TMJ Disorder
Treatment
Diagnose. Treat. Find Lasting Relief.
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed, damaged, or misaligned, it causes pain and dysfunction that we can treat.
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Expert Diagnosis
Comprehensive evaluation of jaw joint function.
Multiple Approaches
Conservative to surgical options tailored to you.
Pain Relief
Effective treatments for chronic jaw discomfort.
Specialized Care
Board-certified surgeons experienced in TMJ treatment.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. Disorders occur when this joint and surrounding muscles become inflamed, damaged, or misaligned, causing pain and dysfunction. At Charles County Surgical Arts in White Plains, MD, Dr. Ryan Look and Dr. John McElveen specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders to help patients across Southern Maryland find relief.
Common Symptoms
- Jaw Pain: Persistent pain when chewing or speaking
- Limited Movement: Difficulty opening your mouth or jaw locking
- Facial Pain: Discomfort in face, neck, or shoulders
- Headaches: Frequent temple area headaches
Common Causes
- Injury or Grinding: Jaw trauma or chronic teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Arthritis: Joint degeneration from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Disc Problems: Deterioration or displacement of the cushioning disc
- Bite Misalignment: Misaligned teeth straining the joint
Treatment Options
At Charles County Surgical Arts, we offer a range of treatments from conservative to surgical approaches:
- Lifestyle & Therapy: Soft diet, physical therapy, stress management
- Medications & Appliances: Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, custom night guards
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Surgical Procedures: Arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, or joint repair for severe cases
Self-Care Tips
- Avoid hard, chewy foods and practice relaxation techniques
- Apply ice or heat to reduce pain and inflammation
- Maintain good posture to reduce jaw strain
Find Relief from Jaw Pain
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Look or Dr. McElveen for a personalized treatment plan.
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