TMJ/Headaches

Find Lasting Headache Relief

TMJ disorder affects your jaw joints, jaw muscles, and your bite. The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is one of the most complex joints in the body. It moves the lower jaw and allows us to chew, speak, and open and close our mouths.

When the joint is not functioning properly, you may feel like your jaw is popping or sticking. You may even suffer from lockjaw or jaw pain.

When the joint itself is damaged, the jaw muscles around it try to make up for lost function. Jaw muscles tend to become overworked in a patient with TMJ. Tired muscles lead to facial and jaw soreness or tiredness.

TMD often affects the occlusion, or the bite. Without being able to bite down correctly, the patient continues to stress the surrounding muscles. Occlusion problems can lead to worn down teeth and complications with the back, neck, or posture.

Some of the symptoms of TMD are:

  • Buzzing or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Popping/cracking sounds in the jaw
  • Lock jaw
  • DIscomfort while chewing
  • Tender or tired facial muscles
  • Pain in the neck and shoulders
  • Chronic headache
  • Migraines
  • Muscle spasms

Dr. Robbie Schaack is familiar with the latest TMJ research and treatment methods. Some of the treatments we may recommend include:

TMJ Appliance | We design custom TMJ appliances that support the jaw. The appliance is worn just like a mouth guard, and it is convenient and comfortable. The appliance will stabilize the jaw and reduce muscle strain so that your symptoms will disappear.

Bite Adjustment | Dr. Schaack can use dental crowns or orthodontics to change the alignment of your bite. This can change the way you hold your jaw and improve the condition of the TMJ.

Lifestyle Changes | Dr. Schaack may recommend a change in diet, relaxing the muscles more, or trying a few jaw exercises. He will create a plan based on your personal TMJ symptoms.

The only way to find out if TMJ is the source of your symptoms is through a consultation with an experienced professional. Please call us at Canyon Lake Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today!