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What Is TMJ Therapy?
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the place where your jaw attaches to your skull to allow you to close and open your jaw smoothly. Sometimes, the temporomandibular joint is damaged or injured, resulting in a debilitating condition known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder (TMD). If you are having pain or hearing sounds when you move your jaw, schedule a consultation with Dr. Joanna Claustro to determine if you have TMD. Dr. Claustro utilizes innovative tools to assess and care for your TMD to relieve pain. Your treatment will be dependent on the cause of your TMD and your specific condition, but a few options include oral appliances (mouth or night guards), bite modification, dental restorations, and more.
What Are the Benefits of TMJ Therapy?
At Joanna Claustro DMD & Associates, TMJ therapy features a number of benefits to allow Ashburn, VA individuals to achieve an enhanced standard of comfort. These benefits include:
- Reducing severe aches and soreness related to TMJ conditions
- Enhancing jaw usage and mobility
- Easing facial pain, earaches, headaches, and neck pain
- Decreasing the noise of jaw snapping or cracking
- Resulting in improved sleep
- Reducing the threat of additional dental problems
- Easing stress and anxiety levels linked to chronic pain
- Elevating an individual's comprehensive wellness
Am I a Candidate for Tmj Therapy?
TMJ disorder may be brought about by an injury to the jaw, chronic grinding of your teeth and clenching of your jaw (bruxism), or a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion). Other conditions that might result in TMD include a tumor in the temporomandibular joint or arthritis. In some cases, the reason for TMD cannot be determined, but if you are having symptoms and signs, Dr. Claustro can diagnose and treat your jaw. The most common signs of TMD are pain or tenderness at the jaw, spasms in your facial muscles, feeling as if your jaw is stiff or stuck, and frequent headaches that start in front of your ears. Another sign is hearing popping, cracking, or clicking whenever you use your jaw.
What to Expect from TMJ Therapy
To help diagnose TMJ, our team will listen carefully to understand your concerns prior to a physical exam. During the exam, Dr. Claustro will evaluate how your jaw moves and search for indicators of teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and misalignment of your teeth. She also will palpate the jawbone and lower face for any swelling and tenderness. Dr. Claustro may order digital x-rays of your lower face or a bite analysis to look for underlying factors that could determine your treatment approach. Based on the exam, she will go over your treatment choices that may incorporate a dental appliance, teeth straightening, or restorative dentistry (bridges, crowns, or dentures).
What Can I Expect After TMJ Therapy?
After TMJ therapy, many patients experience noticeable relief from jaw pain, reduced muscle tension, and improved ease when chewing or speaking. It’s common to feel mild soreness in the jaw or facial muscles for a brief period, which typically resolves quickly with rest or a soft-food diet. You'll receive detailed aftercare guidance to support gentle healing, and as the alignment of your jaw improves, most people report enhanced comfort, less jaw stiffness, and a renewed ability to enjoy everyday activities, sometimes even with fewer dental visits in the future.
Learn More About Joanna Claustro/DMD Facility
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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain makes it hard to eat, talk, and enjoy your day-to-day life. Since there are many possible causes, signs, and remedies to treat TMD, schedule an appointment with Dr. Joanna Claustro at her office in Ashburn, VA. She will give you a detailed exam before diagnosing the problem and discussing your treatment options. Contact our team at Joanna Claustro DMD & Associates to learn more and make an appointment.
