TMJ Headache Treatment Doctor in Kansas City, MO

If you suspect your headaches may be related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, the team at Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders is uniquely equipped to help. Our experienced providers begin with a comprehensive medical history and a detailed physical examination, focusing on the jaw, facial muscles, and head and neck region. During your visit, our specialists will gently palpate your jaw muscles, assess for tenderness around the TMJ, and listen for any clicking, popping, or grating sounds as you open and close your mouth. We also evaluate your jaw’s range of motion and look for signs of teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching, which are common contributors to TMJ disorders and related headaches.

We understand that TMJ-related headaches often mimic other types of head pain. That’s why our team may utilize advanced imaging technologies such as dental X-rays or panoramic X-rays to carefully evaluate your jaw structure and teeth alignment. When necessary, we also offer referrals for CT scans or MRI studies to provide a more detailed view of your TMJ and surrounding tissues, helping us identify any structural abnormalities or rule out other causes of your symptoms.

As part of our thorough evaluation, our providers may perform gentle “provocation tests”—applying light pressure to certain jaw muscles and the TMJ area—to determine if this reproduces your headache pain. This can be a helpful diagnostic clue in distinguishing TMJ-related headaches from other types. Because headaches can have multiple underlying causes, our team adopts a holistic approach. We consider other potential triggers, such as migraines, tension headaches, sinus issues, or neurological conditions, and collaborate with your other healthcare providers as needed. Often, diagnosing TMJ-related headaches is a process of careful exclusion, combining our clinical expertise with your specific symptoms and health history.

Absolutely! At Koala Center, we understand that headaches are often linked to issues such as posture, bite alignment, and teeth grinding—all of which are closely related to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and sleep problems.

Posture plays a crucial role in the health of your jaw, neck, and head. Poor posture, especially while sitting at a desk or using electronic devices, can strain the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back. This muscle tension can radiate upward, leading to frequent tension headaches. Our team can assess your posture and provide guidance on healthy habits, ergonomic adjustments, and exercises to help relieve this muscle stress.

Your bite—how your upper and lower teeth fit together—also has a significant impact on jaw health. A misaligned bite (malocclusion) can put extra strain on the jaw muscles and joints, which may lead to pain radiating to your temples and forehead, often resulting in headaches. At Koala Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we specialize in evaluating and treating TMJ disorders. If you experience jaw pain, clicking, difficulty chewing, or other bite-related issues in addition to headaches, our experienced team can help identify the root cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Teeth grinding (bruxism) is another common factor that can contribute to headaches and facial pain. Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without realizing it, putting excess pressure on the jaw muscles and joints. This can cause morning headaches, sore jaw muscles, worn-down teeth, and even disrupt your sleep.

When you develop new symptoms involving your mouth, jaw, teeth, or facial area, it can be difficult to know whether to contact a dentist, physician, or another specialist. We understand how confusing this decision can be—especially when your symptoms overlap or are hard to pinpoint.

When to See a Dentist: If your main concern is tooth pain, bleeding gums, mouth sores, or issues with dental appliances, starting with a dentist is typically best. Dentists are highly trained to diagnose and treat problems affecting your teeth and gums.

When to See a Medical Doctor: If your symptoms include facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or pain that seems to be part of a broader medical condition, it’s important to begin with your primary care physician. Physicians can address systemic health issues and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

When to Seek Help from a TMJ & Sleep Specialist: If you are experiencing jaw pain, headaches, neck pain, clicking or locking of the jaw, or difficulty chewing or opening your mouth, these may be signs of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Unlike a general dentist or primary care doctor, our providers have advanced training in the complexities of TMJ dysfunction and dental sleep medicine. We utilize comprehensive evaluations and non-surgical treatments to address the root cause of your symptoms—whether they stem from jaw misalignment, muscle tension, or airway obstruction during sleep.

If You’re Unsure Where to Start: If your symptoms involve the jaw, face, or sleep disturbances, or if you’re not sure where the pain is coming from, Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders is here to help. Our team can assess your condition and coordinate care with other healthcare providers if needed.

Seek Immediate Care for Emergencies: If your symptoms are severe or sudden—such as significant facial swelling, high fever, difficulty breathing, or signs of infection—seek emergency medical attention right away.

At Koala Center, our primary goal is to help patients find relief from sleep disorders and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues using conservative and non-invasive treatments whenever possible. Surgery is only considered when other treatment options—such as oral appliance therapy, lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or medication—have not effectively alleviated symptoms or improved the condition.

Surgical intervention may be recommended if a patient’s TMJ disorder or sleep-related symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, and if they significantly disrupt daily activities or quality of life. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to prevent permanent joint damage, loss of function, or if the underlying condition poses a significant risk to overall health and safety.

Yes, you can request an appointment at Koala Center for your TMJ-related headaches. TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder) can lead to symptoms such as headaches, jaw pain, facial discomfort, and pain around the ears and temples. The team at Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, as well as sleep-related issues that may be contributing to your discomfort.

When you contact us, let the staff know that you are experiencing headaches you believe may be related to TMJ issues. Our experienced providers will work with you to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.

If you are a new patient, the staff can guide you through the appointment process and answer any questions you may have about our services. If you experience persistent or worsening headaches, timely evaluation is important to ensure you receive appropriate care and to rule out other potential causes.

To schedule your consultation, please call your nearest Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders location or request an appointment online. Our team is dedicated to helping you find relief from TMJ-related headaches and other symptoms. For more information, call us. We serve patients from Kansas City MO, Downtown Kansas City MO, Riverside MO, Northmoor MO and surrounding areas.