TMJ Treatment – Falls Church, VA
Don’t Force Yourself to Live with Jaw Pain
It’s estimated that around 10 million Americans have a TMJ disorder – a condition that occurs when there’s a problem with the joints responsible for the movement of your lower jaw. TMJ disorders are closely associated with chronic jaw pain; it’s best to have the problem treated quickly before it causes your quality of life to take a turn for the worse. Get in touch with DentaCrafters PLLC today to see what options are available for TMJ treatment in Falls Church.
Why Choose DentaCrafters PLLC for TMJ Treatment?
- Carefully Personalized Occlusal Splints
- TENS Machine Treatment for Pain Relief
- Orthotic Treatment for Jaw Alignment Issues
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
You might have a TMJ disorder if you have noticed any of the following symptoms lately:
- Pain around your jaw joint.
- Facial pain or neck pain.
- Having trouble moving your jaw.
- Ringing in your ears.
- A change in your bite.
Sometimes TMJ disorder is also accompanied by a clicking or popping sound. However, if you notice such sounds but are not experiencing any pain or limited jaw movement, treatment likely isn’t necessary in your case.
Our Options for TMJ Treatment
Once you have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder, how can you have it treated? The answer can vary since there are multiple issues that can lead to problems with the jaw joints. Below are some examples of how our team can help you find relief from your TMJ pain.
Equilibration / Occlusal Adjustments
Your bite may not fit together correctly due to certain teeth. Correcting these alignment issues could help relieve some of the strain contributing to your TMJ disorder. As such, we may suggest an occlusal adjustment, which typically involves removing a small amount of enamel from certain teeth so that the upper and lower arches fit together properly.
Occlusal Splints
An occlusal splint is a simple oral appliance that can be worn over the teeth. It can be used to address TMJ disorder in a couple of different ways. First, it can help stabilize your bite and take some of the stress off your jaw. Second, it can protect the teeth from clenching and grinding, which are often connected to TMJ issues.
TENS Machine Treatment
A TENS machine uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate your nerves, which can block pain signals from being sent to your brain. When used to treat TMJ disorder, a TENS machine can help the muscles in your jaw relax to alleviate your pain. A single TENS treatment often lasts around 30 minutes.
Orthotic Treatment
The position of your jaw may be to blame for your TMJ disorder. As such, we may suggest an orthotic treatment, which involves a special orthopedic appliance that helps move the jaw to where it’s supposed to be. The appliance will be worn for 24 hours a day, and it will be adjusted as your bite changes to ensure that your treatment stays on track.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ Disorder Be Cured Permanently?
You might find that even without treatment, your TMD symptoms disappear on their own. However, if the root cause of the disorder is not addressed, they are likely to continually recur.
In our practice, we try to identify and address the underlying cause of TMD, whether it is an off-kilter bite, teeth grinding, or other issues. By addressing the main cause of TMD, we may be able to help you find long-term relief.
Is TMJ Treatment Safe?
The TMJ treatments we offer are non-invasive or minimally invasive, meaning that they carry very little risk. In fact, they are almost risk-free. We exercise great caution to account for any factors that might affect how you respond to our therapies.
In rare cases, we must refer patients to a specialist so they can have surgery to correct their disorder. Surgery comes with more risks than non-invasive treatments. However, the potential benefits still far outweigh any downsides. A qualified surgeon can help you understand all the pros and cons of your procedure.
How Long Does It Take for a TMJ Splint to Work?
Once you start wearing your occlusal splint at night, you might notice that your symptoms start to dissipate very quickly. Many patients find relief within just days or weeks of starting their therapy! However, it still may take some time for you to experience optimum results. In fact, it might be 3 – 6 months before the issue is completely resolved.
Be patient, and remember that everyone responds differently to treatment. If you have not noticed a significant improvement after a significant time has elapsed, call our team to ask for assistance.
How Long Does TENS Treatment Take for TMJ Relief?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, therapy uses low-voltage currents to encourage your facial muscles to relax. This reduces strain on your jaw joints and stimulates the release of feel-good endorphins that help to control pain. The machine can also prevent pain signals from reaching the brain, meaning that you might experience immediate relief.
A TENS session usually lasts 30 minutes or longer, and for some patients, intermittent use can provide long-term relief from TMD symptoms. However, you may need to use TENS in conjunction with other treatments for optimum results.
Does Occlusal Adjustment for TMJ Hurt?
Occlusal adjustments involve altering the surfaces of teeth so your upper and lower arches work better together. Typically, these adjustments are very minor. Sometimes, we do not even need to modify the teeth; rather, we can modify restorations like crowns and fillings.
Whether we are removing material from your mouth or adding it, we want you to be comfortable. We strive to be both gentle and careful. When necessary, we can administer local anesthesia so you feel very little during the procedure. Afterward, you might notice that your mouth is sore, but any discomfort should be mild and temporary.