We get to the source of TMJ trouble and chronic migraines for actual relief from painful symptoms
The dentist’s office may not seem like the natural or first place to turn to for relief from chronic headaches or migraines. Yet, radiating head, face, neck, back, ear, and shoulder pain, can all stem from the very structures and types of conditions that Aesthetic Dental Creations in Jackson, New Jersey is designed to treat oral and maxillofacial imbalances and stressors.
Furthermore, Dr. Balaji Srinivasan is a renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Training graduate. Such training has provided Dr. Srinivasan comprehensive insights into neuromuscular dentistry and the connections between the teeth, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), bone, ligaments, discs, soft tissues, muscles, and other parts of this “system” that must work together to support healthy, comfortable functions.
When even one aspect of this “system” is stressed or not “balanced,” it can affect how opening and closing your mouth feels and the ease with which you open and close your mouth, or otherwise use your teeth and jaws. There are some characteristic complaints that are primarily classified as “TMJ symptoms,” a reference to the joints or “hinges” that connect the skull and jaws on either side of our faces. These symptoms include:
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- Jaw stiffness or “lockjaw”
- Earaches
- Ringing in the ears (“tinnitus”)
- Noisy jaw, clicking, or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth
- Frequent headaches
- Jaw soreness
- Excessive wear and tear on the teeth
- Changes with “bite,” the relationship between the opposing upper and lower teeth in the jaws
The last “symptom,” bad bite, is also implicated in the development of TMJ symptoms or TMJD (TMJ dysfunction or disorders). Wear and tear may be related to bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, a condition that has also been implicated in TMJD. Basically, any time the TM joints are stressed beyond their limits, be it by bite imbalances or the force placed on the teeth and jaws when bruxing, symptoms can arise. These symptoms may worsen over time without appropriate treatment. Of course, the nature of treatment depends on what Dr. Srinivasan finds during your evaluation at our office.
He may determine orthodontic appliances reposition the teeth and correct bite problems are appropriate and aid in resolving debilitating symptoms. Better bites may also be achieved with a seemingly simple repair or replacement of worn or damaged dental restorations. Patients who brux their teeth and experience headaches have experienced an improvement in the severity and frequency of their symptoms. When using other oral appliances, such as mouthguards to protect the teeth from the extreme forces placed on them from chronic bruxism or splints that prevent the back teeth from touching. In repositioning the bite during sleep, bruxers cannot generate the extreme forces that ultimately contribute to headaches, migraines, pain, and other symptoms, which can break the teeth or dental work.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ways to provide lasting and real relief from TMJ pain and symptoms. Call (732) 451-3570 to embark on this journey to better health and an improved quality of life with us, your trusted team for advanced and neuromuscular dentistry: Aesthetic Dental Creations!
Dr. Balaji Srinivasan talks about TMJ
TMJ Pain , Migraine and Headache Relief
Paige struggled for months with migraines and headaches after a concussion. Hear about her turnaround after dr. Balaji fitted her with a neuromuscular orthotic
Frequently asked questions about TMJ/migraine treatment
What is TMJ disorder, and what causes it?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder refers to problems with the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. The TMJ is a hinge-like joint on either side of the face, allowing your jaws to move in almost every direction. You may not notice it, but you use your TMJs countless times a day when eating, yawning, smiling, laughing, etc. Unfortunately, your TMJs can be injured, strained, inflamed, or misaligned, causing TMJ disorder or dysfunction (TMD).
TMJ pain can result from several factors, including:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw misalignment
- Stress and clenching
- Injury to the jaw
- Arthritis
How do I know I have TMJ disorder?
TMJs are complex joints with several nerves and muscles around them. Any malfunction causes pain to the jaws and extends to the ears, head, shoulders, and face. TMJ disorder can present in different ways.
Common symptoms include:
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
- Headaches or migraines
- Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Pain while chewing
- Facial muscle tension
- Upper back, neck, or shoulder pain
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, visit a TMJ dentist in Jackson, NJ, for a proper diagnosis and treatment. TMJ pain can diminish your quality of life, affecting your sleep, concentration, eating, and talking. Don’t let pain control your life when relief is just a call away.
How is TMJ disorder diagnosed at Aesthetic Dental Creations?
TMJ pain diagnosis is tricky because the symptoms can easily be linked to ear infections, migraines, or sinusitis. Dr. Balaji Srinivasan has extensive training and experience in neuromuscular dentistry, so he understands the close relation between your TMJs, nerves, jaws, and related musculature.
A TMJ diagnosis in our office begins with discussing your symptoms and health history. Dr. Balaji then conducts a thorough clinical exam to examine the mobility and alignment of your jaws. Digital imaging may be necessary to identify structural abnormalities with jaw joints, jaws, or teeth.
What are TMJ treatment options in Jackson, NJ?
Aesthetic Dental Creations is here to help you find lasting relief from TMJ pain. Even better, treatment rarely involves surgery or other invasive techniques. The first line of treatment is a customized nightguard. This removable oral device allows the jaw joints to relax and heal, especially if the cause of your discomfort is teeth grinding (bruxism).
While a mouthguard provides significant pain relief, it doesn’t treat the root cause of the pain. Dr. Srinivasan will work with you to determine the underlying cause of the pain. Depending on the cause, additional treatment options include orthodontics, bite adjustments, jaw rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes. We only recommend surgery for severe cases.
Can TMJ pain go away without treatment?
Mild TMJ symptoms may improve with rest, ice packs, and stress management, but if your pain persists or worsens, it’s essential to seek professional help. Untreated TMJ disorder can lead to chronic pain, dental damage, and limited jaw movement.
Where can I find TMJ pain relief in Jackson, NJ?
Are you tired of living with jaw pain or tension headaches? Let Aesthetic Dental Creations help! Dr. Srinivasan provides compassionate, customized TMJ treatment to help you feel like yourself again. Call us at (732) 451-3570 to schedule your consultation.
Dr. Balaji Srinivasan is inspired by the passion and purpose he discovers in dentistry and strives to provide his clients with exceptional services. He graduated from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. He then attended Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, and a residency program in Advanced General Dentistry at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In 1997, he established Madison Avenue Dental Associates, where he worked for ten years. He then established Aesthetic Dental Creations in Jackson, New Jersey, in 2008 and has not looked back since.
Dr. Srinivasan is an alumnus of the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Training. He has received specialized training in adhesive dentistry and smile design. Dr. Srinivasan is also very effective at treating migraine/headaches because of his expertise in neuromuscular(physiologic) dentistry. He has lectured to dentists at Monmouth Medical Center on various topics. You can count on him to make your dental visit as pleasant as possible!
