How to Find a Local Dentist In Burke VA to Help With TMD

Dental Care Burke • December 7, 2022

Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD, is common in the United States and affects more than ten million people.

If you're living with pain in your jaw, there are treatment options that can help you. Working with a professional is going to be the best way to reduce your discomfort and hopefully find a permanent solution.

We know that finding a reputable dentist is key and it can sometimes be challenging to find the right one. In this guide, we are going to tell you how to find the best local dentist in Burke, VA.

Ask For Recommendations

The first step to finding the best dentist in Burke is to ask your friends and family for recommendations. If you know someone who has TMD, it can be beneficial to ask about their experience, what dentist they went to, and if the treatment worked.

If you're new to the area, you can ask other people in your community. If you have children in school, you can ask their teachers or other parents for recommendations or even a neighbor.

Look At Reviews

Online reviews can be a beneficial tool, but you mustn't rely on them fully. The dentist's website will likely have some testimonials, but they may be biased.

Third-party sites can be more reliable at times. If you see one or two bad reviews, don't dismiss the company completely. If there are multiple poor reviews, it's probably best to move one.

Look At The Location and Hours

After you've gotten some recommendations and read about other people's experiences, you need to consider where the office is located. Where do you live about the dentist? You don't want to have to drive hours out of your way every time you need treatment.

Be sure to look at their hours of operation too. If they are only open during the time that you work, you will have to take off work for your appointments. That may not be an issue for you, but it is something you'll need to consider.

Have A Consultation

Next, you'll want to schedule a consultation with a local dentist in Burke, VA. This is where you can ask any questions you may have about TMJ treatment.

The consultation will also give you the chance to meet the dentist. It's crucial that you feel comfortable talking and asking your dentist questions.

If you feel pressured to schedule another appointment or work with them, it's best to move on to someone else. When you're going to your consultation, be sure you have your dental history with you.

They will likely ask you questions about past treatments and any medication you're taking. If you have any medical concerns be sure to let your dentist know. This includes anxiety about coming to the office.

During your consultation, be sure to ask about the dentist's experience. Knowing how long they have been practicing can be helpful. Since you are going in for TMJ treatment, they must be knowledgeable in that area.

Consider Communication

Doctor-patient communication is key. There are times when the office may be busy and you have to leave a voicemail, but the office should get back to you within 24 and 48 hours. If you have to wait any longer than that for a response, you may want to choose a different dentist.

During your consultation, notice how the dentist is talking to you. Is he or she able to answer all your questions? Notice if they are trying to rush through or if they are taking the time to make you feel comfortable.

Ask About Your Insurance

You should always ask if the company takes your insurance. TMD treatment can be expensive and it is best if you don't have to pay out of pocket.

If you don't have insurance and need help affording treatment, there are options. Be sure to check out local health departments.

Check Their Services Offered

You must check the services offered before working with them. While you may need TMJ treatment now, you may need other services in the future and it can be frustrating to have to switch dentists.

Questions To Ask

How does the staff handle after-hour emergencies
Are there financing options for treatments
Will the dentist give preventive health advice
How much with the treatment cost

TMJ Treatment

There are several different treatments that a reputable dentist will recommend. It all depends on how severe your pain is.

Warm and cold compresses are a great way to reduce pain and swelling if you have any. Surgery is another option that can help remove all of your pain.

You may not need surgery and might only need to wear a mouth guard to sleep in. This can help if you grind your teeth at night, which can be hard on the jaw bones.

Don't be surprised if your dentist recommends Botox injections. This is a common treatment and has proven to be beneficial.

Finding A Local Dentist in Burke, VA

Finding a local dentist in Burke, VA can take time. You must do your research and find one that works best for you. You should always feel comfortable and you should receive the best care possible.

If you have any questions about TMD treatment or want to schedule an appointment, contact us here. We have a great team of professionals that can answer your questions. Don't wait any longer; you don't have to live with TMJ pain anymore.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Dr. Bernard Lynch

D.M.D

Dr. Bernard Lynch, DMD, FAGD, LVIF is focused around giving his patients the best possible dental care towards the end of long-term, overall good oral health, beautiful smiles, all while maintaining patient comfort. Dr. Lynch routinely keeps up-to-date with most cutting-edge dental technology and advances so as to cultivate a feeling of safety and comfort when his patients sit in the dental chair. He is broadly recognized for the continuous attention to his patients feelings, and of their mind-sets while they are under his care.

Joshua Kibrom

Treatment Plan Coordinator

Joshua Kibrom grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota where he attended the University of Minnesota for Marketing and Business Management. Upon moving to Northern Virginia, he began providing services at Dental Care Burke as a Treatment Plan Coordinator. To fully understand the needs of the patients, he obtained certification as a dental assistant. His main objective is to help the patients achieve the necessary treatment and fully understand the financial aspects of the plan. Joshua will work with patients to ensure all of your questions are answered appropriately.

Michael Gebre

Registered Dental Assistant

Micheal Gebre graduated from Northern Virginia Community College with a major in biology. He later received his Dental Assistant II (DAII) degree from Germana Community College, under Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2016. Michael works as Registered DAII, which is the new version of Dental Physician Assistant. He had over 10 years experience as a Dental Assistant before becoming a Registered DAII.