Tmj/tmd care

TMJ/TMD Care

Effectively Treating Your Jaw Pain

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull, and it plays an important part in talking, chewing and even yawning. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) refer to problems with this joint and the areas surrounding it. At Ashburn Dentistry by Design, our expert dentists are here to provide you with TMJ/TMD care. TMJ/TMD can be uncomfortable and even painful if left untreated, but our dentists look forward to improving your jaw pain through TMJ/TMD care.

Symptoms Of TMJ/TMD

At Ashburn Dentistry by Design, we know that TMDs can negatively affect your life. Besides pain and discomfort, these disorders can also cause:

  • Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Headaches or earaches
  • Shoulder or neck pain
  • Facial swelling

Causes Of TMJ/TMD

TMJ/TMD can happen for a variety of reasons, and women are 1.5-2 times more likely to be diagnosed with a TMD. Additionally, 85% of people with these disorders also have other medical conditions. Some causes of these disorders include:

  • Jaw injury or trauma
  • Arthritis
  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Stress-related muscle tension
  • Poor bite or teeth alignment

Treatment Options For TMJ/TMD

Everyone is different, so we have several different treatment options available to help treat this disorder and to help you find relief from your symptoms. Some treatment options include:

We can create a custom nightguard for you to wear at night. This will prevent you from clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep, which can contribute to your disorder.

Sometimes TMJ/TMDs can be treated with medication. Muscle relaxers can help relax your jaw muscles, and anti-inflammatory medications can help with any swelling or pain.

Certain exercises can make a big difference. They help relax the jaw muscles and provide relief from TMJ symptoms.

Sometimes, these disorders can be caused by misalignment of your teeth or jaws. In those cases, we are happy to refer you to an orthodontist so you can discuss taking the first step in orthodontic treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ/TMD Care

Below, we have outlined some FAQs about these disorders. We want our patients to feel knowledgeable about their disorder—and feel confident in our care!

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself, while TMD stands for temporomandibular disorders.

Yes, connective tissue disorders and even autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to TMJ/TMD disorders.

Usually, an exam of the mouth and jaw, as well as checking your jaw’s range of motion, can grant you a diagnosis. Sometimes, taking an X-ray of your mouth and jaw can give your dentist a better look at what’s going on.

Yes! Stress can often lead to you clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, which can aggravate TMJ pain and tension. Stress-reducing habits like mindfulness, yoga or gentle stretching can be helpful in relieving your symptoms.

Sometimes, TMD and jaw discomfort can improve on their own without any special treatment. Other times, however, treatment is needed. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above and it is interfering with your everyday life, including eating, chewing or speaking, we recommend reaching out to us for an appointment.

Contact Us Today

If you are suffering from TMD symptoms in Ashburn, Virginia, our dentists are here to help! We can help you reach a diagnosis and find the best treatment option for you and your needs—so you can get back to day-to-day life without jaw pain, discomfort, or aggravating popping or clicking sounds. To schedule an appointment, please follow this link, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Confident Smiles.

Compassionate Care.

Experience the difference at Ashburn Dentistry by Design—where your smile and comfort come first. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be treated like family in an environment designed to ease dental anxiety and build lasting relationships. Our experienced team offers comprehensive care for all ages, combining advanced technology with a personal touch to ensure every treatment exceeds your expectations. Don’t wait—request your appointment today and discover why so many in Ashburn trust us with their smiles!

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Delivering Healthy Smiles to All of Ashburn, VA

20905 Professional Plaza, Suite 210, Ashburn, VA 20147

Phone: (703) 723-9909