TMJ Disorders | TMJ Dentists | Arlington VA | Gainesville VA

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition that includes several problems related to the jaw joint. The symptoms happen when the joints of the jaw and chewing muscles do not work together correctly. For any symptoms a patient may describe as a “clicking” sound or Fortunately, these symptoms are easier to treat now than they were in the past. Untreated TMJ disorder can lead to more serious conditions. This is why early detection and treatment are important.

Trouble With Your Jaw?

TMJ disorder may occur for several reasons such as grinding teeth, tightening your jaw muscles (clenching), or stressing your temporomandibular joint. You can also have problems with your jaw due to an injury or disease. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the cushion of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth or trouble opening your mouth wide.

Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?

• Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
• Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
• Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
• Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
• Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
• Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
• Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
• Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
• Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
• Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
• Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
• Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
• Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?

The more times you answered “yes”, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.

Treatment

Nova Surgical Arts can provide treatment for TMJ Disorder. If you experience any of the above symptoms, schedule an evaluation to confirm a diagnosis of TMJ Disorder. Our surgeons will determine a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

There are multiple treatment modalities including medication such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants.

Self-care treatments are advocated as well:

• Resting the jaw
• Keeping teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
• Eating soft foods
• Applying ice and heat
• Exercising the jaw
• Practicing good posture

Night guards or TMJ splint treatments may be recommended as well. This can help prevent grinding and clenching when you sleep. A TMJ splint can help your jaw move forward and aid in disk repositioning.

What About Bite Correction or Surgery?

If TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together, treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work may be recommended. Certain surgical options such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring are sometimes required, but are usually only considered for severe cases. Drs. Arzadon, Liang, Blais, and Jacks consider TMJ surgery if the jaw cannot open, is dislocated, or has suffered degeneration.

To setup an appointment at Northern Virginia Surgical Arts, call one of our three locations in Arlington, Gainesville, or Manassas, VA today!