Burke, Fairfax and Fairfax Station VA
Chronic headaches or pain in the face, ears, neck or shoulders are often treated with medication, but the actual cause is never pinpointed. It could be because most people turn to medical doctors or chiropractors when these issues arise. But what if we told you that a dentist could be the hero here?
It’s very possible, according to our family dentist in Burke who treats temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. While TMJ, which is also sometimes called TMD, is an oral health issue, oftentimes its symptoms are felt in other parts of the face, head and neck.
Today we’re looking at why.
What is TMJ disorder?
The temporomandibular joints are the two joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. Like hinges, the joints slide and rotate in front of each ear. When these joints don’t behave properly, it can cause facial pain, chronic headaches, worn teeth, a clicking or popping in the jaw and ringing or pain deep in the ears. Bruxism — or teeth grinding/clenching — is also frequently associated with TMJ, and this can cause chronic tension headaches, neck/shoulder pain and a sore face and jaws.
How does the pain migrate?
If the problem is in the jaw, how can it cause chronic migraines or pain in the face, head and neck? The culprit is the trigeminal nerve. Pain in any part of the face, jaw or head can travel — via the cranial trigeminal nerve — to any other place in the general area because the nerve branches out to various cranial places, including the forehead, cheek and lower jaw. Pain travels along the nerve, so any pain felt in the jaw can travel to other parts of the head.
How is it treated?
While it’s true that some of the more serious cases of TMJ disorder may require surgery, the vast majority of mild to moderate cases can be corrected with simple oral appliance therapy. Our TMJ dentist near Fairfax Station will design a custom-made, comfortable night guard for patients to wear when they sleep. These guards fit the specific patient’s mouth and teeth. Oral appliance therapy is immediately effective and has a high success rate, with many patients reporting relief from their pain almost immediately.
TMJ disorder treatment in Burke, Fairfax and Fairfax Station VA
Over-the-counter pain medications can take the edge off your pain, but they will not treat the problem. Dr. Marzban can help you address the problem, and you should feel near-immediate relief from the symptoms of TMJ disorder. Give us a call at (703) 323-8200 or reach us online to schedule a consultation today.
