Have you been waking up with headaches or stiffness in your jaw? Do you frequently have earaches or jaw pain while eating? If you have significant pain or discomfort in your face, jaw, or neck, you may not want to even leave your house. The pain from Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can be debilitating, dizzying, and often life-altering. If you have suffered from TMJ disorder pains for longer than a week, check out King Centre Dental for TMJ therapy in Alexandria. As a Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry graduate, Dr. Benson Clark is profoundly educated in observing and treating the symptoms of TMJ disorder.
What is TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and acts as a hinge, allowing your mouth to open and close smoothly. This joint also lets your jaw move appropriately from side to side and from front to back. The temporomandibular joint is complex because numerous muscles, ligaments, and tendons surround it. Therefore, the dysfunction can stem from many factors, including:
- Genetics or poorly aligned teeth
- Teeth grinding or teeth clenching
- Poor posture or structural problems that put undue stress on the neck, upper back, and head
- Arthritis
- Injury or accidents
Similarly, because so many muscles, ligaments, and tendons surround the temporomandibular joint, the symptoms of TMJ disorder may include some or all of the following:
- Jaw stiffness or facial pain
- Headaches
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Difficulty or pain when chewing
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sound when opening and closing the mouth
- Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
Available TMJ Therapy at King Centre Dental
Since no two instances of TMJ are alike, Dr. Clark offers a free TMJ consultation to anyone who suffers from the symptoms. In your consultation, Dr. Clark and his team will provide an exam, evaluate your symptoms and issues, record your health and oral history, and work with you to find the best solution for your TMJ. Dr. Clark will discuss some of the following treatments with you:
- Massaging or icing your jaw
- Soft diet for a limited time
- Over-the-counter pain medication or prescription muscle relaxants
- Physical therapy or chiropractic care
- Corticosteroid injections
- Stress management or counseling
- Orthodontics
Additionally, Dr. Clark can fit you for a custom-made night guard that positions your jaw correctly while you sleep. This takes the pressure off the jaw and prevents you from teeth clenching or teeth grinding. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care and helping you feel better!
We Can Provide the Relief You Need
Living with TMJ disorders can make your everyday life challenging because of the vast problems it can cause. Dr. Clark and his team know how painful it can be. At King Centre Dental in Alexandria, Virginia we will compassionately listen to your symptoms regarding TMJ disorder and do our best to educate you on the various therapy options available in our office.
Finding relief is within reach. Dr. Clark can provide a comprehensive approach to TMJ treatment, from holistic at-home treatments to massage and dental appliances.
Contact us to make an appointment for a consultation and get started on your path to treating and healing your TMJ disorder. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Our Other Awesome Services
Not only do Dr. Clark and his amazing staff at King Centre Dental offer TMJ Therapy in Alexandria, but also various other services such as cosmetic dentistry, including veneers and teeth whitening, emergency services for the accident that can’t wait, and restorative dentistry like crowns and dentures.