Do you suffer from chronic headaches, migraines, jaw pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and/or ringing in the ears? If so, then neuromuscular migraine dentistry may help. Neuromuscular dentistry is a type of dentistry that treats headaches and migraines, as well as jaw, neck, and shoulder pain by properly aligning the jaw. It is based on the theory that malocclusion, or a misaligned bite, is a contributing factor to migraines since it keeps a variety of muscles in a constant state of contraction. As the muscles get tired, they begin to spasm. This results in increased blood pressure inside the muscles and lactic acid buildup–two things that can restrict normal blood flow and result in a migraine. This same effect can happen in people who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), since this disorder also causes the constant contraction of jaw muscles.
Did You Know?
Muscle tension decreases the amount of blood that reaches the area. As a result, the body tries to send more blood to the area, which causes an increase in blood pressure. When the muscles of the head receive too much blood, this causes a headache.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for neuromuscular dentistry?
You may be a candidate for neuromuscular dentistry if you live a life of pain, are constantly taking pain medications, are regularly absent from work due to pain, or have a disrupted social life as a result of:
- Chronic headaches
- Migraines
- Jaw pain
- Jaw clicking or popping
- Tension in the face, head, or neck
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Ringing in the ears
Around 90% of patients who have been treated with neuromuscular dentistry have become pain free or have obtained substantial pain relief. To find out what neuromuscular dentistry can do for you, schedule an appointment with Sedation Dental Care at Raleigh Smile Center today.
What can I expect when receiving neuromuscular dental care?
The main goal of neuromuscular dental care is to alleviate pain by properly aligning the jaw. To accomplish this, a variety of techniques may be used, depending on how mild or severe the alignment issues are. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended, while other cases may be able to be treated by adding dental crowns to create an even bite. Splints or mouthguards have also been shown to alleviate headaches, migraines, and TMD symptoms. Ultimately, our doctors will evaluate your case to determine what approach will work best for you.
Can dental sedation be used?
Yes! Dental sedation, also known as anxiety-free dentistry, is ideal for individuals who have dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or for those who simply want to relax during their dental procedure. Your dental sedation options include:
- Valium
- Nitrous Oxide
- Oral & IV Sedation
- General Anesthesia
For more information about dental sedation, visit our dental sedation page or call our office to schedule a consultation.
To learn more about Dr. Davidian’s neuromuscular approach, please visit: Carolina TMJ.