Do you experience jaw pain and headaches?
You may have a TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the base of the skull. When there is dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint, it can cause pain or damage to the surrounding joints, muscles, and nerves.
Understanding the underlying cause of TMJ disorder can help patients get one step close to the treatment they need to alleviate their symptoms.
Dr. Zahra Kavianpour and our team at Brighter Smile Family Dentistry & Orthodontics offer comprehensive care for patients with TMJ disorder. We can evaluate your joints, discuss your symptoms, and go over all dental treatment options with you during your dental exam and consultation.
Visit our Sterling, VA dentist practice to speak to a dental professional about your treatment options for TMJ disorders.
What Are The Symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ is an all-encompassing term that relates to a range of issues with the function of the bite and the alignment of the jaw. The signs of TMJ vary from patient to patient. However, many patients with TMJ will experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Clicking or popping sound when moving the jaw
- Chronic headaches after waking up
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Facial pain or tenderness
- Pain, discomfort, or swelling in the jaw
- Neck, back, and shoulder pain
- Earaches
If you have one or more of these symptoms, consider visiting our dental office for a consultation with Dr. Kavianpour.
Treatment Options For TMJ
At Brighter Smile Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we build comprehensive treatment plans for patients with complex dental problems. Dr. Kavianpour is highly trained in the diagnosing and treatment of advanced dental problems. She works closely with you to create a TMJ treatment plan that is personalized to your symptoms.
After a complete oral examination, Dr. Kavianpour may suggest one or more of the following solutions to help address your symptoms.
- Physical therapy
- Jaw exercises
- Botox
- Restorative dentistry: dental bonding, dental crown, or dental implants
- Invisalign or other types of orthodontic treatment
The goal of treatment is to alleviate your symptoms and prevent further damage to the jaw. We will build a treatment plan unique to your smile and issues. Visit our office to learn more about your treatment options.
TMJ Disorder FAQs
What causes TMJ to flare up?
TMJ can be a reoccurring pain that comes and goes for years of a person’s life. Some changes in one’s lifestyle can bring TMJ back to life. The main factor change that may cause TMJ to flare up is stress. Stress causes people to grind their teeth and clench their jaws. Some other changes may be changes in hormones, such as starting birth control.
What can make TMJ worse?
TMJ symptoms may worsen if you do not follow a healthy diet and do not have a good sleep schedule. There also may be muscles in your jaw and face that can trigger pain to be worse, or cause a headache or toothache.
Does drinking water help TMJ?
Drinking water is a great way to avoid TMJ flaring up. Not only is drinking water good for TMJ, but it is also great for your entire body. Drinking water consistently can help loosen and relax muscles in your face, neck, and jaw.
Relieve TMJ Pain in Sterling, VA
If you would like to find relief for TMJ pain, visit your trusted team of professionals at Brighter Smile Family Dentistry & Orthodontics in Sterling, VA. Dr. Kavianpour and our team can work with you to deliver the treatment you need. To learn more about your options, call 571.266.0255 or request an appointment online.