Dr. Ami Barakat

Cosmetic, General and Neuromuscular Dentistry

Archive for August, 2010

TMD Aches vs. Actual Migraines

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Some symptoms of TMD, (temporomandibular joint disorder), and migraines are quite similar. Both TMD and migraines can cause discomfort to such a degree your ability to participate in normal daily activities is affected. A neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Ami Barakat can determine whether TMD may be the cause of your migraines, or another cause exists. If TMD is the cause, several TMD treatment options are available to correct the jaw misalignment typical of this disorder, and provide you with relief.

An Actual Migraine

A migraine headache is a type of vascular headache; in other words, the pain you feel is caused by an enlargement of blood vessels, which in turn causes chemicals from nerve fibers to be released. These nerve fibers, which coil around the brain’s large arteries, are stretched, resulting is inflammation, throbbing pain, and further artery enlargement.

TMD Headaches

The discomfort of temporomandibular joint disorder can migrate into neck and shoulder pain, tingling in the fingertips, nausea and more. TMD headaches may last for days at a time.

TMD, like migraines, is treatable and most patients enjoy good results. The goal of TMD treatment is the realignment of the jaw. Using diet, jaw exercise, orthodontics, orthotics, the TENS Unit and the K7 System, among other things, TMD symptoms can be alleviated or eliminated.

At Dentistry @ Main, serving Ottawa, Kanata, and Stittsville, Ontario, Dr. Barakat specializes in treating TMD. Schedule your free consultation when you contact our office today.

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The Relationship between Tinnitus and TMD

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Tinnitus and TMD are different disorders, yet they often exist together.

Tinnitus is persistent ringing in the ears. One culprit is the misalignment of the tiny bones in the ear, perhaps from a head injury.

TMD, an acronym for temporomandibular joint disorder, is a misalignment of the jaw. Two small ball and socket joints, the temporomandibular joints, on either side of the face allow the mouth to open and close smoothly, so you can eat, speak, and yawn without discomfort. If the temporomandibular joint becomes misaligned, a variety of symptoms may be felt, from tingling in the fingers to migraine headaches and more, including movement of the delicate bones in the ear, resulting in tinnitus.

Ottawa neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Ami Barakat offers a variety of treatments to relieve the symptoms and discomfort of both TMD and tinnitus. Depending on the severity of your condition, Dr. Barakat may recommend a specific diet and exercises for the jaw area, as well as the application of heat or ice to relax muscles and reduce pain. A custom orthotic bite guard will prevent teeth grinding during sleep, and may go a long way toward reducing pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen can also offer relief. Restorative dental procedures and orthodontics can correct missing, gapped or crooked teeth that may contribute to your symptoms.

Regardless of the treatment Dr. Barakat recommends, we always use the most advanced neuromuscular dentistry technology, including state-of-the-art computerized jaw tracking technology, called the K7 system. Once Dr. Barakat accurately identifies the cause of your condition, he can recommend the treatment that suits you best.

If ringing in your ears or jaw pain is impacting your quality of life, please contact Dentistry @ Main today. We serve patients in Ottawa, Kanata, and Stittsville, Ontario.

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What Causes TMD?

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

If you feel discomfort or the sensation of a click in your jaw when you eat, talk or yawn, you may have temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. This disorder is also sometimes referred to as TMJ. As many as 15% of Americans suffer from this condition.

At Dentistry on Main, Dr. Ami Barakat offers a thorough examination of your teeth, mouth, gums and jaws to determine your overall oral health and provide early intervention as necessary for disorders like TMD.

What is TMD?

On either side of your jaw is a small ball and socket joint. This joint works much like a hinge, allowing your mouth to open and close smoothly while chewing, talking, and yawning. When the muscles become fatigued, damaged or diseased, TMD can result.

Although doctors are still unsure as to the exact cause of this disorder, TMD can have its roots in:
• A misaligned bite
• Arthritis
• A severe injury to the jaw
• Teeth grinding
• Dislocation of the disk between the jawbone and jaw socket

Can TMJ Be Cured?

TMD is very treatable. Dr. Barakat is a specialist in neuromuscular dentistry, a field of dentistry dedicated to treating conditions which result from a misaligned jaw. Dr. Barakat offers several of the most advanced TMD treatment options, including a TENS unit to relax your jaw and relieve pain, K-7 computerized jaw tracking technology, and others to accurately identify your condition and recommend the ideal treatment. A custom orthotic bite guard may be needed to prevent teeth grinding while you sleep. In some cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen, can help.

Please contact Ottawa neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Barakat today to schedule your free consultation at Dentistry @ Main, serving Ottawa, Kanata, and Stittsville, Ontario.

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