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TMJ in Sterling, VA
Do you experience jaw pain, headaches, or clicking sounds when you open your mouth? Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders disrupt eating, speaking, and sleep. At Lake Center Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Sterling and Potomac Falls, VA, Dr. Amear Tadros specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders with conservative care that brings real relief.
TMJ disorder refers to problems affecting the temporomandibular joint, the hinge connecting your lower jaw to your skull, and the muscles controlling jaw movement.
Call us today at (703) 430-2020 for a consultation, or schedule your TMJ evaluation.
Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull, allowing you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn. Temporomandibular disorders occur when problems develop in the jaw joint, muscles, or connecting tissues, leading to jaw pain or limited movement. Rather than a single condition, TMJ disorder is actually a group of related problems that can cause pain, clicking, locking, or limited jaw movement.
Common symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, clicking sounds, difficulty chewing, and stiffness. Pain may spread to your neck, shoulders, and ears. Dr. Tadros determines whether your disorder stems from muscle tension, jaw misalignment, stress, teeth grinding, or joint problems.
Untreated TMJ disorder worsens over time, interfering with eating, speaking, and sleeping. Secondary problems like tension headaches and neck pain often develop. Internal joint issues can progress to locking, making it impossible to fully open your mouth.
Grinding and clenching (bruxism), often a symptom of TMJ disorder, damages your teeth and accelerates wear. Conservative treatments like physical therapy, oral appliances, stress management, and medication can resolve most TMJ problems without surgery.
TMJ disorder affects 1 in 12 people, with women twice as likely to experience it. You may benefit from treatment if you have:
Early evaluation prevents complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, Dr. Tadros can perform a comprehensive TMJ assessment and recommend the best treatment approach. Call (703) 430-2020 or schedule an evaluation.
Effective treatment delivers lasting relief:
Dr. Tadros offers evidence-based treatments designed to relieve pain without surgery:
Your appointment begins with an in-depth conversation about your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your daily life. You will be asked about stress levels, sleep habits, teeth grinding, recent jaw injuries, and past treatments you’ve tried.
We will carefully examine your jaw joint, test your jaw’s range of motion, and check for clicking, popping, or tenderness. He’ll assess your bite, posture, and facial muscle tension.
Depending on your symptoms, we shall recommend X-rays or other imaging to visualize the joint and rule out serious underlying problems.
Based on his findings, Dr. Tadros will create a treatment plan addressing your specific TMJ disorder. Most patients begin with conservative approaches: self-care, physical therapy, oral appliances, and stress management.
| Treatment Type | Immediate Effects | Timeline to Relief | Ongoing Care |
| Self-Care & Lifestyle Changes | Minimal pain relief immediately; gradual improvement | 2–4 weeks | Continue good habits; avoid TMJ triggers |
| Oral Appliance/Night Guard | Slight discomfort adjusting to the appliance | 1–3 weeks for comfort; 4–8 weeks for pain relief | Wear nightly; clean appliance daily; regular check-ups |
| Physical Therapy & Exercises | Mild soreness from new exercises is normal | 4–6 weeks for noticeable improvement | Continue prescribed exercises 2–3 times daily |
| Medications | Pain relief within 30–60 minutes (oral medications) | Varies; short-term use only | Take as directed; consult Dr. Tadros before long-term use |
| Stress Management | Relaxation and improved sleep within days | 2–4 weeks for symptom reduction | Practice techniques regularly; maintain low stress |
| Treatment Option | Typical Cost Range | Insurance Coverage |
| Consultation & Exam | $100–$250 | Usually covered as diagnostic visit |
| Custom Oral Appliance | $600–$1,500 | Often partially covered (50–80%) |
| Physical Therapy (per session) | $75–$150 | Usually covered with copay |
| Medications | $10–$50 per prescription | Varies by insurance plan |
Our office is in-network with all major insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here; please call at (703) 214-0291 for clarity.
Dr. Amear M. Tadros specializes in TMJ disorders and uses conservative, evidence-based treatments that preserve your natural jaw structure. He starts with the least invasive approaches, self-care, physical therapy, and oral appliances, progressing to advanced treatments only if necessary. He stays current with the latest TMJ research and treatment advances, ensuring you receive the most effective, up-to-date care available. Discover what his patients have to say about their experiences in patient testimonials.
Living with jaw pain doesn’t have to be your reality. At Lake Center Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Tadros specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders with conservative, compassionate care that brings real, lasting relief.
Call on (703) 430-2020 or schedule your consultation online.
We’re here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you relieve any dental problems.
Causes vary—often it’s a combination of muscle tension and joint problems. Common triggers include teeth grinding, jaw clenching, stress, poor posture, jaw injury, and arthritis.
Many symptoms improve without treatment, especially with self-care like stress reduction and soft foods. However, without addressing underlying causes like bruxism, symptoms often return. Professional treatment speeds recovery.
Most patients notice improvement within 2–4 weeks of starting conservative treatment. Significant relief often occurs within 4–6 weeks. Surgery is rarely necessary.
No, surgery is rarely necessary. Most TMJ disorders respond to conservative treatments—self-care, physical therapy, oral appliances, and stress management.
Yes, TMJ disorders commonly cause tension headaches and migraines. Jaw muscles connect to neck and head muscles, so TMJ problems refer pain to these areas. Treating TMJ usually eliminates associated headaches.
Yes, most TMJ treatment is covered as medically necessary—exams, X-rays, oral appliances, and conservative treatments are typically 50–100% covered. Call (703) 430-2020 to verify.
Coordination exercises, stretching, and gentle jaw movements are most effective for TMJ pain relief. Common exercises include goldfish exercises, chin tucks, and side-to-side jaw movement.
Yes, bruxism is a major cause of TMJ problems, putting excessive pressure on the joint. A custom night guard prevents grinding and reduces TMJ symptoms.
