Migraines and TMD

In Toronto and Mississauga, Ontario

Migraine headaches are known for their debilitating pain. The headaches caused by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) are so similar they are called TMD migraines. TMD is a neuromuscular disorder treated by cosmetic dentists at Willow Dental Associates trained in neuromuscular dentistry.

Painful headaches are one of several symptoms of TMD. These painful headaches can radiate throughout your head and jaw, and down your neck, arms, shoulders and back. They are, by no means, a minor symptom, and can be quite disabling.

Treatment for TMD Headaches

The good news is that TMD headaches are treatable. While treatment for TMD headaches is not a quick fix because it involves treating the TMD to correct problems that have developed over time, probably years, the dentists of Willow Dental Associates will address your pain right away, with the goal of achieving more permanent results from specialized treatment.

Treatment begins when one of Willow Dental Associates neuromuscular dentists performs diagnostics to determine the extent of your condition. We will measure your most advantageous jaw position and get other measurements that the dentists will use to determine the best care plan based on your needs.

Orthotics may be used to relieve pain. Using our advanced technology, you may be treated with a TENS unit for almost immediate relief of your pain and to relax tense muscles that cause it.

How TMD Causes Headaches

Your face is made up of many muscles, nerves, and tendons, all of which are affected by the placement and movement of the joints where your jaw hinge meets your skull. When your jaw is out of alignment, even slightly, all of these tissues are out of alignment, too. Over time they can become inflamed, swollen, and interfere with the smooth movement of your jaw during speaking, chewing or swallowing causing severe headaches. These severe headaches, often described as migraines, are one of many problems caused by TMD, are a common symptom of TMD.

What Treatment Cures TMD Headaches

Treatment may vary depending upon your specific circumstances, but any of a number of procedures might be included in your treatment plan.

Orthotics: An orthotic device might be used to gradually reposition your jaw alignment. You might have to wear an appliance for the realignment to become permanent.

Orthodontics: Orthodontic treatment with braces, whether aligners or brackets, may help to align your teeth to correct your bite.

Restorations: Crowns, bridges, veneers are restorations that may be used to align your bite and keep your jaw comfortably in place. Implants may be needed to help fill gaps caused by missing teeth, and to offset opposing teeth.

If you would like to learn more about alleviating headaches caused by TMD, please contact  Willow Dental Associates for a personal evaluation by one of our Toronto area neuromuscular dentists.