TMJ Treatment

tmj treatment in stafford va

Battle Jaw Pain with Our TMJ Treatment in Stafford, VA


When you think about visiting the dentist, you expect us to simply check on your teeth and gums and make sure everything is in working order. Surprisingly, that doesn’t even scratch the surface of the things dentists can do! While your teeth and gums are extremely important in relation to your oral health, there are other areas that affect both your oral health and your overall health.

If you’re experiencing jaw pains or aches, you may not think to go to your dentist first. Thankfully, Dr. Kim of Unique Dental Care has the care you’re looking for. Below, we’ll discuss your temporomandibular joint, more commonly referred to as TMJ, and how certain symptoms are identified so our team can help relief any discomfort you’re experiencing.

What is TMJ and TMD?

This joint connects your jawbone to your skull, found on each side of your jaw. When it comes to temporomandibular disorder, also known as TMD, you’re experiencing pain in your jaw joint, as well as the muscles that control your jaw movement. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to determine the cause of a patient’s TMJ disorder since it could be due to a number of things. Your pain may be related to genetics, a previous jaw injury, arthritis, and even bruxism, commonly identified as teeth grinding.

Typically, most cases of TMD solve themselves, disappearing before other treatment options are necessary. There are self-managed care options that can be done at home, but there are also surgical options as last resorts. Because every patient is different, no two treatments are the same, so Dr. Kim will go into detail on what your choices are and what we believe will benefit you the most.

Symptoms of TMD

Like we mentioned, every patient is unique, so the symptoms you’re experiencing may not be the same as someone else’s. Here are the common overall symptoms reported that helps Dr. Kim identify if our Stafford TMJ treatment is right for you:

  • Tenderness or pain in your jaw and jaw area
  • Pain in the specific areas of your temporomandibular joints
  • Discomfort, pain or difficulty while chewing
  • Dull, aching facial pain
  • Locking of the joint, which makes it difficult to open and/or close your mouth

stafford jaw pain

Available TMJ Treatments in Stafford

During your consultation, Dr. Kim will go over the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, as well as any history that may relate the disorder, including genetics and previous injuries. The examination will include Dr. Kim listening to and feeling around your jaw as you open and close your mouth, as well as press on areas you’ve noted that have been painful or uncomfortable. X-rays and scans will be necessary if we have identified a problem that needs to be addressed.

As previously mentioned, some cases recorded of TMJ disorder may go away without any sort of treatment. However, if your symptoms persist, it’s important to explore your options at Unique Dental Care and see what the best course of action is.

There are a variety of treatment options, some that may be done at the same time, but this will be thoroughly discussed during your visit. The options typically range from medications like pain relievers and muscle relaxants to therapies like mouth guards or habitual counseling to stop yourself from grinding or clenching your teeth. If these methods don’t alleviate your pain, Dr. Kim may suggest surgical procedures.

We encourage you to ask as many questions as possible regarding our available TMJ treatment in Stafford. Your health is our top priority and we’re here to do everything we can to give you the care you deserve. Call Unique Dental Care today at (540) 699-2414 to schedule your consultation and learn more about this disorder. Our team will assist in picking the best date and time that works with your schedule.

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am - 3:00 pm (By apppointment)

Sunday:

Closed