Recovering from a Concussion Takes a Team — Including Your Dentist
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, can leave lasting effects on your nervous system, posture, bite, and airway. At his Salem practice, Dr. Mark Montgomery offers integrative dental therapies to support patients recovering from head trauma and the complex pain and dysfunction that often follows.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN CONCUSSION AND THE JAW
Concussions aren’t just “brain injuries” — they also affect the craniofacial and musculoskeletal system.
Many patients experience:
New or worsened TMJ pain or jaw tightness
Facial or neck tension that doesn’t resolve
New bite imbalances or sensitivity
Clenching, grinding, or disrupted sleep
Dizziness or unsteadiness
Difficulty concentrating or headaches
Light and sound sensitivity
Sleep disturbances and fatigue
These symptoms may persist long after the initial injury and are often dismissed or misattributed.
OUR APPROACH TO POST-TBI EVALUATION
We specialize in the dental and cranial impact of head and neck injuries.
Your evaluation may include:
T-Scan® occlusal analysis to assess new bite instability
TMJ imaging and joint tracking
Muscle palpation for myofascial dysfunction
Airway screening for postural collapse during sleep
Assessment of autonomic tone and sympathetic dominance
Coordination with your concussion care team (PT, neuro-optometry, neurology, etc.)
Our goal is to rebalance the system and remove sources of ongoing strain or dysfunction.
TREATMENTS WE MAY RECOMMEND
Based on your unique findings, your care plan may include:
TruDenta® neuromuscular therapy for facial, neck, and bite muscle reprogramming
Soft tissue release therapy
Red light / photobiomodulation therapy to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing
Custom bite orthotics to stabilize and rebalance occlusion
NightLase® or oral appliance therapy for postural and airway stabilization during sleep
Collaboration with neurologists, functional medicine, or trauma-focused physical therapists
Sleep support and nervous system calming strategies
This is not about “fixing the brain” — it’s about restoring balance and reducing inputs that perpetuate symptoms.
COMMON QUESTIONS
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Head trauma can alter muscle tone, joint position, and neurological regulation of bite force. Your nervous system may be protecting against pain — at the cost of balance.
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We focus on the overlooked dental, airway, and musculoskeletal contributors that often persist after the brain heals.
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Yes. Chronic post-concussion symptoms can respond well to the right blend of support, even months or years later.
Post-Concussion Care That Goes Beyond the Brain
If you’re still feeling the effects of a past head injury, your jaw, airway, and bite might be part of the story. We can help.