TMJ Treatment - Washington, DC

TMJ Treatment - Washington, DC

TMJ Dentistry Specialists

Schedule [Consultation](/request-an-appointment/)

Treating Jaw Pain, Migraines, or a Misaligned jaw Due to TMJ Disorder with Trigger Point Injections and Delivering High Success Rate Care

TMJ and TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) refer to pain caused by jaw misalignment, often due to skewed teeth or incorrect dental work. If untreated, this misalignment can lead to chronic or acute jaw pain.

Your pain may be centered in your jaw or felt elsewhere, such as in your temples, mimicking migraines. Other symptoms might include tooth pain, ear stuffiness, or double vision.

Dr. Gerald Marlin, who wrote his master’s thesis on TMJ therapy and trained under pain expert Dr. Janet Travell, has successfully treated thousands of patients, relieving their TMJ pain and restoring their quality of life.

If you suspect TMJ dysfunction, our practice can offer customized treatments to relieve pain, correct bite analysis issues, and restore comfort.

Expert Precision in Dental Implants: 3,900 Restorations with Natural Results and Long-Term Success

We provide ideally positioned dental implants (see Precision Implant Placement) in reconstructed bone (see Bone Grafting) that are restored with optimum “emergence profile” abutments and “Simply Radiant, Simply Natural” crowns fabricated in our In-house Laboratory, which will make your feel and look reinvigorated!

Implant surgeries with crowns and same-day implant therapy are highly sophisticated services that we perform with meticulous care and precision. 3,900 implants have been surgically inserted and restored, and our patients have experienced almost no bone loss over a 20-year span.

Why Choose Elite Prosthetic Dentistry?

• Experienced team: Gerald M. Marlin, D.M.D., M.S.D, and his “Dream Team” of very experienced assistants and technicians working under his proven, strict treatment regimen deliver exceptional implant restoration therapy with one of the highest success rates with implants that are at least 20 years old.
• Attention to Detail: From precise tooth extraction and Bone Grafting to ideally positioned dental implants in solid bone during Precision Implant Placement) and ending with the insertion of optimal abutments and crowns with ideal emergence profile
• Experts in Smile Makeovers: With our own In-house Dental Laboratory, Elite is renowned for delivering “simply radiant, simply natural” smile makeovers.

Why Choose Dr Gerald Marlin?

• Voted Top Dentist 20 years in a Row by other dentists
• Elite Prosthetic Dentistry is a leading specialist in implant, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.
• Works closely with his in-house technician to achieve custom aesthetics and a very precise fit.
• Provides crowns lasting over 35 years (national average approximately 10 years)
• Over 3,900 surgically inserted and restored dental implants.

Delivering High TMJ Success Rates with Trigger Point Injections and Trigger Point Massage Therapy

our practice was personally trained on Trigger Point Injection therapy by Janet Travell, MD, one of the world’s foremost experts in trigger point injection and massage therapy.

our team at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry only provides this therapy after a thorough diagnostic workup, adjustment of your bite, replacement of defective restorations causing the pain, and first administering massage (shiatsu) therapy and spray and stretch. In very severe cases, our team at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry uses trigger point injection therapy while performing these other therapies to help you manage your acute pain.

What are trigger points?

Trigger points are minute areas of hyperirritability (see illustration showing referred pain areas from one of the many jaw muscles). These microscopic trigger points result from hypercontraction of the muscle fibers that prevent nutrition from coming in and waste from being eliminated. This, in turn, can result in extreme irritation and pain.

How does Trigger point massage therapy work?

Trigger point massage therapy and injection are intended to release the chemical imbalance of the muscles, which often eliminates the pain.

If you have unresolved pain and/or other symptoms, as discussed above, Elite Prosthetic Dentistry can help. Once he has analyzed the problem, Dr. Marlin will be able to customize a solution that corrects your bite and restores any jaw misalignment. When necessary, we provide massage or injection therapy of the trigger points in the muscles of the jaw.

If you think TMD may cause your pain, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Marlin today. Call us at 202-244-2101. We treat TMD/TMJ patients from throughout the Washington D.C. area, including Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Rockville, and Potomac, Maryland, as well as Northern Virginia and outlying areas and abroad.

Custom Night Guards for Bruxism and TMJ Relief

Bruxism (tooth grinding) is a major risk factor for TMJ dysfunction, often showing signs like uneven tooth wear or recessed gums, detectable during your exam with Dr. Marlin. If you’re a grinder, an occlusal guard may help. Worn at night, it prevents grinding and gently aligns your jaw, retraining muscles and easing TMJ symptoms over time. A custom-fit night guard, made from an impression of your teeth, can significantly reduce headaches, chewing difficulties, and other pain related to jaw misalignment.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ

What are the symptoms of TMD?

TMD symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty chewing, and facial discomfort. It may also cause headaches, ear pain, and neck stiffness. In some cases, TMD mimics other conditions, like migraines or sinus pain. Addressing these symptoms through a detailed evaluation can help provide targeted relief.

How does TMD develop?

TMD typically results from misalignment in the bite, muscle strain, or injury to the jaw joint (TMJ). Bruxism (teeth grinding) or poorly placed dental restorations can also lead to TMD. Over time, untreated TMD can cause chronic pain and jaw dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment from Elite Prosthetic Dentistry can prevent further complications.

Can teeth grinding cause TMJ issues?

Yes, teeth grinding (bruxism) is a major risk factor for developing TMJ disorders, grinding places excessive stress on the jaw joint, leading to misalignment and muscle fatigue. An occlusal guard can help prevent grinding and protect the teeth and jaw from further damage. Early detection and treatment of bruxism can prevent TMJ complications.

How can poor posture affect TMJ symptoms?

Poor posture can worsen TMJ symptoms by straining the neck and jaw muscles. Over time, this strain can further misalign the jaw, intensifying TMJ pain. Addressing postural issues is often part of a comprehensive TMJ treatment plan. Correcting both posture and jaw alignment can significantly reduce discomfort.

How does our team at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry diagnose TMJ disorders?

our practice thoroughly examines your bite, jaw function, and muscle activity. We identify misalignments in the teeth and jaw that contribute to TMJ pain. Based on this diagnostic workup, he develops a customized treatment plan that may include occlusal adjustments, night guards, or trigger point therapy. His goal is long-term pain relief.

Can TMJ disorders cause headaches and migraines?

Yes, TMJ disorders are a common cause of chronic headaches and migraines due to jaw muscle tension. The misalignment of the jaw can lead to referred pain in the temples, behind the eyes, and across the forehead. Treating TMJ can reduce or eliminate these headaches, providing significant relief for sufferers.

What is the success rate of TMJ treatments at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry?

Elite Prosthetic Dentistry has a high success rate in treating TMJ, with many patients reporting long-lasting pain relief. our prosthodontic team’s thorough diagnostic process and customized treatment plans ensure effective, targeted care. With over 20 years of experience and thousands of successful cases, the practice is known for resolving even the most complex TMJ disorders.

Can TMD cause ear pain or hearing issues?

Yes, TMD can cause ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness due to the close proximity of the TMJ to the ears. This discomfort is caused by the inflammation or misalignment of the jaw joint, which can affect surrounding muscles and nerves. Treating the underlying TMD often alleviates these ear-related symptoms.

What is trigger point injection therapy, and how does it help TMD?

Trigger point injections target specific areas of muscle tightness or irritation, known as trigger points, that contribute to TMD pain. These injections relax the muscle, reducing pain and inflammation. Dr. Marlin offers trigger point therapy alongside other treatments like bite adjustment to deliver effective, long-term relief from TMD symptoms.

What are the long-term effects of untreated TMD?

If left untreated, TMD can lead to chronic pain, jaw locking, tooth damage, and even posture issues. Over time, patients may also experience increased headaches, neck stiffness, and difficulty chewing. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications and maintaining healthy jaw function.

What role does stress play in TMD symptoms?

Stress can exacerbate TMD symptoms by causing muscle tension and increasing the likelihood of clenching or grinding teeth. This additional strain on the jaw muscles and TMJ can lead to pain and discomfort. Stress management techniques and relaxation therapies can complement dental treatments in managing TMD effectively.

Related Resources

• Patient education resources
• What our patients say
• Read patient success stories