may be treating the symptoms of TMJ. Instead, treat the underlying condition with the help of your knowledgeable TMJ dentists in Greeneville at Tusculum Dental Care. Contact our office today to find out more about the relationship between your chronic headaches and TMJ disorder. Feel free to call (423) 639-7575 or book an appointment online. We serve the communities of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin.