Migraines and TMJ

Did you know that Migraines and TMJ issues are caused by a bad bite? Chances are you or someone you know is one of these sufferers. Talk to us about ways to get rid of your headaches.

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Office Location

54 Third Street
Collingwood, ON L9Y 1K3

Migraines and TMJ

Migraines and TMJ can be debilitating conditions ranging in their level of severity. For some, it can directly impact their daily lives. Migraines are a special type of headache that are primarily classified as a neurologic disorder. However, in TMJ disorders, the presence of TMJ can trigger a migraine to occur more frequently. Migraines affect more than 30% of the population.

 

Migraines & Headaches

It is estimated that over 2.7 million Canadians suffer from chronic headaches. Chances are you know someone that is one of these sufferers (if not you). At least half of these people have headaches so severe that they can be disabling and affect their lifestyle.

New research has shown that each headache you suffer from ends up damaging brain cells. Many times it is caused by a misaligned jaw or a “bad bite”. We use the latest techniques to treat your pain without drugs by gently realigning the muscles and nerves in your Temporal Mandibular Joint or TMJ. This is a small joint that causes big problems when it is out of place.

 

How Do Neuromuscular Dentists Diagnose and Treat Symptoms?

TMJ / TMD Diagnosis

Neuromuscular dentists use state-of-the-art technology to determine if your symptoms are caused by malocclusion and if so, what your optimal jaw position is. Dr. Salyani uses computerized jaw tracking instruments to record jaw movement, resting position, and path of closure. Electromyography is used to measure your jaw’s muscle function in both its stressed and relaxed positions, and will also measure the jaw-to-skull relationship to see if there is a structural imbalance. Sonography is used to record jaw joint sounds to detect any abnormalities. Additionally, x-rays of the jaw may be taken to help evaluate the condition and positioning of the joint.

TMJ / TMD Treatment

Once your neuromuscular dentist has diagnosed you with TMJ, he can determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. Typically treatment will follow three steps:

  1. Relieve muscle spasms and pain.
    The immediate concern for neuromuscular dentists is to provide relief to your symptoms. The best way to do this is by using a technology called ULF-TENS. ULF-TENS stands for Ultra Low-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation, but don’t let this term intimidate you. Basically, ULF-TENS is a way to relax muscles with a gentle massage of the muscles. The rhythmic pulsing relaxes the muscles by increasing blood flow and pumping out waste products. ULF-TENS also helps with pain relief by stimulating the body’s production of endorphins, the body’s natural anesthetic.
  2. Stabilize the bite.
    Often for this step a temporary device, known as an orthotic is worn over the teeth. The orthotic allows your neuromuscular dentist to make easy adjustments to the plastic without adjusting the teeth until the bite is stabilized. Once symptoms are relieved and the bite has been stabilized, your dentist will move on to the next step and permanently adjust your bite to the correct position.
  3. Long-term management.
    There are a variety of ways to correct your bite in a more permanent way. Four of the most common of these approaches are outlined below:
    * Coronoplasty/Equilibration
    Coronoplasty is smoothing and reshaping the enamel of the teeth to correct your bite. It is a simple procedure
that does not require anesthesia and can be used when the bite is only slightly misaligned.
    * Removable Overlay Partials
    These are permanent orthotics that usually fit over the back teeth and are designed to maintain an aligned bite.
    * Reconstruction
    This approach involves making the teeth higher by using crowns. This permanently realigns the bite and provides structural support for the jaw.
    * Orthodontics (Braces)
    When the teeth are healthy they may be moved to the optimal position using braces.

If you or someone you know is suffering from head, neck or jaw pain, Dr. Salyani can help. Call our office for a consultation.

Please browse our services, call us if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.

Collingwood Dentistry - (705) 293 7700

Hours Of Operation

Monday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

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Dr. Salyani and his team will explain every step along the way and design a treatment plan that is made just for you!