TMJ Therapy in Alexandria, VA

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in your jaw are present at the area where your lower jaw and skull become connected on each side of your head. Allowing you to open and close your mouth, your jaw joints enable many oral functions, including biting and chewing properly, as well as talking, laughing, and yawning. When the jaw joints become injured or damaged, it can become temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction, also known as TMD. Some symptoms and side effects associated with TMD include facial pain and persistent headaches.  

At Drs. Delgado & Kuzmik P.C. Alexandria, Dr. Michael Kuzmik is a board-certified oral surgeon offering customized TMJ therapy in order to treat the unpleasant symptoms that are related to TMD. Some treatments may entail oral appliance therapy through a night guard, bite assessments and adjustments, or in more severe cases, a surgical procedure. Contact our Alexandria, VA office today to learn more about the various treatment options and to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kuzmik.

The exact cause of TMD is still not known, but there are a few factors that could be related to the onset of the disorder. These may include injury or trauma to the jaw or face, a misaligned smile, or teeth grinding or clenching (also known as bruxism). All of these factors could contribute to TMD, but in some cases, the exact reason for the disorder may not be identified.

Individuals who are experiencing TMD often complain of pain or tenderness around their jaw joints, issues when opening or closing their mouth, a limited range of motion in their jaw, earaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and chronic migraines/headaches. For some patients, they may also notice a popping or clicking noise when opening and closing their mouth. During your thorough consultation, Dr. Kuzmik will evaluate your current symptoms in order to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Prior to providing treatment, Dr. Kuzmik will fully assess the health of your jaw joints and understand any of your existing symptoms. He will palpate the jaw joint and areas around it to identify any tenderness or inflammation. Additionally, he may take cone beam CT scans, x-rays, or even an MRI of your jaw, as well as perform a bite analysis to evaluate if there is a specific cause for your TMD. Your treatment plan will be developed for your specific needs and condition and may include oral appliance therapy, BOTOX®, orthodontics, restorative treatments, or in severe cases, jaw surgery. Before recommending any form of treatment, Dr. Kuzmik will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the entire procedure process and what you can expect throughout. 

In addition to treatments provided at our facility, Dr. Kuzmik may also recommend at-home strategies to help alleviate any pain associated with TMD, including a soft food diet, quitting parafunctional habits (nail-biting and gum chewing), using hot and cold compresses, and other relaxation techniques for your jaw. After any TMJ therapies at our facility, you may be requested to attend additional follow-up appointments so that Dr. Kuzmik can evaluate the success of your treatment and make any necessary adjustments. It is also critical to maintain your overall oral health through visits to your general dentist and adhering to a proper oral care routine at home.

In some cases, your dental insurance provider may cover TMD treatments. Prior to providing any procedures, our financial team will contact your provider in order to determine your out-of-pocket costs. Our facility also works with you to make your treatment as affordable as possible by accepting various payment methods and medical financing. Feel free to talk to our skilled financial team at our office if you have any questions or concerns about paying for your TMD treatment. 

The health of your jaw joints is a critical part of your overall oral health. When your jaw joints are damaged, it can be both painful and inconvenient, affecting your everyday life. At Drs. Delgado & Kuzmik P.C. Alexandria, Dr. Kuzmik works with patients to help them regain the full function of their jaw and treats the unpleasant symptoms associated with TMD. To learn more and to schedule a consultation, contact us in Alexandria, VA today for a TMD evaluation.