TMJ FAQs

Cosmetic Dentistry Serving Alexandria, Arlington, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. It is a neuromuscular condition affecting the jaw muscles and mouth alignment.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

TMJ has many varied symptoms, which may appear in various strengths. The most common symptoms are jaw pain, neck pain, tooth pain, sore face, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, migraines and headaches.

What causes TMJ?

TMJ is a condition where your jaw and bite are improperly aligned. This means that your jaw muscles can never properly relax, which eventually leads to severe muscle tension and pain.

How is TMJ diagnosed?

Only a dentist trained in neuromuscular dentistry can properly diagnose TMJ. Diagnostics include jaw measurements, computer modeling of your bite mark, and X-Rays of your jaw structure.

How is TMJ treated?

It depends upon the severity of your condition, but generally treatment includes custom-made mouth guards, invisible orthodontics or at worst, oral surgery.

What type of dentist is qualified to treat TMJ?

Only a Dentist trained in neuromuscular dentistry can properly diagnose and treat your condition. The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies is the nation's premier school for cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry. Dr. Varipapa has attended LVI.

Patients from Washington, DC and Northern Virginia are invited to call our Alexandria, VA advanced dentistry office today for a consultation. Dr. Varipapa can help cure your TMJ and alleviate your pain.