Tysons Neuromuscular Dentistry
TMD Overview
As part of our dental practice, Dr. Alex Naini also provides treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. TMD is a broad term for a collection of jaw conditions characterized by:
- Pain in the face, jaw, or teeth
- Limitations in jaw movement
While not all causes are known, it is believed that TMD can be caused by various conditions such as
- Injury to the jaw area
- Arthritis
- Dental procedures
- Infections
- Auto-immune diseases
- Misalignment or over use of the jaw
- Teeth grinding
TMD is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms of TMD mimic those of many other conditions. For example, facial pain can be a symptom of a sinus or ear infection, abscessed tooth, migraine, or any type of nerve-related facial condition. Dr. Naini has years of experience diagnosing and treating TMD for her Tysons patients. She will perform a complete medical evaluation, including a detailed medical history and physical examination of your face, head, neck, and jaw areas before making a diagnosis and recommending a course of treatment.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) reports that over 10 million people in the United States are currently suffering from TMD. Further, while both men and women experience TMD, 90% of the patients seeking treatment for TMD are women in their childbearing years. Research indicates that women seek treatment for TMD at a higher rate than men and that women are more likely than men to report ongoing pain associated with TMD. Also, research performed by the NIDCR has documented a correlation between hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptive therapy with pain treatment. This may explain why more women tend to suffer symptoms and seek help for TMD pain.
Dr. Naini is very experienced at treating the needs of female patients. Approximately 70% of her practice is female, and she has years of diagnosing and treating the dental problems specific to women.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of TMD, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.
