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.
Choosing the Right Dentist
There are often many dentists near you that can offer dental health care and services to meet your needs. We believe that our Herndon dentist office offers something a little different, something special that makes dental care a more pleasurable experience. Dr. Jefferies and our team are committed to what we believe is an exceptional patient experience. When you visit with us, our attention is 100% focused on your needs at that time and for the future of your oral health. Our goal is to help you enjoy a smile that is healthy, stable, and comfortable. This is important for your dental health and your overall wellness- a healthy smile will be an integral part of enjoying your best life. Choosing Dr. Jefferies and our dental care team means choosing a true partner in your oral health care. We want your dentistry to be individualized to you and your needs. We know that we may just be “your local dentist”, but to us, you are family and your oral health is our top priority. But don’t just take our word- read some recent patient reviews of our Herndon dental practice. I’ve been going to Dr. Jefferies’ office for years. He’s a gentle, caring dentist and has a wonderful team of hygienists and office staff that makes for a top notch experience for his patients. My whole family goes here and everyone agrees. We feel lucky to have such compassionate care available to us whether it’s routine cleanings or an emergency need. Thanks to the whole office staff! Beverly Ricci I have been a patient of Dr. Jefferies for almost 15 years and I have never had any problem with his dental work. He gets it right the first time. Also any time there was an adjustment needed after a procedure he works me in as best he can around his other appointments and takes care of it. He is an extremely good listener, is very pleasant and professional. I trust him with my dental work and wouldn’t work with anyone else. Rich Sr. We were lucky to have found Dr. Jefferies a number of years ago and we are most appreciative of his consummate skills, caring manner and good humor. His staff are highly professional, skilled, and are always willing to help. This is a happy office team, and this atmosphere is a direct reflection of Dr. Jefferies’ leadership skills and professionalism. My wife and I drive a long way to go to his office because we know we will always get the best possible care. My son and his family also are patients of Dr. Jefferies’ practice. My most enthusiastic and unqualified recommendation: Painless dentistry at its best. Richard Bowker