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TMJ Treatment – Aspen Hill, MD

Find Long-Lasting Relief from Persistent Jaw Pain

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Jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and headaches are just a few possible symptoms of TMJ disorder (also known as TMJ dysfunction or TMD). This complex problem can interfere with your quality of life, and if left unaddressed, may persist for months or even years. What can you do to find relief? Contact us to schedule a consultation. We offer multiple types of TMJ treatment in Aspen Hill. Hopefully, we will be able to find a solution that ends your pain once and for all.

Why Choose Dental Center of Aspen Hill for TMJ Treatment?

  • Multiple Treatment Options
  • Friendly & Experienced Team
  • Welcoming, Comfortable Environment

What Is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the rest of your skull. It is one of the most complex and heavily used joints in the human body. Unfortunately, it is also somewhat delicate. When something goes wrong with it or the surrounding tissues, you may experience jaw pain and a range of other unpleasant symptoms.

There are quite a few possible causes of TMD, including stress, physical trauma, bruxism (teeth grinding), a misaligned bite, arthritis, and more. In some cases, the cause remains unknown.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Pain and tenderness in the jaw is one of the most common and noticeable symptoms of TMD. However, it can cause dozens of other symptoms as well. Here are just a few examples of the issues it can contribute to:

  • Clicking and popping in the jaw
  • Lockjaw
  • Earaches and ringing in the ears
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Limited mouth movement
  • Pain in the shoulders, upper back, and other areas of the body

Types of TMJ Treatment

Before we can determine what type of TMJ treatment is right for you, your dentist in Aspen Hill will need to perform a thorough evaluation. This may include a visual examination as well as the use of advanced imaging equipment, such as a CBCT machine. Once your dentist has an idea of what may be the underlying cause of your TMD, they will be able to recommend your next steps. Some of the treatments that we offer include:

Occlusal Splint

Woman using occlusal splint for TMD pain relief

An occlusal splint is a small device that is designed to be worn at night. It prevents involuntary teeth grinding and clenching. It can also shift the jaw slightly forward, helping to relieve tension on the TMJ so the joint can rest comfortably at night.

Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment

Man in green shirt at appointment for occlusal adjustment

Bite problems are a common cause of TMD. Some bite problems are quite minor. For example, a dental crown or bridge may be slightly too high, or the crest of a tooth may be interfering with your bite. An occlusal adjustment involves making slight alterations to the shape of restorations and teeth so that the upper and lower jaws can work harmoniously together.

BOTOX® Injections

Woman receiving BOTOX® injection near her temporomandibular joint

Strategically injected BOTOX® can cause the muscles around the TMJ to relax, allowing the joint to rest and experience pain relief. The effects of BOTOX® can last for several months; periodic maintenance appointments may be recommended. BOTOX® may be a standalone TMJ treatment, or it may be used in conjunction with other therapies.