TMJ TREATMENT IN RESTON, VA

Dr. Wayne Myles trained at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), where he gained valuable training and hands-on experience treating TMJ dysfunction with neuromuscular dentistry techniques. He has been providing TMJ therapy and symptom relief for patients in Reston, Oakton, Vienna, and areas throughout Northern Virginia for over a decade. TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joints – the joints that connect the jaw to the skull. When misaligned, these joints cause TMJ dysfunction.

TMJ disorders can affect your oral health and your daily quality of life. Seeking the personalized and comprehensive treatment that Dr. Myles can offer can help you to restore a natural smile and a bite that feels comfortable. In addition to providing TMJ therapy to new and existing patients, we offer restorative dentistry treatments.

TMJ DISORDER SYMPTOMS

A TMJ disorder or a bite problem can present in many different ways, depending on the underlying dental problem. From genetics to trauma, there is a range of causes for TMJ and related symptoms, which can also be made worse by ongoing stress. TMJ disorder symptoms that we most commonly treat include:
  • Migraines or headaches
  • Pain in the face, jaw, shoulders, or neck
  • Tooth wear
  • Grinding and clenching of teeth (bruxism)
  • Earaches
  • Tingling in extremities
  • Popping or clicking of the jaw
  • Difficulty opening and/or closing the mouth

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, Dr. Myles can assess your TMJ disorder by using a TENS unit to relax the facial muscles and a K-7 to determine the proper jaw position. He may recommend TMJ therapy for patients living in Northern Virginia, such as oral appliances or restorative dental work, to correct your bite and alleviate TMJ symptoms. When jaw joints are properly aligned, the components of your oral structure will work in harmony, alleviating painful TMJ dysfunction and accompanying symptoms.

Dr. Wayne Myles offers neuromuscular dentistry at his Reston practice, which focuses treatments on relieving pain that is associated with a dental condition. By correcting the health of your smile and addressing all of your dental problems, we can eliminate or reduce migraines, sinus problems, dizziness, or pain and pressure that exists around the eyes. Contact our practice to schedule your comprehensive neuromuscular dentistry evaluation with Dr. Myles today!

WHAT CAUSES TMJ DISORDERS?

There are many different factors that can impact your jaw joint. When we’re working with you to determine the best course of treatment, we’ll do our best to determine the underlying issues causing the TMJ problems. Typically, something happens to disrupt or degrade the cartilage disc in your jaw joint that allows it to track smoothly. For instance, trauma can displace the disc and also shift your entire jaw and the way your bite comes together.

An uneven bite is one of the main risk factors for TMJ disorders. When your bite is uneven, the jaw doesn’t track the way it should. It starts to wear down that disc of cartilage because it’s rubbing in a way that’s not normal. Arthritis can also impact your jaw joint. It’s a degenerative joint disease that wears down the cartilage that helps joints function the way they should. The function of the joint starts to break down.

Possibly the top reason for TMJ disorders is grinding and clenching your teeth. This wears down the joint quickly and causes problems with it. Not only does this harm your jaw joint, but can harm your teeth as well. When you’re noticing unnatural tooth wear and tear, it’s a sign that you have a TMJ disorder or grind your teeth.

TMJ THERAPY FAQS

WHY DOES MY JAW KEEP CLICKING?

If your jaw constantly clicks, you are probably suffering from a TMJ disorder. Overuse of the jaw joints, as well as teeth grinding and jaw clenching, can lead to this painful condition. As these joints suffer from wear and tear, it can lead to clicking noises in the joints in addition to other symptoms.

CAN CROOKED TEETH LEAD TO A TMJ DISORDER?

If your teeth are crooked or misaligned, this can lead to TMJ problems. One side of the mouth may have a stronger biting force creating extra strain. This can lead to pain in the joints and surrounding muscles.

HOW LONG DOES TMJ THERAPY TAKE?

The time it takes to treat TMJ varies from person to person and the severity of the disorder. Mild cases of TMJ can be treated within a couple of months, while more severe cases may take longer. This also varies based on the type of treatment we choose and how well you respond to it.

HOW IS TMJ DIAGNOSED?

Most dentists can tell that a patient suffers from TMJ problems from their symptoms. Dr. Myles utilizes a K-7 evaluation system to take a closer look at a patient’s jaw movement and temporomandibular joints to help diagnose and treat TMJ disorders.Contact our office today if you think that you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder.

CAN I TREAT MY TMJ AT HOME?

There are some things that patients can do at home to help treat and calm their TMJ. The best thing patients can do from home is practice relaxation techniques when they begin to feel their TMJ. Patients may also do jaw stretches and massages from the comfort of their home. Although, there are methods for treating TMJ at home we always recommend coming to our office to receive a professional diagnosis and in-office treatment.

IS TMJ TREATMENT PAINFUL?

No matter what treatment Dr. Myles uses, you will never endure pain. Most treatments involve relaxing the muscles in the face, realigning bites, or preventing tooth damage. He utilizes neuromuscular dentistry to treat TMJ problems by making sure a patient’s teeth, gums, jaw joints, and facial muscles are working together properly to open and close their mouth.
To schedule your comprehensive TMJ evaluation with Dr. Wayne Myles, contact us directly or schedule your appointment online. Please let us know if you have questions about your treatment options or current concerns. You deserve relief!

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