Are you suffering from jaw pain, headaches, or clicking sounds when you chew? You may have a TMJ disorder. At Dr. Mark Hagigi’s dental practice in Rockville, MD, we offer effective treatments for TMJ disorders, helping you regain comfort and proper jaw function.
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint – the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint works with surrounding muscles and ligaments to help you chew, speak, and yawn. When something goes wrong with this joint or the muscles around it, you may develop a TMJ disorder.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can cause various uncomfortable symptoms. Many patients experience pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders. You might notice clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth. Chewing often becomes difficult or uncomfortable. Some people find their jaws lock or get stuck when opened or closed. Headaches, particularly around the temples, are common with TMJ disorders. You might also experience earaches or ringing in the ears. Another sign is when your teeth feel misaligned or uncomfortable when biting.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Hagigi can help diagnose your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders can develop for several reasons:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), often during sleep
- Injuries to the jaw or joint
- Arthritis or other inflammatory conditions
- Stress causing tightened facial and jaw muscles
- Misaligned teeth or bite problems
- Poor posture that strains neck and facial muscles
During your consultation, Dr. Hagigi will carefully examine your jaw, bite, and dental history to identify the underlying cause of your TMJ symptoms.
TMJ Treatment Options at Dr. Hagigi’s Practice
Conservative Treatments
For many patients, non-surgical approaches effectively relieve TMJ pain.
- Custom Oral Appliances: We create custom-fitted night guards or splints that prevent teeth grinding and help properly align your jaw while you sleep.
- Physical Therapy Recommendations: Specific jaw exercises can strengthen muscles and improve jaw mobility and function.
- Lifestyle and Self-Care Tips:
Many patients find relief through simple changes like eating softer foods and avoiding extreme jaw movements such as wide yawning or gum chewing. Applying heat or ice packs to the jaw can reduce pain and swelling. Practicing stress-reduction techniques often helps, as does maintaining good posture to reduce strain on the jaw and surrounding muscles.
Advanced TMJ Treatment Options
For more persistent or severe TMJ disorders, Dr. Hagigi may recommend additional treatments.
Botox Treatment for TMJ
Botox injections can provide significant relief for many TMJ patients. This innovative treatment works by relaxing the overactive jaw muscles that cause pain. It helps reduce teeth grinding and clenching while decreasing headaches associated with TMJ. The relief typically lasts 3-4 months for most patients.
Botox treatment is quick, with minimal discomfort, and many patients notice improvement within a few days. As a specialized TMJ treatment provider in Rockville, Dr. Hagigi has extensive experience using Botox to help patients find relief from jaw pain.
Dental Restorations
If your TMJ disorder is related to bite problems or worn teeth, Dr. Hagigi might recommend replacing missing teeth, adjusting or reshaping biting surfaces, or suggesting orthodontic treatments to correct misalignment.
When Should You Seek TMJ Treatment?
You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Hagigi if you experience persistent jaw pain or discomfort. Other reasons to seek treatment include hearing clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth, having difficulty chewing or opening your mouth completely, suffering from recurring headaches with no clear cause, or noticing your jaw locking occasionally.
Early treatment can prevent your condition from worsening and help you avoid more complex dental problems in the future.
Request an Appointment
Don’t live with TMJ pain any longer. Dr. Mark Hagigi and our caring team in Rockville, MD, are ready to help you find relief and restore your quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule your TMJ consultation. Contact us by phone at (301) 679-7786 or complete our online form to request your appointment. Our friendly staff will help you schedule an appointment at a convenient time.
