Suffering from frequent headaches? Jaw pain? Difficulty chewing? Ear pain? You may have Temporomandibular Joint disorder (TMJ). TMJ is a dental health condition where chewing muscles within the mouth are highly affected in functionality. Many patients do not realize they suffer from TMJ until they visit Dr. Cavallo in Woodbridge, VA.
Taking a comprehensive approach to all patients, Dr. Cavallo seeks to understand the underlying cause of any dental health problems before recommending any form of treatment. Dr. Cavallo is a restorative and cosmetic dentist serving the Northern Virginia area who has extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of bite disorders such as TMJ.
Symptoms of TMJ include any of the following: migraines or headaches, limited or restricted jaw mobility, teeth grinding, shoulder and neck pain, earaches, signs of tooth wear, and more. All of these symptoms are clear signs that you might be suffering from TMJ.
To ensure good overall dental health and quality of life, it is important to seek treatment for TMJ as early as possible. Dr. Cavallo will examine your dental health to understand the underlying cause of TMJ. At the Woodbridge office, Dr. Cavallo aims to treat TMJ by gently and naturally bringing the head, jaw, neck and bite into proper alignment.
Dr. Cavallo will begin treatment by using a Doppler auscultation instrument that evaluates clicking or popping sounds from the jaw joint. Additionally, he will conduct a load test that looks for any tension or tenderness of the joint and a range of mobility exam. Then an occlusal analysis is used to understand the relationship between the upper arch of teeth and jaw joints as well as how the upper and low jaw meet.
There are many treatments for TMJ. Dr. Cavallo may recommend a mouth guard that is usually worn during sleep to prevent grinding and clenching. A TMJ mouth guard tends to alleviate most common symptoms and prevents further damage to teeth and gums. Another treatment option are bite correction procedures. This process adjusts the alignment of teeth for optimal fit. Bite correction can alleviate TMJ symptoms such as headaches, sore jaw and more.
If you have been suffering with any of the TMJ symptoms, contact Dr. Cavallo in his Woodbridge dentist office and begin to restore your oral health! TMJ can have a dramatic impact on oral health if left untreated. Be sure to schedule your appointment to renew a healthy, functional smile!
