TMJ Treatment Rockville, MD

Do you wake up with a sore jaw? Do you get headaches that seem to start around your temples? Does your jaw click or pop when you chew or yawn?

If any of that sounds familiar, you might be dealing with a TMJ disorder. Find relief from jaw pain and headaches at Montgomery Dental Associates & Implantology Center.

Dr. Mark Hagigi helps patients in Rockville find real relief. He takes the time to listen, figure out what’s causing your symptoms, and build a treatment plan that fits your life. You’ll get compassionate, expert care without pressure.

What Exactly Is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. That is a fancy name for the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. You have one on each side of your face, right in front of your ears.

These joints work with muscles and ligaments to help you chew, talk, yawn, and swallow. They are among the most used joints in your body. When something goes wrong with them, or with the muscles around them, you can develop a TMJ disorder (sometimes called TMD).

Common Signs You Might Have a TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorders show up in different ways for different people. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Pain or tenderness in your jaw, face, neck, shoulders, or around your ear
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth
• Difficulty chewing or a feeling that your bite is “off”
• Locking of the jaw (stuck open or stuck closed)
• Headaches, especially around the temples
• Earaches or ringing in the ears (even though your ears are healthy)
• Facial fatigue after eating or talking for a long time

You don’t have to have all these symptoms. Even one or two can be a sign that something isn’t right.

If any of this sounds familiar, Dr. Hagigi can help. He will listen to your symptoms, examine your jaw and bite, and figure out what’s really going on.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders don’t always have a single cause. Often, several factors come together. Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism): Many people grind their teeth at night without even knowing it. The constant pressure can strain your jaw muscles and joints.
• Injury to the jaw: A blow to the face, whiplash, or even a dental procedure that kept your mouth open too long can trigger TMJ problems.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect your jaw joints, just as it affects your knees or hips.
• Stress: When you’re stressed, you might clench your jaw or tighten your facial muscles without realizing it.
• Misaligned bite: If your teeth don’t come together evenly, your jaw may have to work harder to chew, which can lead to strain.
• Poor posture: Hunching over a computer or looking down at your phone can strain the muscles in your neck and jaw.

During your consultation, Dr. Hagigi will take the time to determine the cause of your specific symptoms. He looks for the root of the problem.

TMJ Treatment Options at Montgomery Dental Associates

The good news is that most TMJ disorders can be treated without surgery. Dr. Hagigi starts with the least invasive options and only recommends more advanced treatments if needed.

Conservative, Non-Invasive Treatments

These simple solutions can make a difference for many patients:

• Custom Oral Appliances (Night Guards): Dr. Hagigi can create a custom-fitted night guard that prevents you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. It also helps position your jaw in a more relaxed, comfortable alignment.
• Lifestyle and Self-Care Tips: Simple changes can help. Eating softer foods. Avoiding extreme jaw movements (like wide yawning or chewing gum). Applying heat or ice packs to sore areas. Practicing stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Posture Awareness: Small adjustments to how you sit at your desk or hold your phone can reduce strain on your jaw and neck muscles.

Botox for TMJ: Advanced Relief

For patients with persistent or severe TMJ symptoms, Botox injections can help. Botox relaxes the overactive jaw muscles that are causing pain and tension. It reduces grinding and clenching. It can also decrease the frequency and intensity of tension headaches.

The treatment is a quick single visit. Most patients feel minimal discomfort, and results typically last 3 to 4 months.

Dr. Hagigi has advanced training in Botox for therapeutic use. As a dentist, he has a deep understanding of facial anatomy, making him uniquely qualified to administer these injections safely and effectively.

Dental Restorations

Sometimes, TMJ problems are caused by bite issues or worn-down teeth. If that’s the case, Dr. Hagigi may recommend restorative dental treatments like:

• Replacing missing teeth to restore proper bite balance
• Adjusting or reshaping biting surfaces
• Crowns or bridges to correct alignment

By fixing the underlying dental issues, we can often relieve the strain on your jaw joints.

When Should You See a Dentist for TMJ?

You don’t have to live with jaw pain. You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Hagigi if:

• You have persistent jaw pain or tenderness
• You hear clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth
• You have difficulty chewing or opening your mouth completely
• You suffer from recurring headaches with no clear cause
• Your jaw occasionally locks or gets stuck

Early treatment can prevent your condition from getting worse and help you avoid more complex problems down the road.

Why Choose Dr. Hagigi for TMJ Treatment in Rockville?

Dr. Mark Hagigi is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry. He has spent years perfecting a calm, conversational approach to dental care. He knows that jaw pain can be frustrating and that the idea of treatment can feel intimidating.

That’s why he takes the time to listen. He explains everything, never rushes, and builds treatment plans that fit your needs, your budget, and your comfort level.

His practice, Montgomery Dental Associates & Implantology Center, has been serving Montgomery County since 2015 (with the practice itself established since 1990). Patients come to him from Rockville, Potomac, North Bethesda, and beyond because they want a dentist who truly cares.