Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, known as TMJ, is a condition that causes chronic discomfort, including severe migraines in many patients. It may come as a surprise, but your local Bend dentist, Dr. Kelley Mingus, has applied his expertise in neuromuscular dentistry to treat TMJ-related migraines efficiently.
For many, chronic migraines often lead to a search for relief. While patients may not instinctively turn to a dentist for migraine relief, Dr. Mingus has found that TMJ dysfunction often plays a significant role in persistent migraines.
Dr. Kelley Mingus’s approach to treating TMJ migraines involves a comprehensive understanding of the disorder, its relation to migraines, and employing the tools and expertise of advanced dentistry to provide relief.
Understanding TMJ and Migraines
TMJ refers to the set of joints connecting your jaw to your skull. Any problems affecting these joints or the muscles controlling them can result in TMJ disorder. Symptoms of TMJ disorders could range from jaw pain and earaches to difficulties opening or closing the mouth. However, one standout symptom many people don’t readily connect to TMJ is a persistent headache, typically recognized as a migraine.
Often, migraine patients go through extensive tests and medications without any identification of the true underlying cause: a dental issue. However, Dr. Mingus, using neuromuscular dentistry methods to identify the root causes of migraines, has successfully provided relief for many patients suffering from chronic migraines due to TMJ disorder.
Neuromuscular Dentistry and TMJ
Neuromuscular dentistry is a subfield of dentistry that looks beyond teeth and gums. It focuses on understanding the harmony between the teeth, jaw joints, facial muscles, and nerves—components essential to a properly functioning mouth and jaw mechanism.
Dr. Kelley Mingus, as a practitioner of neuromuscular dentistry, understands that the relationship between these components can be the source of various dental problems, including TMJ disorders. A key component of this approach is recognizing and treating TMJ-related migraines.
In his Bend clinic, Dr. Kelley Mingus conducts comprehensive evaluations, utilizing advanced dental technology to accurately identify the triggers of TMJ-related migraines. The examination process involves digital x-rays, jaw tracking, muscle examinations, and bite analysis.
Targeted TMJ Treatments
The relationship between TMJ and migraines is quite complex. However, the approach to treating it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a look into Dr. Kelley Mingus’s TMJ treatment methodology, which has proven effective against TMJ-induced migraines.
1. Detailed consultation and diagnosis: Before any treatment plan is implemented, Dr. Mingus ensures an extensive understanding of the patient’s medical history and current symptoms.
2. Creating a personalized treatment plan: Every patient’s experience with TMJ disorder is unique. Therefore, the treatments must be personalized to address specific requirements. The treatment plan could involve jaw alignment, remedial dentistry, or other dental services such as orthodontics or full mouth rehabilitation.
3. Follow-ups: The approach to treating TMJ disorder requires regular monitoring and potential adjustments based on the patient’s response to the therapy. Dr. Mingus ensures a thorough follow-up regimen for each TMJ patient, emphasizing open communication to chart the course of treatment and adjust as necessary.
4. Education on self-care: Alongside medical treatment, Dr. Mingus offers advice on lifestyle changes and self-care methods that could help reduce TMJ symptoms and migraine occurrences.
Benefits of TMJ Treatment
Relieving chronic pain and migraines is a primary goal of TMJ treatment. However, addressing TMJ disorder comprehensively can lead to numerous other benefits, visible in patients like Janet, a former dental professional whose story has been shared on Dr. Mingus’s website.
1. Improved jaw mobility: Treating TMJ disorder can improve jaw flexibility and reduce discomfort while eating or speaking.
2. Restful sleep: A healthier jaw means less discomfort throughout the night, leading to more restful sleep.
3. Better oral health: Addressing TMJ can prevent tooth wear or loss, improving overall oral health.
4. Enhanced quality of life: Alleviating TMJ-induced migraines can significantly improve one’s quality of life, from day-to-day activities to overall health.
Conclusion
Dr. Kelley Mingus’s approach to TMJ treatment for migraines is holistic and patient-centric. As a seasoned dental professional and a dedicated practitioner of neuromuscular dentistry, his methodology has displayed success in treating persistent TMJ-induced migraines. If you’re in the Bend area and experience chronic migraines alongside jaw discomfort, Dr. Kelley Mingus and his welcoming team might hold the key to your relief.