How Do You Treat TMJ Dysfunction?
Do you have persistent jaw pain, a clicking sound when you chew or open and close your mouth, or recurring headaches? These are common symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) disorders, which affects the joints and muscles responsible for jaw movement. TMJ dysfunction can be managed through treatments designed to relieve pain, improve jaw movement, and prevent symptoms from worsening. The right treatment approach depends on the underlying cause of your condition and the severity of your symptoms.
To schedule an in-person appointment call us at 703-323-8200 or you can schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Marzban to discuss your concerns related to TMJ dysfunction.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
The temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull, which allows your mouth to open, close, and move side to side. When these joints or the surrounding muscles become irritated or strained, this is what can cause TMJ dysfunction, also called TMD.
Common TMJ Dysfunction Symptoms
Causes of TMJ can be due to a jaw injury, arthritis, stress, or wear and tear over time. Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction can include:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening your mouth
Jaw stiffness or locking
Headaches or facial pain
Earaches or a feeling of pressure in the ears that isn’t caused by an infection
Neck and shoulder tension
How Is TMJ Diagnosed?
TMJ through a physical examination and with our advanced technology to determine your most comfortable jaw resting position to help relieve tension. Our diagnosis process involves:
TENS therapy to relax muscles before measuring
Using a digital jaw scan to see how your jaw moves and find areas that may be causing discomfort
K-7 instrumentation and T-Scan digital bite analysis that analyzes your bite and shows areas where your teeth may be placing uneven pressure
CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography)
This data-driven approach helps create a personalized treatment plan designed to relieve discomfort, protect your teeth, and support healthy airway function.
How Is TMJ Dysfunction Treated?
Non-invasive treatment options for TMJ dysfunction will help relieve pain, improve jaw function, and reduce stress on the temporomandibular joint. Many people find relief through a combination of lifestyle changes, dental treatment, and therapies to treat the underlying cause of their symptoms. Dr. Marzban personalizes each client’s treatment plan to address their specific needs and concerns. TMJ treatment options include:
Custom orthotic/mouthguard to relax and retrain jaw muscles
TENS therapy for immediate relief and muscle conditioning
Myofunctional therapy to correct tongue and facial muscle habits
Bite refinement with Orthodontic treatment or selective enamel adjustments
Reconstructive dentistry (e.g., precise crowns or veneers) when teeth are worn or fractured
Can TMJ Go Away On Its Own?
Mild TMJ symptoms may improve with lifestyle adjustments and reducing behaviors that strain the jaw. However, ongoing pain, locked jaw, or difficulty eating should be evaluated by a dentist. Treating TMJ early can help prevent the condition from worsening and causing constant discomfort.
Burke, Fairfax & Northern Virginia Dentist For TMJ
If you are experiencing jaw pain, headaches, facial tension, clicking or popping sounds, or difficulty opening your mouth, Dr. Marzban offers advanced TMJ treatment options that focus on identifying the underlying causes of TMJ dysfunction so you can get relief from the pain. Dr. Marzban’s advanced training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies allows her to provide specialized care for patients experiencing TMJ pain. Serving patients throughout Burke, Fairfax, and Northern Virginia you’ll receive comprehensive and customized treatment plans that will improve jaw function, reduce discomfort, and help restore a more balanced bite.
FAQs
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TMJ treatment varies based on the underlying cause of your symptoms and the treatment options based on your needs.
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A custom oral appliance helps reduce pressure on the jaw joints, teeth grinding, clenching, and improve jaw alignment.
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You should schedule an evaluation if you experience ongoing jaw pain, frequent headaches, jaw clicking or popping with pain, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, or problems chewing.
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When you're under stress, you may clench your jaw or grind your teeth, increasing strain on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles and contributing to TMJ dysfunction.
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If your headaches are related to TMJ dysfunction, treatment can help reduce their frequency and severity by relieving tension in the jaw muscles and improving how the jaw functions.
