We diagnose your TMJ pain to personalize a treatment plan that lets you take back your quality of life.

Effective Treatment to Relieve Your TMJ Pain

TMJ & Bruxism Treatment in Harrisonburg, VA

TMJ & Bruxism Treatment in Harrisonburg, VA Living with TMJ and bruxism can be frustrating and painful. At Rocktown Family Dental Care in Harrisonburg, Dr. Joan Anderson and our caring team are dedicated to providing relief and helping you regain your quality of life.

With a caring and supportive approach and a commitment to your comfort and well-being, we’ll personalize your TMJ treatment to fit your needs. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, we are here to make your journey toward a healthier, pain-free smile a positive experience.

Understanding TMJ and TMD

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which are the joints on either side of your head that connect your jaw to your skull. TMD is a serious problem for many because it causes pain, discomfort, and dysfunction in the jaw and surrounding muscles.

TMD can develop for several reasons, including jaw injury, arthritis, or tooth or jaw misalignment. Stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), and clenching can also contribute to the development of TMD. Women between the ages of 30 and 50 are also at a higher risk of developing TMD.

Symptoms of TMJ and TMD may include:

Jaw pain or tenderness
Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
Headaches
Neck and shoulder pain
Earaches and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Facial swelling

Diagnosing the Source of Your TMJ Pain

Dr. Joan Anderson and our skilled team use a combination of advanced technology and clinical expertise to diagnose TMD accurately and develop an effective treatment plan for your specific needs.

Comprehensive consultation — We listen to your concerns, discuss your symptoms, and review your medical and dental history to better understand your unique situation.
Physical examination — Dr. Anderson examines your head, neck, face, and jaw to assess muscle tenderness, joint mobility, and overall TMJ function. She also evaluates your bite and teeth and jaw alignment.
Diagnostic imaging — Dr. Anderson may recommend digital x-rays or panoramic x-rays to evaluate your TMJ’s structure and function.

Based on her findings, Dr. Anderson will create your personalized care plan. This plan may include one or more of the effective, non-surgical treatments we offer.

Expert TMJ and Bruxism Treatments

Expert TMJ & Bruxism Treatment in Harrisonburg, VA TMD and TMJ pain can profoundly affect your quality of life, but there is hope! We offer a wide range of effective TMJ and bruxism treatments at our Harrisonburg dental office, and Dr. Anderson will create a personalized care plan to meet your needs.

Specialized TMJ Massage Therapy

Rocktown Family Dental Care offers massage therapy designed specifically for TMJ and bruxism sufferers. This gentle yet effective treatment targets the muscles around the jaw, helping to reduce tension, alleviate pain, and promote relaxation.

BOTOX® to Reduce TMJ Pain

BOTOX is an FDA-approved treatment that can relieve TMJ pain by relaxing the muscles around your jaw. By easing muscle tension, BOTOX reduces strain on the temporomandibular joint, alleviating discomfort and improving jaw function.

Occlusal Guards or Night Guards

Also known as night guards or bite splints, occlusal guards are custom-made devices that fit comfortably over your teeth. They help protect your teeth from the damaging effects of grinding and clenching and can also help reduce TMJ and TMD symptoms.

Occlusal Adjustments

An occlusal adjustment is a non-invasive procedure that involves reshaping the chewing surfaces of certain teeth to create a more balanced and comfortable bite. This can help reduce stress on the jaw joint, relieve TMJ symptoms, and minimize teeth grinding.

Personalized Solutions to Reduce Your TMJ Pain

Don't let TMJ or bruxism prevent you from living a happy and fulfilling life. Contact Rocktown Family Dental Care in Harrisonburg, VA, and take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable smile.

We are pleased to serve Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County, including Broadway, Bridgewater, Dayton, Timberville, Penn Laird, Elkton, McGaheysville, Grottoes, and surrounding communities.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Joan Anderson

Dr. Joan Anderson is the skilled and dedicated owner and dentist of Rocktown Family Dental Care. As the sole owner and dentist of the practice, Dr. Anderson is responsible for all treatment planning for patients, supervising staff members, and providing patient care. She prides herself on being a good employer, creating a dental home that people want to be a part of, and mentoring her employees to succeed even if their career plans take them elsewhere.

Having graduated from dental school in 2008, Dr. Anderson practiced in Georgia and South Carolina ...

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does TMJ last?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition stemming from factors, including jaw misalignment and stress-induced grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaw, that affect the joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Both the duration of TMJ disorder and the severity of its effects can vary significantly from person to person.

TMJ symptoms, including jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and a clicking or popping sound in the jaw, can persist from a few days to weeks to months or even years! The severity of symptoms can vary similarly, with some individuals experiencing mild, temporary discomfort while others endure chronic and more painful symptoms.

TMJ Treatment Options

Addressing TMJ often involves a combination of lifestyle changes and professional intervention. Conservative treatment methods include applying heat or cold packs, relaxation techniques (like meditation or yoga) to alleviate stress, and avoiding especially hard, sticky, or chewy foods.

Dental solutions, meanwhile, include the use of a nightguard to offset the effects of teeth grinding during sleep and jaw misalignment. In more severe cases, physical therapy and surgery may be recommended. Ultimately, consulting a dental professional for a tailored approach is the key to effective TMJ treatment.

Efficient and Effective TMJ Treatment in Harrisonburg, VA

If you’re in the Harrisburg area, think you may be suffering from TMJ, and would like to learn more about your various treatment options, contact dentist Dr. Joan Anderson and the team at Rocktown Family Dental Care to schedule a consultation.