Dr. Ashley Izadi and Dr. Roham Rafat are restorative dentists near Hunt Valley, MD with advanced training and experience in the treatment of TMJ disorders. Few clinicians are trained to properly identify, diagnose, and treat TMJ disorders (also known as TMD).
You can count on Valley Dental Health for personalized, focused care. Our dentists will spend ample time getting to know you and educating you on all available treatment options.
What is a TMJ disorder or syndrome?
TMJ syndrome, or temporomandibular joint syndrome, is a common cause of frequent undiagnosed headaches and jaw and ear pain. Frequently caused by an imbalance in the bite, TMJ has a variety of signs and symptoms. The most prevalent symptoms of TMJ include:
- Frequent headaches
- Pain around ears
- Pain in the jaw, tooth, face, neck, or shoulders
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Locked jaw or inability to open mouth (with or without pain) in the normal range of motion
- Teeth grinding
- Ringing in the ears or a sensation of fullness (like when flying in an airplane)
It is important for patients experiencing symptoms of TMJ to be thoroughly evaluated so that treatment can address the imbalance in the bite. Dr. Roham Rafat and Dr. Ashley Izadi have extensive experience with bite disorders.
We offer TMJ therapy and will take the time to determine the imbalance within your occlusal system in order to create a treatment plan that will provide comfortable and long-lasting results.
How do you fix a TMJ disorder?
For patients with mild TMJ disorder, our dentists may take a conservative approach and recommend the use of a mouthguard. The custom-fit mouthguard is used to help prevent tooth-grinding and jaw clenching during sleep and /or stressful situations.
Tooth grinding and jaw clenching are some of the things that can contribute to TMJ and the jaw and facial pain that go along with it.
For patients with more complex issues related to malocclusion, Valley Dental Health can offer a variety of treatment options, including bite correction therapy.
This may involve using one or more restorative or cosmetic dental procedures to realign the teeth and ensure they come into contact correctly. Dr. Rafat or Dr. Izadi may suggest a dental crown, bonding, or the use of orthodontics to accomplish this goal and restore oral health.
If you have experienced any symptoms of TMJ, contact Valley Dental Health and schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options.
Dr. Izadi’s and Dr. Rafat’s goals with TMJ therapy are to gently bring the head, neck, and jaw into a natural, comfortable position. Our dentists start with a comprehensive evaluation to look for the signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
In some cases, advanced diagnostic equipment is used to help identify the source of instability.
TMJ Mouthguard
A TMJ mouthguard is a removable oral appliance that helps to keep the teeth and jaw in the proper position. Usually worn during sleep, this oral appliance may also prevent teeth grinding or clenching. These can lead to tooth wear and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
TMJ treatment through splints, mouth guards, and night guards can help to alleviate the most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and prevent damage to the teeth and gums.
TMJ Disorder FAQs
Do I need oral surgery if I have a TMJ disorder?
You will only need to see an oral surgeon if you have severe symptoms and have been living with this disorder for quite some time. Our dentists can relieve TMJ pain without the need for corrective jaw surgery.
How do I alleviate TMJ symptoms at home?
You can do many things at home to help alleviate TMJ pain. Apply an icepack to your jaw pain, take anti-inflammatory medicines like Ibuprofen, and try some jaw exercises. Be sure to visit our dentists to evaluate your TMJ issues for treatment recommendations. Dentists are your first line of defense for TMJ disorders.
What happens if I don’t treat TMJ?
If you do not seek professional treatment for your TMJ disorder, you are at risk of developing more health issues. TMJ contributes to teeth grinding, worn teeth, and broken and cracked teeth.