6714 Patterson Ave Suite 201 Richmond, VA 23226

804-282-3197
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TMJ Dentist in Richmond

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatment, Options & Details

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Dr. Hina Ali has the experience and credentials you should look for when considering a dentist for TMJ treatment.

Dedicated to life-long learning, Dr. Ali has averaged 90 continuing education credit hours (per licensing period) throughout her career; the minimum requirements for the state of Virginia are 15 continuing education credit hours per licensing period!

A Top Rated Dentist in Richmond.

Dr. Ali was making impressions of my teeth for a mouth guard today. She is a very warm person, and I was amazed at how quick the whole process was. Two thumbs up!!

Drew B.

Get Started on Your Journey Today!

OR CALL (804) 282-3197 OR TEXT US TO GET STARTED.

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Video 01:00 | Teeth grinding also known as Bruxism, often happens at night during sleep. Bruxism may be related to stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or temporomandibular joint.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. So, technically, everyone has a TMJ, but not everybody experiences pain in this joint. Chronic pain in the TMJ is referred to as TMD, or temporomandibular disorder.

The TMJ is the joint that connects the lower jawbone to the skull. You can feel the joint if you place a finger just in front of your earlobe, then open and close your jaw. TMJ pain, or TMD, can be caused by several things, but here are the most common:

  • Continual clenching or grinding your teeth.
  • Hyperextension of the joint.
  • Inflammation or injury to the joint.
  • Headaches or ear pain
  • Misalignment of the joint.

Some common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders are headaches, joint ache or soreness, limited jaw opening, and painful popping or clicking sound in the joint when opening or closing your mouth. If you experience any of these symptoms, let Dr. Ali know so she can examine your mouth and joint to help determine the cause and make recommendations for how to relieve the discomfort.

Often TMJ pain comes from prolonged clenching or grinding. If this is the case, often there are other signs in your mouth such as worn or even cracked teeth. Teeth grinding is also called bruxism. If Dr. Ali suspects bruxism, she might recommend you wear a night guard. A night guard is a protective device that fits over the upper or lower teeth and prevents the damage caused by teeth grinding on teeth. Often, teeth grinding happens at night while you’re sleeping. You might even be unaware that you grind your teeth. Dr. Ali will look for the telltale signs of bruxism during your exam and if needed, recommend a night guard to protect against further wear and damage.

Get Started on Your Journey Today!

OR CALL (804) 282-3197 OR TEXT US TO GET STARTED.

Schedule Online Now