At Mark Jefferies Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we recommend treatments designed to address your needs, improve your oral wellness, and enhance the aesthetic of your smile. With our tailored treatment plans, you can rest assured that your oral health is in good hands. We only recommend the best dental solutions for you so that you can feel confident about your smile. We have everything you and your family need for optimal dental health, including dental implants to TMJ treatment. Please schedule a consultation with us today to see how we can help you achieve optimal oral health. November is TMJ Treatment Awareness Month! This November, we’re raising awareness for TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. TMJ is a common but often misunderstood condition. By informing patients about its symptoms and treatments, we will help get as many people as possible to find relief. What is TMJ? TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints, the two hinges connecting your jaw to your skull. If you place your fingers just in front of your ears and open your mouth, you can feel these joints at work. TMJ can refer to any problem affecting these joints, but most commonly, it refers to a condition called Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD). TMD occurs when the muscles and ligaments surrounding the TMJs become tight and inflamed, causing pain and stiffness in the jaw. TMD can also cause clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw, and even migraines and earaches. What Causes TMD? Several factors can contribute to TMD, including stress, teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), misalignment of the teeth or jaws (malocclusion), arthritis, and injury to the head or neck. In many cases, it is a combination of these factors. How is TMD Treated? Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for TMD. These include home remedies and professional treatments such as: Ice Packs Ice packs can help to reduce inflammation and provide relief from symptoms. Simply apply an ice pack to the side of your face for 15-20 minutes several times a day. Try using heat packs or massaging the muscles around your jaw. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers Over-the-counter pain relievers are a standard treatment for TMD. They can help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The most commonly used pain relievers for TMD are ibuprofen and aspirin, but other options include naproxen and acetaminophen. If over-the-counter pain relievers do not provide sufficient relief, prescription medications may be necessary. However, speaking with Dr. Jefferies before starting any new medicines is crucial, as some medications can worsen TMD symptoms. Orthodontic Treatment to Correct Misalignments Many people don’t realize that orthodontic treatment can do more than improve the appearance of your smile. In fact, orthodontic treatment can also be used to treat many different medical conditions, including TMD. Orthodontic treatment can correct misalignments in the teeth and jaws that may be causing or exacerbating TMJ symptoms. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be the only treatment necessary to relieve TMJ symptoms. Physical Therapy Physical therapy can be an effective way to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the TMJs. This can help to relieve pain and improve jaw function. Our team can help you with jaw and head exercises to improve your range of motion and muscle relaxation techniques. And More If you are suffering from TMD, the first step is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jefferies. He and his team can diagnose TMD based on a physical examination and review of your medical history. From there, he will develop a personalized treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery. In addition, we can guide how to avoid activities that may aggravate your symptoms. TMJ Treatment in Herndon, Virginia Don’t suffer in silence this November—if you think you may be suffering from TMJ/TMD, contact us today! We’ll work with you to develop a customized treatment plan so you can start feeling better ASAP.
What to Do In A Dental Emergency
At Herndon Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentists provide a wide array of services, including emergency dental services. Dr. Mark Jefferies is an emergency dentist in Herndon, VA who provides patients immediate care for their smiles. Along with his professional team, Dr. Jefferies is passionate about helping patients get the treatment they need. Receiving emergency dental care as soon as possible can prevent the development of complex oral health problems. Common Dental Emergencies There are several emergencies that we can treat in our office. Learn more about what you can do in the event of a dental emergency below: Severe Tooth or Gum Pain: Toothaches and sharp, sudden tooth or gum pain are often signs of an infection. Please call our office for prompt treatment if you have tooth or gum pain. We will find the cause of your pain and provide the appropriate treatment. Broken Or Lost Permanent Tooth: Did you lose a permanent tooth? Try to locate your lost tooth and place it in a cup of cold milk to transport it to our office. We may be able to reattach it or will recommend a dental implant to replace the tooth at the root. If you have just chipped or cracked a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply pressure to the area. Porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or tooth bonding can repair your broken tooth. Broken or Lost Dental Restoration: If you have lost or broken your dental crown, bridge, or denture, do not try to reattach it on your own. Call our office so we can provide you with a replacement. We do not recommend that our patients try to reattach their broken restorations as they can damage their teeth or gums. Our team will help you find the right replacement and coordinate your care. Excessive Bleeding: It is important for patients to take note of abnormal bleeding, especially after dental treatment. For example, if you have just had a wisdom tooth extraction, you may need to replace your gauze every hour or so. However, if the extraction site keeps bleeding, keep gauze at the tooth socket and contact our office immediately. Contact Our Dental Office Today Please schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Jefferies online if you do not have a dental emergency. New patients can contact Herndon Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (703) 570-1152. Current patients may call (703) 793-1771.