Headaches can be classified into different categories based on their cause, symptoms and frequency: tension, migraine, sinus, cluster, etc. Some headaches may be dental in origin and can be treated by your dentist. If you have recently begun to develop headaches then you should see your doctor about the problem.
Tension headaches are a common form of headache that some estimate comprise about 90% of all headaches. Infrequent and mild episodes of tension headache can be treated successfully with over the counter medication. However, chronic tension headaches that persist over a long period require further intervention. Another chronic form of headache is migraine which share its origin with chronic tension headaches in teeth clenching. This clenching may go unnoticed because it occurs during sleep.
The NTI-tss (Nocioceptive Trigeminal Inhibitor - tension suppression system) is a small acrylic device that can be fitted to the front teeth as a means of diminishing migraine and chronic tension headaches. The NTI-tss is normally fitted by the dentist in a single visit lasting about one hour. Normally the device is worn overnight for about eight hours and can be left out during the day.
The NTI-tss may also be prescribed for patients who are diagnosed with Bruxism. This is a parafunctional nocturnal activity where patients grind their teeth, often unknown to themselves. There may be no symptoms with the condition but a dentist can see signs of the condition in the mouth eg worn and chipped teeth, abfractions and fractured teeth. Often patients deny that they clench their teeth at night even when shown the evidence of their damaged teeth with an intra-oral camera. We can prescibe a night-time device worn on the outer cheek that will record the severity of bruxism overnight. Left untreated bruxism can cause significant damage to teeth. The NTI-tss may be prescribed for bruxism or alternatively a full coverage hard splint that covers all the teeth may be designed to protect the patient's teeth at night-time.
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