TMJ TREATMENT

Woodbridge, VA

TMJ TREATMENT

AN OVERVIEW

TMJ Treatment in Woodbridge VAThe National Institute of Health’s Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that TMJ Disorders are the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal conditions resulting in pain and disability (after chronic low back pain).

Dr. Joseph Cavallo has completed specialized, post-graduate training in the area of TMJ Disorders. He can offer you a personalized treatment plan to alleviate the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and restore harmony to your bite.

ABOUT TMJ DISORDERS

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the upper and lower jaw. It is responsible for the opening and closing of the mouth. TMJ disorder is a catch all term for a wide variety of potential issues affecting the jaw joint, muscles in the face, neck, and surrounding nerves.

TMJ Disorder often stem from an imbalanced bite or a lack of harmony in the way your teeth come together. It can be a result of stress, teeth clenching, an accident or other trauma, arthritis, disk damage or even poorly balanced dental work.

Common Causes of TMJ Disorder

There is no single cause for TMJ dysfunction. Any number of factors or combination of factors may be to blame including:

  • Trauma to the head, neck, or face
  • Trauma to the TMJ joint or arthritis
  • Hormonal changes or imbalances
  • Malocclusion (where the jaws do not line up correctly resulting in bite problems)
  • Stress

TMJ SYMPTOMS

As with the causes, symptoms of TMJ disorder vary greatly between patients. TMJ symptoms often mask themselves or are similar to those of other medical conditions, making diagnosis extremely difficult.

Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

  • Headaches
  • Shoulder, neck, facial pain
  • Clicking or popping when opening or closing jaw
  • Locked jaw or limited mobility in the jaw joint
  • Teeth clenching, teeth grinding, often accompanied by tooth wear
  • Chronic earaches

How long does a TMJ procedure usually take?

TMJ correction may take more than one visit depending on the severity of the occlusal disharmony. Occlusal equilibration is done to make very subtle changes in teeth and involved restorations. After the treatment, the teeth and bite are expected to shift in how they fit together. If, after acclimating to the new jaw position, a patient continues to experience uncomfortable TMJ symptoms, the occlusal analysis and adjustment may be repeated.

I had discoloration and decay from weak enamel. Had been a patient of Dr.Cavallo’s for 17 years and really liked his previous work. I trusted that he would do a great job with my smile. I am amazed the difference in my smile. I am extremely happy with my new smile. I get lots of compliments.

TAMMY E.

I had an accident when I was young and as an adult, I had a 6 tooth bridge that replaced my upper most visible teeth. Unfortunately one of the anchor teeth became decayed. It was at that point that I decided to get dental implants. I love my dental implants. They are beautiful and I can eat anything I want without being afraid of breaking them. Dr. Cavallo is a perfectionist and makes sure that everything is done correctly. I’m very happy with all the services that I received from his practice.

DEBBIE

I needed to find a new dentist after a previous bad dental experience. A relative recommended Dr. Cavallo. I had a toothache and he took care of my problem painlessly. I knew then he would be my dentist of choice to handle the extensive dental work I required. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results of my dental care, and would recommend Dr. Cavallo to anyone requiring dental work. My mouth hasn’t felt or looked so good for many years.

STEVE

TMJ TREATMENT

WHAT TO EXPECT

Dr. Cavallo’s goal is to treat TMJ by gently and naturally bringing the head, neck, jaw and bite into proper alignment. He will start with a comprehensive evaluation to look for the signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.

Dr. Cavallo starts by obtaining a detailed history of your symptoms. He will then do a clinical examination that begins with examining the muscles that control the movement of your lower jaw. He also uses a Doppler auscultation instrument to evaluate the popping or clicking sounds coming from your temporomandibular joint. He will conduct a load test of the joint to look for any tension or tenderness and a range of motion exam is done to determine joint mobility. If needed, an MRI or additional x-rays of the joint may be taken.

Occlusal analysis is the next step in diagnosing and treating your TMD pain. It is a method of recording your biting/chewing motion on a device called an articulator, which mimics your actual jaw movements.

During this analysis Dr. Cavallo measures:

  • the relationship between the upper arch of teeth and the jaw joints (TMJ)
  • how the upper and lower jaw and teeth meet with bite registration wax

TMJ Mouth Guard: A TMJ mouth guard is a removable oral appliance that helps to keep the teeth and jaw in proper position. Usually worn during sleep, and oral appliance may also prevent teeth grinding or clenching which can lead to tooth wear and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. TMJ treatment through splints, mouth guards and night guards can help to alleviate the most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and prevent damage to the teeth and gums.

Bite Correction Procedures: Occlusal equilibration, better known as bite correction or TMJ correction, is the process of adjusting the alignment of the teeth for optimal fit. The teeth should line up so that they make even contact with one another, creating a low-stress bite.

Over 95% of TMJ dysfunction (TMD) and TMJ pain are caused by an improper occlusion. Bite correction can help to alleviate the symptoms of TMD such as sore jaw, headaches, teeth clenching, and more.

How long does an occlusal analysis take?

The occlusal analysis is an essential aspect of diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder. The analysis may take just a few minutes, and it enables the dentist to observe where teeth are not fitting together properly when chewing and biting down. This brief, painless test may be done after a thorough consultation and physical examination of the mouth and jaw joints. 

How does an occlusal equilibration work?

Occlusal equilibration may be recommended if the occlusal analysis finds areas where the biting surfaces of teeth are not meeting as they should. This conservative treatment, also referred to as occlusal adjustment, is performed to restore balance to the bite. It involves the mechanical adjustment of natural teeth or various restorations as needed to allow the lower jaw to function efficiently. By making slight changes to the cusps of teeth or certain restorations, such as fillings or crowns, Dr. Cavallo enables the jaw to rest and function in a more acceptable position. 

What is the recovery like after an Occlusal equilibration?

There is no downtime needed to recover from this conservative treatment. However, patients should expect for their bite to feel different. Even minor adjustments to the biting surfaces of teeth create change in the way the mouth feels. This is the purpose, though, to situate the teeth and bite in a way that reduces strain on the temporomandibular joints. While teeth are not drilled or dramatically reshaped during occlusal equilibration, some patients may experience slight tooth sensitivity after their appointment. If this occurs, an over-the-counter pain reliever may be taken. 

Is a bite correction procedure painful?

No. Occlusal equilibration is so gentle that it can be performed without local anesthetic. The adjustments made during this procedure are minor and do not require drilling. Only microscopic layers of enamel are altered to achieve proper bite position. 

How can I care for my mouth to alleviate TMJ symptoms at home?

The TMJ Association offers several tips for managing symptoms at home. These include:

  • Moist heat. A warm, moist washcloth can be applied to the sides of the jaw for 10 to 15 minutes. This is recommended for dull, aching pain.
  • Cold compresses. Ice packs may be wrapped in thin towels and applied to the sides of the jaw for 10 to 15 minutes if pain is sharp. This may be repeated every two hours. 

According to the TMJ Association, 74% of people who use hot or cold compresses in these ways experienced a reduction in symptoms. 

  • Eat softer foods that require little chewing to allow muscles to relax.
  • Take small bites to avoid overworking the jaw.
  • Take an over-the-counter analgesic as directed if necessary.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

If you are searching for a dentist in the Woodbridge, VA area that treats TMJ disorders, contact Dr. Joseph Cavallo today. Give us a call at (703) 490-5888, or request an appointment online today.

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