Family, Cosmetic & Restorative
Dentistry in Herndon, VA

TMJ & Neuromuscular Dentistry

If you experience pain in your head, neck, or shoulders, the source of the problem may be in your jaw. The experienced Herndon TMJ Dentists at NOVA Dental Practice provide neuromuscular dentistry to help treat this pain and discomfort.

The temporomandibular joint is what connects your lower jaw to your skull, and allows you to open and close your mouth so you can talk and eat. In some people, this joint can become misaligned due to injury, degeneration, arthritis, muscle problems, disease, bad dentistry, or clenching your teeth. This causes all the various tissues in your jaw to move out of place and rub together, which eventually causes symptoms such as: headaches, pain in the jaw, neck or shoulders, toothaches, popping when you open and close your mouth, teeth grinding, earaches, tinnitus, pain or tiredness in the face, difficulty chewing and inability to open the mouth wide. This is called temporomandibular joint syndrome or disorder, more commonly referred to as TMJ or TMD.

TMJ most commonly occurs in women between the ages of 20 and 40, but it can affect anyone. Some people have mild cases that only require occasional home treatment such as over-the-counter painkillers or hot packs, but other cases are more serious. The pain can be either temporary or constant, and is sometimes debilitating. When the pain is severe, it’s difficult to eat or speak, and in some cases, the jaw can get stuck either open or closed. However, there is help. If you believe you suffer from TMJ, schedule an appointment with one of our Herndon TMJ dentists. Once other possible problems such as tooth decay and gum disease are ruled out as a cause of your symptoms, your neuromuscular dentist can focus on your TMJ. A neuromuscular dentist is a specialist who works to get the muscles, nerves, and joints back to where they’re supposed to be, and in doing so, to greatly reduce or eliminate your pain.

When you see our Herndon dentists for TMJ, we will examine your temporomandibular joints and muscle function, measure your muscle activity and jaw movements, and examine your bite. X-rays are often taken. Your TMJ dentist will then be able to figure out the optimal position for your jaw, and will work with you to correct it. Depending on the cause of the misalignment, treatment may include an orthotic, orthodontics, a bite guard to control grinding, dentistry to correct problems with your bite (malocclusion), or relaxation techniques. Most patients who visit a TMJ specialist feel better after treatment. Many experience complete relief from their symptoms, and return to a normal, pain-free life.

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If you have any questions about TMJ dentistry, please refer to our Learning Center section of our web site, or for scheduling inquiries or if we can be of service, please feel free to contact our Herndon dental office, and a member of our team will be glad to help.