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Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
TMJ/TMD Therapy – Fairfax, VA
Put Chronic Jaw Discomfort
to an End
Misalignment in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause severe pain and discomfort. This potentially debilitating jaw condition usually requires professional treatment. Dr. Malcolm Murray offers TMJ and TMD therapy in Fairfax, VA at MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, so you can get the pain relief you need.
Why Choose MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Emergency Dentistry?
- Oral Appliances Made with Digital Impression System
- Advanced Digital X-Rays and Cone Beam Scanner
- Highly Personalized Care from Expert Dentists
What is TMJ/TMD?
The symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome include pain in the jaw joint and soreness around the muscles that control jaw movement. If left untreated, the jaw can become permanently misaligned. This condition is also known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Many patients with arthritis develop TMJ/TMD as the bones start to wear down, but it can also affect people with bruxism (teeth grinding problem) and those who have a misalignment of their teeth and jaw.
Causes and Symptoms of TMD
Pain and soreness in the TMD joint can have some causes, including:
- Bite misalignment
- Teeth grinding
- Poor posture
- Stress
- Arthritis
- Gum chewing
- Injury to the joint
- A fractured jaw
Many symptoms become associated with TMJ/TMD pain, and Dr. Murray will conduct some simple tests to determine how your jaw is moving and to identify the source of your pain precisely. In addition to chronic or acute pain in the jaw, common symptoms of TMJ/TMD include:
- Ongoing pain around the ears and face
- Tenderness of the jaw muscles
- Facial swelling
- Migraines
- Headaches
- Pain and pressure behind the eyes
- Jaw that frequently gets “locked,” or stuck in place
TMJ/TMD Treatment
Dr. Murray has received advanced training at the Las Vegas Institute specifically for the treatment of TMJ/TMD. He can help you find relief from TMJ/TMD pain and discomfort by fitting you with an oral appliance, which helps to move your jaw into a more comfortable position that places less stress and pressure around the jaw as you go about your day.
Many patients feel better by merely wearing this appliance as they “retrain” their jaw to stay in this new position. Over time, you should notice your symptoms start to disappear.
Will I Need Surgery for TMJ/TMD?
Only very severe cases of TMJ/TMD syndrome require surgery, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon typically performs this. After reviewing X-rays of the joint and learning more about your symptoms, Dr. Murray may refer you to a specialist qualified to perform this surgery.
If you’re suffering from TMJ/TMD pain, Dr. Murray will check the health of your jaw joints and determine the best treatment to alleviate your pain.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes, many TMJ disorders can be effectively managed without surgery. At MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team offers non-invasive TMJ treatment in Fairfax, including custom oral appliances designed to relieve jaw tension, reduce grinding, and improve joint alignment. These TMJ mouthguards are especially helpful for patients who experience pain from clenching or misalignment.
Dr. Murray’s advanced training at the Las Vegas Institute allows him to diagnose your condition with certainty and recommend the best treatment path. For more complex cases requiring surgery, we’ll refer you to a trusted oral or maxillofacial specialist for further care. However, this is usually the last resort if other options haven’t achieved the desired results.
Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?
TMJ disorders typically don’t resolve on their own, but many of the root causes, like bite misalignment or chronic clenching, can be corrected over time. While some practices use TENS or Botox to temporarily relieve muscle tension and pain, these treatments don’t address the underlying joint mechanics.
At our Fairfax dental practice, we use advanced diagnostics and custom oral appliances to gently retrain your jaw’s alignment. This comfortable, non-surgical approach offers long-term TMJ pain relief for many patients by targeting the source of the problem, not just the symptoms.
How Long Does It Take for a TMJ Splint to Work?
The timeline varies, but many patients begin to notice relief within around six weeks of wearing their TMJ splint. Full improvement may take between three and six months, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how well your body responds to treatment.
The key to success is consistent nightly use and follow-up care. Your TMJ mouthguard will gently realign your jaw, reducing clenching and easing muscle strain while you sleep. Meanwhile, Dr. Murray, a TMJ specialist in Fairfax, will closely monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you receive comfortable and effective treatment.
Is TMJ Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Insurance coverage for TMJ treatment depends on your specific plan. Some dental or medical insurance policies may partially cover evaluations, diagnostics, or oral appliances, while others may not include TMJ care at all.
At MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our knowledgeable team will help you sift through your insurance benefits and estimate your out-of-pocket costs upfront. If you don’t have coverage, we also offer flexible financing through CareCredit to make care more accessible.
If you’re not sure where to begin, feel free to contact our Fairfax dental office. Our front desk team is happy to help you have the easiest, most transparent treatment experience possible.
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