Get Headache and Jaw Pain Relief at Your Local Dentist, Dr. Ban R. Barbat

Do you have constant headaches and jaw pain affecting your everyday life? The culprit could be temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMJ disorder affects the two jaw joints on either side of your face. TMJ pain can range from mild to significant discomfort, affecting concentration, sleep, eating, and other activities. 

Have you had enough of TMJ pain? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ban R. Barbat for a proper TMJ diagnosis and treatment if you are in Shelby Township, Michigan. No one deserves to live in pain. Soon, our neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Ban R. Barbat, can help you live a painless lifestyle. 

How do I know I have TMJ pain?

The TMJs are hinge-like joints that help your jaws move in nearly every direction to help you eat, speak, yawn, and perform other oral functions. The TMJ is a complex system, so when there’s a problem, it affects several areas of your life. 

Signs of TMJ pain include:

  • Chronic tension headaches
  • Jaw soreness or tenderness
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Locked jaws
  • Pain in the face, neck, and shoulders
  • Popping or clicking sounds when opening and closing your jaws
  • Difficulty or painful chewing
  • Vertigo (dizziness)

The common cause of TMJ pain is chronic teeth grinding (bruxism). Excess pressure gradually strains your jaw muscles and joints as you grind your teeth, causing pain. Other common causes of TMJ pain include inflammation, injury, stress, and jaw misalignment. 

How is TMJ pain diagnosed?

Diagnosing TMJ pain is often complex because its symptoms disguise other conditions, such as migraines, sinus issues, and ear infections. Without specialized knowledge, this overlap makes it difficult to pinpoint TMJ dysfunction as the root cause. Our TMJ dentist has an in-depth understanding of identifying and addressing TMJ-related issues.

Here are the techniques we use to diagnose TMJ pain. 

  • Physical exam: The dentist examines the jaw muscles and TMJ area to locate tenderness, swelling, or tightness. We’ll also evaluate your jaw’s range of motion and the presence of any unusual sounds. 
  • CBCT scan: 3D scans provide high visualization of the jaw joints, muscles, and nerves to detect abnormalities. 
  • TekScan: This computerized bite analysis system measures the timing and force of your bite when teeth come together (occlude). It allows real-time tracking of how the bite changes during closure and movement, revealing functional issues like premature contact or uneven pressure.
  • BioPak: BioPak uses jaw-tracking devices to monitor and record the precise motion of the jaw during various movements. It also records sounds and muscle activity as your jaws move. Biopak helps pinpoint stress, tension, and irregularities contributing to TMJ pain.

How is TMJ pain treated?

Dr. Barbat will devise a personalized treatment plan to provide lasting relief. Our dentist uses a conservative approach to manage TMJ pain. Rarely do patients need surgery. 

Your treatment can involve a customized nightguard, which helps your jaw joints and muscles to relax. TMJ oral devices are worn when sleeping and provide a proper fit so as not to interfere with your sleep. Other possible treatments include orthodontics to straighten teeth, bite adjustments, and stress management techniques.

Ready to meet your Shelby Township TMJ dentist?

Can’t shake off that nagging headache or jaw pain? It’s time to schedule an evaluation with our neuromuscular dentist in Shelby Township, MI. Call (586) 551-7255 now and schedule an appointment with Dr. Barbat.Â