If you’ve been told that your frequent headaches or other pains are related to TMJ disorder, you may be relieved to finally have an answer and a solution to your chronic discomfort. However, if you suffer from recurring discomfort that has not yet been successfully diagnosed, then your smile may be in the grips of the jaw dysfunction. As dedicated family dentists in Fresno, Drs. Alex and Claudia Denes have helped numerous patients find relief from seemingly inexplicable aches and pains by treating the underlying causes of TMJ disorder. Keep reading to learn how the dental ailment can manifest as severe migraines and other seemingly unrelated pain.
The Mechanics of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder borrows its name from your temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which connect your lower jaw to your skull, and occurs when these joints become damaged or misaligned from trauma, a congenital jaw defect, or excessive pressure from a functional problem like crooked teeth. For smooth and optimal performance, your entire bite, including your jaws and teeth, must align perfectly as your TMJs move in tandem to open and close your mouth. Otherwise, your jaw and all of its components will have to work extra hard to keep your mouth somewhat straight as it operates.
The Nerve of TMJ Disorder
As your TMJs and jaw muscles struggle to do their jobs, the strain can lead to fatigue and disturb the nerve that innervates your jaw. The trigeminal nerve, which branches out through the majority of your head, neck, and face, is one of your major cranial nerves, can transmit the sometimes-debilitating discomfort of TMJ disorder throughout the nerve’s other structures. Migraines, earaches, facial pain/soreness, and pain in your neck, back, and shoulders can result from the transferal of discomfort, making TMJ disorder difficult to diagnose in many cases.
Find Relief from TMJ-Related Migraines with Your Fresno Dentists
To learn more about diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder, or to find out if your chronic migraines may originate with your jaw’s joints, schedule a consultation with your Fresno dentists by calling Fresno Dental Studio at (559) 297-1800. Located in the 93720 area, we proudly serve patients from Fresno, Clovis, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.