If This Sounds Familiar, It Might Be Your Jaw
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It’s the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When it’s not working right, the effects show up everywhere: headaches that feel like tension migraines, a jaw that clicks or locks, teeth that crack or wear down faster than they should, tightness in your face and neck that never fully lets go. Most patients have been dealing with these symptoms for years before anyone connects the dots.
How We Diagnose TMJ Issues
We start with a panoramic X-ray and a thorough evaluation of your jaw — how it opens, closes, and tracks, where the tension is, and what your bite looks like. We’re not guessing. We’re building a picture of what’s actually happening before we recommend anything.
Targeted Treatment for Lasting Relief
Treatment depends on what we find. For most patients, the answer is some combination of a custom night guard, a splint, bite correction, or Botox injections into the jaw muscles (which sounds more intense than it is). Botox relaxes the muscles that are overworking and causing pain, without affecting how you eat or speak. Both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Bonner are Botox-certified. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 6–8 weeks.
What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder refers to a range of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping, locking, headaches, facial tension, and worn or cracked teeth. At DentCare Now, we diagnose TMJ with a panoramic X-ray and jaw evaluation, then develop a treatment plan based on what we find.
How much does TMJ treatment cost in Fairfax, VA?
TMJ treatment at DentCare Now typically ranges from $650–$1,000 depending on the treatment approach. Elite Protection Plan members receive 10% off. Insurance coverage for TMJ varies widely by plan — some cover it, many don’t. We’ll help you understand your benefits before treatment begins. Financing is available.
How long does TMJ treatment take to work?
Most patients see meaningful improvement within 6–8 weeks. The timeline depends on the severity of the condition and which treatment approach is used. We’ll monitor your progress and adjust as needed.
Does Botox really help with TMJ?
Yes — and it’s one of the most effective tools we have for patients with significant jaw muscle pain. Botox injections into the masseter muscle reduce the intensity of clenching and grinding, which relieves the tension that causes headaches and jaw pain. The effects typically last 3–4 months. Both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Bonner are certified to administer Botox for TMJ.
