Chronic headaches affect millions of Americans, forcing them to miss time from work, make countless visits to doctors, and overspend on pain relievers that don’t work. There are a number of factors and conditions that cause headaches including stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, and neurological disorders. Dental problems can also cause headaches and are often overlooked or misdiagnosed by physicians. Headaches caused by dental problems often result from malocclusion or unbalance bite.

Atlanta dentist Dr. Jolanda Warren of Buckhead Esthetic Dentistry has special experience working with patients who have bite disorders including Tempormandibular Disorders (TMD). Headaches are a common sign of TMD and may also include pain in the neck and shoulders, limited mobility or locking of the jaw, painful clicking or popping of the jaw joint and sometimes pressure in the ear or earache.

Common Causes of TMJ Disorder

There is no single cause for TMJ dysfunction. Any number of factors or combination of factors may be to blame including:

  • Trauma to the head, neck, or face
  • Trauma to the TMJ joint or arthritis
  • Hormonal changes or imbalances
  • Malocclusion (where the jaws do not line up correctly resulting in bite problems)
  • Stress and other environmental factors

TMJ Treatment and Diagnosis

Dr. Warren will perform a comprehensive evaluation, aided by advanced technology, to examine your jaw joints and perform a bite analysis. After diagnosing your condition, she will develop a specialized treatment plan. Headache therapy for TMJ disorders can range from simple oral appliance therapy, using a night guard or splint, to advanced bite correction therapy which involves reshaping the teeth so that they make proper contact.

A night guard or dental splint is a custom made, removable device that is worn while you sleep. The oral appliance will position the teeth and jaw properly to prevent teeth grinding and clenching which often cause TMJ related headaches.

Get Relief From Chronic Headaches

Patients who come to Atlanta dentist Dr. Warren for headache therapy often experience immediate relief once they start treatment. If you believe your headaches may be caused by TMD or other dental problems, contact Buckhead Esthetic Dentistry for a comprehensive evaluation. Contact us at (404) 477-3060 or schedule an appointment online.