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Get Relief from Migraine Headaches with TMJ Treatment

by Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell, DMD, Red Bank, New Jersey Dentist

Are you suffering from recurring severe headaches and/or jaw pain?

Are you grinding your teeth at night while you sleep and/or experiencing intermittent ringing in your ears?

You may suffering from “temporomandibular joint disorder” (TMJ) and need TMJ Migraine Pain Treatment.

Tempro-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ) is a common condition affecting many people. Your temporomandibular joints, or “TMJs,” connect your lower jawbone to your skull and these joints and associated muscles are used throughout the day as you speak, chew and swallow. TMJ is a fairly common problem, but the symptoms can be debilitating and can greatly interfere with your everyday life.

Symptoms of TMJ Syndrome Include:

  • Frequent headaches or neck aches,
  • A change in the alignment of your top and bottom teeth,
  • A popping or clicking sound when your jaw moves,
  • Locked jaw or limited opening of your mouth,
  • Pain or muscle spasms in your jaw, neck and shoulders,
  • Dizziness,
  • Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in your ears.
  • Pain behind your eyes
  • Numbness or tingling of fingers

How is TMJ Treated?

The cause of your TMJ symptoms can come from several different problems:

  • A misaligned bite is the most common, 
  • Injury resulting from a blow to the joint area or whiplash is also a possibility,
  • Grinding and clenching the teeth can cause stress on the joint
  • Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia
  • Stress can cause a person to tighten their jaw muscles and clench their teeth
  • Loss of a tooth that can cause the other teeth to shift

To identify the true cause of your TMJ syndrome, Dr. Sherrod Jewell will thoroughly examine your jaw area, your bite, take x-rays, and review your history in order to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend necessary treatment.

Once a firm diagnosis on your TMJ syndrome is determined, there are several ways in which TMJ treatment and headache relief can be provided:

  • A specially molded “bite guard” can be created to stop your teeth grinding during the night. A bite relationship analysis may be recommended by Dr. Sherrod Jewell. She can also provide advice on relaxation techniques which will lessen the effects of stress. Dr. Sherrod Jewell is also able to prescribe muscle relaxants and or anti-inflammatory medication.
  • For patients who grind and clench throughout the day, a special guard will be created which gives you the ability to perform normal everyday functions.
  • Sometimes tooth movement is necessary through orthodontics to correct your bite
  • Replacement of missing teeth to stabilize your bite well. As with any procedure, Dr. Jewell will be happy to answer questions and discuss symptoms, options, and treatments.

If you are currently experiencing any of these common symptoms of TMJ Syndrome, Call Dr. Sherrod Jewell’s office at 732-741-4700 for help.

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