Face
Dentistry
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.
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.
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?
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.
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In our latest Two Thirty video, Maggie answers a question many people don’t think to ask — can snoring impact your teeth and gums?
The short answer is yes, it can.
Snoring is often linked to breathing through your mouth at night, which can cause a dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth, so when your mouth is dry, you may be more prone to tooth decay and bad breath.
If you snore and have noticed dryness, increased decay or concerns about your breath, it’s worth mentioning at your next appointment.
Our reception team at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead will be happy to arrange a consultation if you’d like advice.
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Brushing straight after eating — especially after acidic foods or drinks like fruit, juice or coffee — can actually do more harm than good. Your enamel is slightly softened, and brushing immediately can cause wear.
Maggie explains the best time to brush and why waiting can help protect your teeth long term.
It’s a small change that can make a big difference to your oral health.
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In the latest video from our Two Thirty series, Lisa explains exactly how braces move teeth — and why treatment takes time.
If you’ve ever wondered how gentle pressure can gradually straighten your smile, or what’s happening behind the scenes during orthodontic treatment, this short video breaks it down in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, understanding the process can make the journey feel much more reassuring.
Watch the full video now and, if you have questions about braces, our reception team will be happy to help you book a consultation at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead.
Have you got an old filling on a front tooth that’s starting to discolour?
Andrea recently visited us to have a stained filling replaced by Richard — and she’s absolutely thrilled with the result.
In her video, she talks about how the old filling had become noticeable over time and how much fresher and more natural her smile looks now.
Sometimes it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference to your confidence.
If you’re unhappy with an old filling, contact our reception team to book a consultation and explore your options.
Thinking about improving your smile but not sure what SmileFast actually involves?
Richard Ford has recorded a short video explaining how the SmileFast process works and the benefits of treatment.
From digital smile design through to the final result, SmileFast offers a minimally invasive way to enhance chipped, worn or uneven teeth — with predictable, natural-looking outcomes.
If you’ve been curious about composite bonding or want to understand your options, this is a great place to start.
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel and contact our reception team if you’d like to book a consultation.
Life gets busy — we get it.
If your healthy mouth review has slipped down the to-do list, this is your gentle reminder 💚
We’re here to help you stay healthy, comfortable and smiling with confidence.
📍 Portishead | 📅 Book your appointment today.
🕝 The Two Thirty series
Are sleep apnoea mouthguards effective? 😴
Yes — for many people with mild to moderate sleep apnoea, they can work really well.
In this video, Maggie explains how mouthguards help, and why more severe cases may need further assessment through a medical sleep service.
Clear answers to important questions — watch now 👆
#TheTwoThirty #DentalAdvice #SleepApnoea #BetterSleep #DentalFAQs
