footer icon1 footer icon2
Dentistry
footer icon11 footer icon22
Face
bloger thumb

Can Dentistry Give You A Headache?

The simple answer is “Yes – dentistry can give you a headache” – and I am not just speaking about the unexpected emergency fee! Let me explain here how patients often do not associate symptoms with dentistry.

What is TMJ Disorder?

I recently had a new patient visit me as they had just moved to the area and during our New Patient Consultation I always check what we call in the business, ‘the function of the TMJ joint’. In other words we are looking to see that you can use your jaw muscles and joints efficiently and without pain as this can have such an impact on the quality of your life. The gentleman in question had recently had a crown placed at his previous dental practice and it certainly was a beautiful looking crown. My consultation however, revealed that my patient had started to suffer from headaches. He told me that there was tenderness in the side of the face and this radiated into headaches, which was particularly painful on waking in the morning. Further investigation revealed what I suspected – that the new crown was not in harmony with the jaw joint interfering with the function of his jaw. The new crown was also quite tender, however, he had put this down to it settling in after treatment.

TMJD – The Negative Effects on Your Everyday Life Explained

This had gone on for several months and had started to impact on his sleep meaning that my patient found it tricky to focus at work and his partner was accusing him of being a Grumpy Old Man! Unfortunately I have seen many cases where this has gone unrecognised and untreated as TMJD is generally an optional postgraduate study. To compound the problem many other healthcare professionals are not aware of the dental solution for TMJ treatment. In untreated cases this can result in the development of an anxiety disorder or depression, as the feelings of frustration and defeat increase as the pain remains. I am grateful to work at Evolve Dentistry, where this disorder is recognised and I have the opportunity to literally change patients’ lives. How do I do this?

TMJD – Your Options at Evolve Dentistry

Once I have the diagnosis then sometimes it is a simple case of adjusting the bite of the patient and this I would do in the course of the consultation. In this case, my patient and I decided that a de-programming appliance would be the best treatment option. His appliance once adjusted after it was made in the laboratory ensuring a bespoke fit for this patient. The great news is that I can report that the patient found relief from his headaches within a fortnight of wearing the appliance at night and most importantly to him, his partner was delighted to see him like his old self again. The key message here is that patients do not always associate their facial pain and headaches with dental care, so it is important to attend for regular examinations not just for your oral health but also for your total well-being.

If you suspect you maybe suffering from a TMJ disorder or you have a family, friend or colleague who has these symptoms then contact one of Evolve’s friendly and efficient Welcome Team to find out more information or to book your consultation by calling 01275 842550 today.

Dr Jonathan Sproson

Dr Jonathan Sproson is a General and Cosmetic Dentist at Evolve Dentistry and was a previous finalist for Dentist of the Year in National Dental Awards.

He started to study TMJ disorders when he started seeing more complex cosmetic cases. This was to ensure the longevity of the work he does for his patients.

From here TMJD became a particular special interest and now enjoys the huge professional reward that comes from relieving patients’ of the cycle of despair they find themselves in when they suffer pain from TMJD.

Jonathan is a member of the British Society of Occlusal Studies as well as a Full Member of The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He regularly lectures to other professionals on TMJD and is passionate about collaborating with other medics and body therapists to help patients with TMJD.

back to blog

Get in touch

Tooth Whitening & Hygiene Appointment

At Home Whitening With Hygiene

£29.95

Learn more

Dental Health Plan

Options for all treatments

New Patients Welcome

We are accepting new patients, book an introduction call today

Book An Introduction Call
We are on Instagram
📣 An important update from Dr Carol Somerville Roberts

In this video, Carol shares some personal news about reducing her clinical days from early 2026, following advice from her consultant. While this means she’ll be seeing fewer patients day-to-day, Carol will still be very much involved in Evolve Dentistry, continuing to provide treatments such as amalgam removal and cosmetic dentistry, and ensuring we deliver the highest standards of care.

We’re also thrilled to share that Carol will be taking on the role of President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry this November 👏 — a fantastic recognition of her expertise and dedication to dentistry.

For many patients, your care will now be with Dr Richard Ford, Carol’s long-standing colleague and friend. Richard shares the same commitment to excellence and patient care that Evolve is known for, and we know you’ll be in excellent hands.

Thank you, as always, for your trust and support. 💙

#EvolveDentistry #PatientCare #DentalTeam #CosmeticDentistry
We’re so pleased to introduce Maisie, the newest member of the Evolve Dentistry team! 🦷💙

Maisie has joined us as a trainee dental nurse, and in this video she tells you a little about herself. We’re thrilled to have her on board and know our patients will give her a warm welcome too. ✨

#EvolveDentistry #DentalCare #MeetTheTeam #WelcomeMaisie
📸 Your smile deserves the best care!

Say goodbye to over-the-counter whitening kits and hello to professional teeth whitening in Portishead at Evolve Dentistry. Safe, effective, and designed just for you.
✨ Discover how we can help brighten your smile – read our new blog today!

Link in Bio

#SmileBright #TeethWhitening #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
🦷 143 years of smiles 🦷

Between them, the dentists at Evolve Dentistry have an incredible 143 years of combined experience. That’s generations of expertise, knowledge and care — all dedicated to keeping Portishead smiling with confidence.

When you choose Evolve, you’re choosing:
✨ Decades of trusted clinical experience
✨ A team who puts your comfort first
✨ The very best in patient care

Your smile is in#confidentsmiles 

📍 Book your appointment today with our experienced team.

#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #Dentist #ConfidentSmiles #Northsomerset #freeconsultation #multiawardwinning #compositebonding #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #orthodontist #newpatients #smilemakeovers #naturalteeth #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #whitening #portisheadmarina #dentist #dentures #adultbraces #braces #EvolveDentistry #DentalCare #ExperienceMatters #Portishead #PortisheadCommunity #CompositeBonding #ConfidentSmile #MeetTheTeam #PatientCare #Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #newpatients #acceptingnewpatients #naturalteeth #portishead #nailsea #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #adultbraces #braces
Portishead is bursting with creativity, and we’re so excited for the Portishead Arts Festival this September! 🌟🎨

The Arts Trail is one of our favourite parts — a chance to explore, discover, and celebrate the amazing talent in our community.

We’ll be following the trail… will you? 🖌️👀

👉 Find out more: @portisheadartsfestival or visit portisheadartsfestival.org

#PortisheadArtsFestival #Portishead #CommunitySpirit #EvolveDentistry #ArtsTrail
footer icon1 footer icon2
Dentistry
footer icon11 footer icon22
Face
google rating