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TMJ Treatment

Less Pain, Better Quality Of  Life

At Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy in Richmond, VA, we prioritize non-invasive or minimally-invasive treatments for patients with jaw pain. Your comfort is important to us, and we believe in utilizing treatment methods that are safe, non-surgical and clinically proven to be effective. We refer TMJ patients to our partner, Angus Dentistry, to receive treatments such as physical therapy, oral appliance therapy, dry needling and Botox® treatments and more.

Non-Invasive And Minimally-Invasive Treatment

While your treatment plan will vary based on the severity of your pain and other contributing factors, there are certain methods we recommend to patients for pain relief. These methods are often less expensive than surgical options and are generally considered safe, with fewer risks and side effects. Treatment methods may include a combination of the following:

  • At-home remedies

  • Physical therapy

  • Oral appliance therapy

  • Dry needling

  • Botox injections

At-Home Remedies

In addition to other treatment methods, your doctor may recommend at-home remedies. When used consistently and correctly, the following methods can help reduce pain at home:

Selecting soft and easy-to-chew foods can help reduce pain and discomfort. Avoid chewing gum or eating hard or sticky foods.

Applying hot or cold packs to the affected area can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

Limit sudden and unnecessary movements to reduce pain.

Movements such as resting your chin in your hands can put a strain on the muscles and jaw.

Use over-the-counter pain medications to ease TMJ pain as needed. In some cases, your provider may prescribe muscle relaxers for more severe pain.

Physical Therapy For TMJ Disorders

One TMJ treatment option that your doctor may recommend is physical therapy. Physical therapy for TMD typically involves working with a physical therapist who specializes in jaw disorders. Your physical therapist may recommend exercises and stretches to improve the range of motion of the jaw, reduce pain and inflammation and strengthen the muscles that support the jaw joint. They will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, but some common physical therapy techniques include:

Jaw exercises

Exercises that involve opening and closing the mouth, moving the jaw side to side, and other movements can help to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles and improve range of motion.

Massaging the jaw muscles can help to increase blood flow, reduce tension and improve mobility in the jaw joint.

man touching jaw to treat TMJ pain

Oral Appliance Therapy

Another common TMJ treatment method is oral appliance therapy. Wearing an oral device can help reposition the jaw and alleviate symptoms and jaw pain. The role of appliance therapy is to reduce stress on the jaw joint and improve the alignment of the teeth and jaws. By doing so, oral appliances can help to reduce pain and other symptoms associated with the disorder. All appliances are digitally custom-fitted for each patient. These appliances include:

Splints are devices that fit over the upper or lower teeth.

Bite guards are similar to splints, but they are designed to be worn on the upper teeth only. They are typically used to prevent grinding or clenching of the teeth.

Night guards are worn at night to help prevent teeth grinding or clenching.

It is important to wear your oral appliance as directed by your doctor for the best results.

Dry Needling

Depending on your symptoms and needs, your doctor may recommend dry needling. During the dry needling procedure, a thin needle is inserted into trigger points in the jaw muscles. The needles remain in the skin for a very short amount of time, making it an easy and relatively painless treatment. The insertion of the needle into the trigger point causes a small local twitch response in the muscle, which can help to release tension and improve circulation in the area. This can lead to a reduction in pain and improved mobility in the jaw. Dry needling may also stimulate the body’s natural healing response, triggering the release of endorphins and other chemicals that can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Botox® Injections

Botox® injections, also known as onobotulinumtoxinA, can be used to temporarily paralyze or weaken the muscles. When injected into these muscles, it can reduce pain and improve jaw function. Botox® is not a cure for these disorders, and its effects are temporary. The injections typically last for 3-6 months before needing to be repeated.

For comfortable, convenient treatments, we provide dry needling and Botox® right here in our office by our licensed providers. Talk to your providers to determine whether these treatments are an appropriate option for you.

Helping You Live Pain-Free

At Virginia Sleep & TMJ Therapy in Richmond, VA, we understand that jaw pain can be debilitating. Our team is here to help diagnose your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan so you can live pain-free. To request an appointment, please call us at 804-729-3474 or fill out our online appointment request form. Our team will connect you with our partner, Angus Dentistry, for efficient and comfortable treatment.