How can we help you?
When it comes to your dental care, you may have more questions than answers, and that's okay!
We expect and welcome questions because we know that informed patients tend to enjoy better oral health. When we know what's on your mind, we can provide the guidance you need to make confident decisions about your oral care.
We get a lot of questions, and here are a few that we hear most frequently. If you have a question and don't see it answered here, please don't hesitate to call us at (703) 281-7104 or email us using our convenient online contact form.
TMJ Treatment
The answer to this question will vary greatly depending on the patient's unique needs, the severity of their case, and the type of treatment they're getting. Some patients may experience relief right away with a night guard, for example. At the same time, it may take months for someone getting orthodontic treatment to correct a misaligned bite to experience relief.
At Vienna Family Dental, we believe in getting to the root cause of the jaw joint (TMJ) problem to determine the most effective treatment procedures. Our dentists work closely with you to determine the cause of your discomfort and the most suitable treatment for your specific needs.
TMJ Treatment in Vienna, VA
Some of the TMJ treatment modalities our dentists may recommend could be one or more of these procedures:
- Stress Management — Managing stress through practices like yoga, massage, and therapy can be helpful for some patients in managing TMJ issues.
- Night Guards — Wearing a protective device, much like an orthodontic retainer, at night while you sleep can prevent tooth clenching and grinding (bruxism).
- NTI Devices — An NTI device stops bruxism before it even starts when you bite down into the device instead.
- Orthodontic Treatment — If a misaligned bite is causing TMJ concerns, clear aligners or braces might be the solution for aligning your bite and alleviating TMJ discomfort.
Contact your dentist in Vienna, VA, at (703) 281-7104 if you or a loved one is suffering from TMJ pain or discomfort.
TMJ disorders (TMD) are issues affecting the temporomandibular joint, which controls the jaw and surrounding muscles. TMD often creates symptoms that develop gradually, only some of which are immediately recognizable as jaw-related.
Many patients also experience symptoms during stressful periods or after dental or orthodontic changes. Because TMD can mimic ear infections, sinus issues, and even migraines, a precise TMJ exam is essential.
Common Symptoms of TMD
TMD symptoms can vary, but several patterns appear frequently. If you notice any of the following, we strongly recommend a professional evaluation:
- Jaw clicking, popping, or grinding during movement
- Headaches or facial soreness that worsens with chewing
- Jaw stiffness or limited opening
- Pain around the ears, temples, or cheeks
- A bite that suddenly feels “off”
- Tenderness in the neck, shoulders, or jaw muscles
The Value of Timely TMD Treatment
Thankfully, catching these issues early helps prevent chronic discomfort. At Vienna Family Dental, Dr. David Paino will take the time to evaluate your jaw alignment, muscle tension, bite balance, and joint function to determine what’s causing your discomfort. After that, to ensure that you get relief ASAP, we will review treatment options, including bite adjustments, nightguards, or muscle-relaxation strategies, suited to your specific case.
Effective, Efficient TMJ Care in Vienna, VA
If you’re in Vienna and want to learn more about identifying TMD symptoms and how to relieve jaw pain effectively, contact Dr. Paino and the friendly and helpful Vienna Family Dental team to schedule a consultation.