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60 Pottstown Pike Chester Springs, PA 19425

Headache Treatment Chester Springs, PA

Are you experiencing morning headaches, jaw pain, and discomfort that just won’t go away?

Millions of Americans miss work, make countless visits to the doctor, and overspend on pain relievers each year due to headaches and migraines. What many people don’t realize is that some headaches (especially those that occur when you wake up in the morning) are caused by TMJ Dysfunction.

A qualified restorative dentist can successfully treat and often cure these types of headaches. Simple dental procedures and splint therapy can get you back to normal. Chronic headaches are one of the common dental concerns we treat in our Chester Springs, PA office.

Jaw Pain Relief in Chester springs md

Chester Springs TMJ Dentist, Dr. Jason Petkevis

Dr. Jason Petkevis has completed extensive post-graduate training to focus much of his practice on treating adult patients with complex dental problems. Many of these patients have avoided the dentist for ten years or more. Using modern techniques, Dr. Petkevis can restore health, function, and beauty to the mouth with pain-free, affordable, and long-lasting treatments.

What Causes Headaches?

Stress is a common cause of headaches. Other conditions, such as malocclusion (unbalanced bite) and TMJ dysfunction, can also contribute to headaches or migraines. When the teeth do not make proper contact, and the jaws are not aligned properly, stress and tension in the muscles and face create headaches. Tension in the jaw and mouth throughout the day also contributes to chronic headaches and migraines.

Does TMJ dysfunction cause your headaches?

Headaches are the most common sign of TMJ dysfunction. The reason TMJ headaches tend to occur in the morning is because of teeth clenching and teeth grinding that occurs while you sleep.

TMJ Headache Symptoms

  • Pain in the temples or back of the head
  • Morning headaches
  • Pain in the shoulders, neck, and upper back
  • Migraine headaches
  • Teeth grinding, teeth clenching

TMJ Headache Therapy

Dr. Petkevis will perform a bite analysis to evaluate your jaw joints and determine if your headaches are caused by TMJ dysfunction. Treatment for TMJ Headaches can range from simple oral appliance therapy, using a night guard or splint, to advanced bite correction therapy, which involves reshaping the teeth to make proper contact.

TMJ Mouthguard

Teeth Grinding is closely linked with TMJ dysfunction. A TMJ mouthguard keeps your teeth aligned and prevents the top and bottom teeth from coming into contact with each other while you sleep, preventing teeth from grinding. Dr. Petkevis can custom-make a mouthguard that fits comfortably in your mouth.

Bite Correction

If a mouthguard is unsuccessful in correcting teeth grinding, some patients benefit from bite correction. Dr. Petkevis will realign the teeth so that the upper and lower teeth come into contact with each other correctly. Bite correction can include several procedures, including tooth bonding, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, or dental implants.

Frequent Headaches FAQs

How does a TMJ disorder cause headaches?

When you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, your muscles tense up. If you do this for many hours throughout the night, it will strain those muscles and spread to other muscles in your cheeks and temples, resulting in headaches each time you wake up.

How do I know if I have TMJ or just a headache?

If your headaches are coupled with other symptoms of TMJ, then you may have a TMJ disorder. This includes clicking of the jaw, restricted jaw movement, a sore jaw, worn down teeth from grinding, or pain anywhere else in the face. If you suffer from morning headaches and other signs of TMJ, visit Dr. Petkevis. He will provide a full evaluation to learn if a TMJ dysfunction causes your headaches.

Can my dentist help relieve my frequent headaches?

Headaches are a common symptom of TMJ disorders. Your dentist is a great person to see if you suspect this is a TMJ issue. They can use advanced technology and techniques to determine if the jaw is misaligned. You can discuss your full list of symptoms, including your frequent headaches. Dr. Petkevis offers several treatments to help you find relief from all your TMJ symptoms.

How long do headaches normally last?

Headaches typically last 30 minutes to several hours. It’s not normal for headaches to last several days. If you suffer from chronic headaches and long-lasting headaches, receive professional help.

TMJ headaches may be chronic, occurring for short amounts of time, up to 4 hours, but at regular intervals. Long-lasting headaches, or headaches that last multiple days, require medical care.

Does ice help relieve TMJ headaches?

Applying an ice pack to your head during a headache can help slow blood flow to the area. Ice will temporarily numb sensation and pain from chronic headaches. We recommend applying ice packs for 15 minutes at a time. Do not apply ice to your face for more than 20 minutes at a time. Allow about 30 to 45 minutes between each cold compress.

Can a massage relieve TMJ headaches?

Massaging the temples, neck, and upper back can help temporarily relieve pain from TMJ headaches. TMJ headaches create pain that can radiate to other parts of the body. Gently massaging muscles in the face and upper body can provide a temporary fix if you suffer from TMJ headaches.

Contact Our Dental Office

Get relief from frequent headaches today. A simple bite analysis and consultation can reveal whether or not your headaches are caused by TMJ dysfunction. You owe it to yourself to schedule a consultation with Chester Springs dentist Dr. Jason Petkevis. Call 610–400–1459 or schedule an appointment online.