Dentist in Burke, VA: What Are My Options for TMJ Treatment?

Living with constant pain is discouraging, but we are here to help. This guide is going to give you all the information you need about TMJ and your treatment options.

What Is TMJ

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It's the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull on each side of your face. These joints are located just in front of your ear and play a vital role in the movement of your jaw. 

TMJ can refer to both the joint itself and the disorder that affects it. The disorder is a condition characterized by pain, discomfort, and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. The surrounding muscles can also be affected at times as well. 

There are a number of different factors that can cause TMJ disorder. Stress, teeth grinding, clenching your jaw, arthritis, misalignment of the teeth, genetics, or an injury to the jaw can be the reasons you are in pain. It's a complex condition and requires the evaluation of a healthcare professional.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary from person to person. The pain you experience could change as well. You can have one or more of these symptoms at any time. 

The majority of people experience jaw pain or soreness. You may even hear a clicking or popping noise when you open and close your mouth, which could be very painful.

You may have difficulty chewing or speaking without pain as well. Headaches are not uncommon when someone has TMJ too.

A common symptom of TMJ is the jaw locking in an open or closed position. Another symptom that may not be as common is ringing in the ears.

Options To Consider

You have several options for managing and treating your condition. The appropriate choice of treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying causes. Before you do anything, you should seek advice from a dentist in Burke, VA. 

One option is self-care and lifestyle modifications. Making dietary adjustments can be difficult, but avoiding hard-to-eat or crunchy foods can reduce jaw strain.

You can exasperate your TMJ symptoms with stress. Doing your best to relax not only your jaw but your entire body can be very helpful. Learning different stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can significantly improve your pain.

Non-prescription pain relievers can also provide temporary relief. However, this will not treat the cause, and therefore, you should not rely on this treatment solely. 

Your dentist may prescribe you a muscle relaxant or anti-anxiety medication, which could help manage muscle tension. 

For those with extreme pain, physical therapy can help. There are specific exercises that strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles. Massages and manipulation by professionals can help improve the job function as well. 

While it may not be ideal, wearing a night guard can help prevent teeth, grinding and clenching, which can make TMJ symptoms worse.

If your jaw is misaligned, you'll likely have some pain. Braces are other orthodontic treatments that could help or even reduce the pain completely. 

Some medical professionals recommend Botox injections. This is another treatment that helps relax the jaw muscles. However, this should only be done if recommended to you by a professional. 

Dental Implants

Dental restoration can be beneficial. If you have damaged or missing teeth that are contributing to TMJ problems, crowns, bridges or dental implants can help fix the problem. These procedures restore the proper function of the teeth and help balance the bite, ultimately reducing your symptoms. 

It's rare, but in some instances, a dentist may recommend the extraction of a problematic tooth. Removing a tooth that is causing misalignment or excessive pressure on the joint can alleviate discomfort. 

Benefits of Working With a TMJ Dentist 

The benefits of working with a professional in general dentistry for TMJ pain are endless. You can be accurately diagnosed in a tailored treatment to your specific needs.

Having a personal pain management plan is vital, as what works for someone else may not work for you. A TMJ dentist will also be able to educate you on the disorder, its causes, and how to manage and prevent symptoms.

Simply looking up information online is not reliable. Consulting a professional will give you the confidence you need to heal your body and improve your quality of life.

A TMJ dentist is also going to provide ongoing care. You'll likely have follow-up appointments so they can track your progress and make adjustments to your plan as needed.

This will ensure your treatment remains tailored to your evolving needs.

TMJ dentists in Burke, VA, can collaborate with other healthcare professionals. They may consult oral surgeons, physical therapists, and other pain management specialists to ensure comprehensive and effective treatment. You will not get this type of care or pain relief on your own. 

Finding a Dentist in Burke, VA

When you're looking for a dentist to treat your TMJ pain, you'll need to find someone that you feel comfortable talking to and working with. Having a consultation appointment and reading online reviews are two easy steps you can take to ensure you get the right dentist in Burke, Virginia.

Beyond TMJ Pain

Living with TMJ pain can be miserable. However, you don't have to let it affect your quality of life.

Finding a dentist in Burke, VA, is key to finding relief. The right dentist will help you find a treatment plan that works best for you.

The longer you wait to talk with an expert, the longer your pain is going to continue. We understand how painful TMJ can be and we want to help.

We have a staff full of professionals here at Dental Care Burke. Fill out this form for your next appointment and you'll be living pain-free in no time.