TMJ And Facial Pain Therapy

Temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, are responsible for opening and closing the mouth. TMJ treatment can help patients find relief for jaw discomfort, soreness, and pain. The term refers to the jaw as well as nerves, muscles, and ligaments connected to it.


Solutions for TMJ treatment are available at Alexandria Old Town Dental in Alexandria and the surrounding area. Our team of dental professionals performs a careful evaluation to understand what may be contributing to the patient's TMJ pain. To schedule a personal evaluation and get started with treatment, call (703) 763-1078 to schedule an appointment and learn more.

Understanding

TMJ and Temporomandibular Disorders

Understanding TMJ and Temporomandibular Disorders

(TMD)

Damage to the individual components of TMJ can lead to several serious problems. These include: Intense headaches, ear pain, chronic TMJ pain, tense facial muscles, and inability to open or close the mouth.


These conditions are known as temporomandibular disorders or TMD. Many people call them TMJ, though. A TMJ dentist understands how to alleviate joint pain symptoms using a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and advanced treatment options. The source of the problem with TMD is the jawbone at the temporomandibular joint. The temporal bones are in the front sides of the face, underneath the ears. These bones connect to the jaw. This pair of joints acts as a hinge to allow the jawbone to open and close. In addition, several muscles support the joint that works to helps the mouth function.


There are many possible reasons why patients suffer from TMD. Patients with arthritis, bruxism, high stress levels, poor posture, or misalignment of the bite may have TMD. Certain habits, like constant gum chewing, also sometimes lead to the disorder. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, some estimates indicate that TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans. In addition, patients with TMD may have problems with arthritis at the joint, jaw muscle pain, or misalignment. A TMJ dentist has the right knowledge and understanding to treat this disorder and relieve pain and improve alignment.

When to See a TMJ Dentist

There are numerous signs that a patient might suffer from TMD and should see a TMJ dentist. Jaw pain, headaches, ear pain, sore jaw muscles, and clicking or popping in the jaw are symptoms of TMD. Seeing a skilled TMJ dentist helps patients determine the cause of these concerns. However, TMD symptoms are also common symptoms of other disorders, so it is important to get a medical professional's advice before determining if it may be TMD.

When to See a TMJ Dentist

There are numerous signs that a patient might suffer from TMD and should see a TMJ dentist. Jaw pain, headaches, ear pain, sore jaw muscles, and clicking or popping in the jaw are symptoms of TMD. Seeing a skilled TMJ dentist helps patients determine the cause of these concerns. However, TMD symptoms are also common symptoms of other disorders, so it is important to get a medical professional's advice before determining if it may be TMD.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea and TMJ

Night Guards

Tooth grinding can trigger jaw pain and restless slumber. A night guard can help if you struggle to stop grinding or clenching your teeth. Customized night guards adapt to your dental needs and mouth shape. Night guards prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming into contact with each other, thus ensuring that no unnecessary tooth damage can take place. As such, patients no longer have to worry about contributing to enamel erosion or gum recession in their sleep — the former of which leads to permanent damage. Night guards also reduce jaw tension, pain, and headaches. Jaw joints that are incorrectly aligned can lead to temporomandibular joint disorders. Night guards help the jaw relax and guide the joint into place. Conditions that are treated by night guards include:

Green logo: Stylized triangle above five vertical bars, resembling a building facade.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a common condition that causes the patient to unconsciously clench or grind their teeth. It often occurs during the night when the patient is asleep. Thus, it is not uncommon for patients to be unaware they have the condition at all. Night guards provide extra cushioning to prevent any chips in the teeth and protect the enamel of the teeth from the effects of jaw clenching.

Green logo: Stylized triangle above five vertical bars, resembling a building facade.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea can occur due to the misplacement of the tongue and jaw blocking the airway. Night guards can help realign the jaw, thus preventing certain sleep apnea symptoms and any potentially severe complications, providing patients with a safer, more restful night's sleep and improving their daytime alertness.

Green logo: Stylized triangle above five vertical bars, resembling a building facade.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Night guards can help the jaw muscles sit more naturally while sleeping, thus reducing any excess strain. This may help reduce any painful symptoms of TMJ disorder. There are several different types of night guards for TMJ, including stabilization or flat plane splints, modified Hawley splints, nociceptive trigeminal inhibition tension suppression systems (NTI-tss), and repositioning splints.

Treating Temporomandibular Joint Issues with Botox®

People seek Botox® injections to address medical issues, like TMD. Healthcare professionals may also use Botox® to treat medical issues like chronic migraines, eye twitching, lazy eye, and temporomandibular joint issues. 


Botox® is an injectable treatment made from the Botulinum toxin that the bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces. Botox® is a neurotoxin that targets the nervous system and disrupts the nerve signaling processes that cause muscle contraction. Without this muscle contraction, the muscles are less stiff. Medical professionals inject the drug into the face to paralyze or weaken the muscles and block nerves.

TMJ and Mouth Guard FAQs

  • How Can I Prevent TMJ?

    There is no way to prevent this disorder completely, but some habits help relieve jaw stress and fatigue. TMJ patients should pay special attention to their posture and practice better habits when working and sitting. Avoiding hard-to-chew foods, stretching regularly, and massaging the cheeks and jaws may help relieve jaw pain.

  • How Do I Relieve TMJ Symptoms At Home?

    Home remedies may not cure TMD, but some measures can help reduce the discomfort. For example, ice or heat may help with serious pain or swelling. Reducing stress and trying relaxation techniques may also help. For more at-home tips, see the TMJ dentist.

  • Do Weather Changes Make TMJ Worse?

    Some patients find that certain weather conditions make TMD pain worse. Winter weather, such as snow or ice, and the drier conditions in the air sometimes impact TMD pain levels. It is important to talk to the TMJ dentist for treatment options if the pain intensifies.

  • Will The TMJ Dentist Recommend Surgery?

    While there are some surgical options for TMD pain, most patients get relief without invasive treatment. In some cases, the dentist may talk to the patient about surgery. Surgical options aim to correct physiological issues causing joint dysfunction.

  • How Can I Tell If I Have Bruxism?

    It can be difficult to tell if you grind your teeth in your sleep, especially if you live alone. However, there are some telltale signs. These include waking up with headaches, dull tension headaches, chipped or loose teeth, increased tooth pain and sensitivity, and more. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, let your dentist know immediately.

  • How Do I Take Care Of My Night Guard?

    Night guards are an integral part of one's oral health regimen. They require the proper care and respect to last as long as possible. Neglecting night guards can cause bacteria to multiply, causing bad breath or infection. As such, proper care is necessary.


    Fortunately, cleaning one's night guard is quick and easy. Patients have many options — toothpaste, soap and water, mouthwash, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are all sufficient ways of cleaning a night guard. It is also important to soak the night guard whenever it is not in use during the day.

  • What Are The Different Types Of Night Guards?

    Many patients are intimidated by the prospect of wearing a night guard because they mistakenly believe it will look clunky and unnatural. However, today's night guards consist of translucent acrylic, making them virtually invisible.


    There are three basic types of night guards: soft night guards, dual laminate night guards, and hard night guards. Soft night guards are the most frequently used type of night guard for mild or occasional bruxism. It offers the most comfortable fit, and it is the easiest to get used to.


    Dual laminate night guards are designed for patients with moderate to severe bruxism. They offer the "best of both worlds" — soft on the inside and hard on the outside. As such, they can endure heavy clenching and grinding.


    Finally, hard night guards are suitable for even the most severe cases of teeth grinding and TMJ disorder. These night guards prevent the teeth from shifting. All these night guards are best ordered directly through a dentist for the most accurate fit.

Experience Dentistry That Feels Different

Are you having trouble opening and closing your mouth or experiencing headaches? If you think you may have a TMJ disorder, call us at (703) 763-1078  to schedule an evaluation right away.