TMD and TMJ Treatment
Professional TMD and TMJ Treatment in Virginia Beach
One in five people experience symptoms related to TMJ and TMD. TMJ disorders stem from injuries or inflammation of the temporomandibular joint of your jaw, which connects your jawbone to your skull. There are many potential causes, including teeth grinding, stress on the jaw, arthritis, displaced joint discs, or head trauma. Common symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, and general discomfort, all of which can affect daily life. Early diagnosis and intervention are important, as treatment can prevent further joint damage, and improve one’s overall quality of life.
When TMD & TMJ Treatment is Necessary
A variety of jaw and facial issues can indicate a TMJ or TMD problem, making early treatment important. Untreated jaw disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, such as chronic pain, joint damage, and oral health problems. Such problems can impact your overall well-being, causing stress, sleep disturbances, and reduced quality of life. Effective TMJ treatment can relieve this discomfort, restore normal jaw function, and safeguard oral and ear health, while preventing the need for more invasive procedures later.
TMD and TMJ Risk Factors
By addressing the underlying causes of jaw disorders, treatment restores proper jaw function, reduces inflammation, and prevents further joint damage. Several factors can contribute to TMJ issues:
Jaw injuries, such as fractures or dislocations
Sleep disorders
Stress
Misaligned bite
Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism)
Arthritis affecting the jaw
TMJ and TMD affect millions of people, and the causes aren’t always clear. These conditions can significantly impact your daily life, so don’t delay treatment.
Common TMJ & TMD Symptoms
If you notice any of these symptoms, you could be experiencing TMD. Ignoring the condition may result in increased pain and a range of dental complications.
Jaw pain, stiffness, or locking
Headaches, migraines, or tension in the neck and shoulders
Difficulty chewing or fully opening/closing the mouth
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when moving the jaw
Sore facial muscles
Earaches, ringing in the ears, or other hearing issues
If TMD is identified, we begin with a thorough, comfortable evaluation of your jaw, muscles, and bite, including necessary imaging and a thorough review of your medical history.
Non-Surgical TMJ and TMD Treatment
in Virginia Beach
At Mill Dam Dental Care, the Urbanek Solution is our preferred method for addressing TMJ and TMD safely and effectively. This is non-surgical, drug-free approach, designed to reduce jaw inflammation and restore function. The Urbanek Splint is a comfortable, custom-made acrylic appliance that is worn to prevent grinding and clenching while keeping your jaw and teeth properly aligned. The device is designed to relieve symptoms quickly, and unlike traditional nightguards, the Urbanek Splint can be worn around the clock. This small, FDA-cleared device has a proven success rate of over 90 percent and is a trusted, non-invasive option for patients who have not found relief with other treatments.
Why Non-Surgical Options Matter
For TMJ treatment in Virginia Beach, choosing a non-invasive option like the Urbanek Splint provides an effective, drug-free way to relieve jaw pain and restore function without disrupting your daily life. Surgery for TMJ and TMD carries significant risks, including potential nerve damage, misaligned teeth, and in rare cases, hearing loss. It requires anesthesia, a restricted diet, limited jaw mobility, and a lengthy recovery that can interrupt normal activity. TMJ surgery should be considered a last resort and when non-invasive methods have failed.
TMD and TMJ Treatment - Virginia Beach, VA
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Meet the Team Behind the Smiles.
From the front desk to the treatment chair, we approach every part of your visit with care. At Mill Dam Dental, you’ll always be treated like family.
Dr. Jeffrey R. Leidy, DMD
D.M.D., M.A.G.D., D.ABDSM, F.A.C.D.
Lauren
Office Manager, Clinical Assistant
Christina
Dental Assistant
Janis, RDH
Dental Hygienist
Judee
Administrative/Clinical Assistant
Cheryl
Dental Hygienist
Chelsea
Dental Assistant
Jennifer
Administrative Assistant
FAQs – TMD & TMJ Treatment
It’s normal to want to understand as much as possible about a treatment before moving forward. When you know what to expect, you can feel confident that it’s the right choice for you.
What are the temporomandibular joints?
Located just in front of your ears, the temporomandibular joints are the two joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. They allow your jaw to move for talking, chewing, and other daily activities. These joints, along with the surrounding muscles, can become irritated or inflamed, leading to TMJ disorders. A quick examination can determine if your joints are functioning properly and help guide treatment if needed.
What habits can worsen TMJ?
There are a variety of factors that can worsen TMJ, including poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and lack of sleep. Other habits, such as chewing on objects or ice, using your teeth as tools, sleeping face down, and clenching during the day can also contribute.
How is TMJ/ TMD diagnosed?
Diagnosis of TMJ and TMD begins with a review of your dental and medical history, followed by a physical examination of the jaw and surrounding muscles. Imaging tests may be used, and we carefully evaluate jaw movement, tenderness, and any clicking or popping. This evaluation allows us to identify the cause and plan the most effective treatment.
How long before I see results when using the Urbanek Splint?
Patients using the Urbanek splint often experience relief within the first one to two weeks, with some seeing up to 99 percent improvement by three weeks. Full or optimal relief typically occurs within three to six months of consistent use. The timeline for improvement can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition.
What can I expect from the Urbanek Splint treatment?
The Urbanek treatment begins with a thorough evaluation of your jaw, muscles, and bite. Once your needs are assessed, a custom-made splint is crafted and positioned for a comfortable, precise fit.. Throughout treatment, your progress will be closely monitored, and adjustments are made as needed to optimize results. Long-term use of the Urbanek splint can improve the function of your jaw and temporomandibular joint, optimize the alignment of your bite, and restore your ability to eat comfortably. It can reduce or even eliminate jaw and joint pain, while also supporting better breathing and helping with sleep apnea symptoms.
How long does recovery take with TMJ surgery compared to the Urbanek Solution?
TMJ surgery involves a longer and more involved recovery because it focuses on bone and tissue healing. Regaining full function can take months, and complete bone healing may take up to a year. Patients often need to follow a soft diet and limit activities for weeks or longer. In contrast, the Urbanek Solution is non-surgical and works through precise jaw positioning rather than structural repair. Many patients experience meaningful improvement in pain and function within days to weeks, allowing a faster and more comfortable return to normal daily activities.
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