Do you wake up with a headache? Do you feel pain in your jaw or temples in the morning? You may have a TMJ headache. Dr. Christopher Banks treats TMJ headaches in Washington, DC, at Dupont Dental. He treats this dental concern so you can stop feeling pain in your jaw, tempel, and mouth.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. These are the two joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. They work every time you talk, chew, or yawn. When something goes wrong with these joints or the muscles around them, it is called TMJ disorder, or TMD.
TMJ disorder is more common than most people think. Around 30 million Americans live with some form of it. It tends to affect people between the ages of 20 and 40, and women are diagnosed more often than men. Contributing factors include teeth grinding, jaw injuries, arthritis, and bite misalignment.
How TMJ Causes Headaches
The jaw muscles are powerful, and they are located close to your temples, ears, and the base of your skull. When these muscles are overworked or stressed, the pain can spread to your forehead, behind your eyes, and across your face. This is called referred pain, and it is why TMJ headaches are so easy to mistake for migraines or tension headaches.
Many patients come to us after seeing multiple providers who could not explain their headaches. That is not a failure on anyone’s part. TMJ disorder is genuinely difficult to diagnose without the right evaluation. Knowing the difference is part of what we do.
Symptoms to Watch For
TMJ disorder can show up in more ways than just headaches. You may also notice:
- Jaw clicking, popping, or locking
- Facial pain or soreness in the morning
- Ear pain or ringing
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully
If several of these sound familiar, it is worth getting a proper evaluation sooner rather than later. Early signs of TMJ disorder can worsen over time.
How We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Headaches in Washington DC
Dr. Banks takes a thorough approach to every TMJ evaluation. He reviews your dental and medical history, examines your jaw and surrounding muscles, and listens for any clicking or popping during movement. When needed, he uses diagnostic imaging such as X-rays to get a detailed look at your joint.
From there, treatment is built around your specific situation. Most patients do well with conservative options that do not involve surgery.
Dr. Banks can create custom TMJ night guards that reduce teeth grinding, one of the most common causes of TMJ pain and headaches. Wearing an oral appliance during sleep prevents tooth wear and grinding. It also relieves pressure on the jaw and temporomandibular joints. Over time, many patients can relieve morning headaches by wearing a night guard.
Dr. Banks may also refer you to a physical therapist for massage and exercises that relax your upper body and jaw to relieve headaches. The goal is to reduce your pain, protect your teeth, and help you feel like yourself again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does TMJ treatment take to relieve headaches?
It depends on the severity of your condition and the treatment approach. Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks of wearing a custom oral appliance. Others may need a longer course of treatment that includes physical therapy or other therapies. During your consultation at Dupont Dental, Dr. Banks will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.
How do I know if my headaches are caused by TMJ?
TMJ headaches often feel like tension headaches or migraines, which makes them hard to identify on your own. Common clues include headaches that are worse in the morning, jaw soreness or clicking, ear pain, and facial tension. The only way to know for certain is to get a professional evaluation. Dr. Banks can assess your jaw, bite, and surrounding muscles to determine whether TMJ disorder is the source of your headaches.
Does insurance cover TMJ treatment in Washington DC?
Coverage varies depending on your plan. Some insurance providers cover TMJ treatment under medical benefits rather than dental benefits, so it is worth checking with both. Our team at Dupont Dental is happy to help you understand your options and work with you on a plan that fits your needs.
Get Hadache Relief
You don’t have to keep guessing about what is causing your pain. Contact Dupont Dental today to schedule a TMJ consultation with Dr. Banks. You can also call (202) 946-4720. Our office is conveniently located in Washington DC and welcomes patients from across the metro area.