What causes TMJ disorder?

TMD can result from teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), arthritis, jaw injury, bite misalignment, stress, or disc erosion within the joint. Often, TMD results from a combination of factors.

TMJ and TMD Treatment in Leesburg, Virginia

Cochran Family Dental provides diagnosis and treatment for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD/TMJ) in Leesburg, VA. Dr. Brian Cochran offers custom oral appliances, bite adjustment therapy, and other conservative treatments to relieve jaw pain, headaches, and clicking. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that over 10 million Americans are affected by TMJ disorders.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull and allows you to open, close, and move your jaw. When this joint or the muscles surrounding it become strained or damaged, the resulting condition is known as temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. Dr. Cochran helps patients in Leesburg and across Loudoun County find lasting relief from TMJ-related pain.

Common Symptoms of TMD

TMD symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, earaches, and difficulty opening the mouth. Many patients live with these symptoms for months without realizing they are related to a jaw joint disorder.

You may be experiencing TMD if you have jaw pain or tenderness especially when chewing, a clicking, popping, or grinding sound when opening or closing your mouth, difficulty opening your mouth wide, headaches that feel like tension headaches or migraines, earaches or ringing in the ears, pain that radiates to the neck, shoulders, or face, or a jaw that locks in an open or closed position.

What Causes TMD?

TMD can result from teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), arthritis affecting the jaw joint, injury or trauma to the jaw, misalignment of the teeth or bite, stress that causes you to tighten facial and jaw muscles, or disc erosion within the joint. In many cases, TMD results from a combination of these factors. Dr. Cochran will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

How We Treat TMJ Disorders

Treatment is customized based on the cause and severity of your TMD. Dr. Cochran starts with the least invasive options first.

Treatment options include a custom oral appliance (night guard) to reduce the effects of clenching and grinding, bite adjustment therapy to improve the way your teeth come together, physical therapy exercises to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles, lifestyle modifications including stress management techniques and dietary changes, or restorative dental work such as crowns or orthodontics to correct bite alignment issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment

How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?

If you experience chronic jaw pain, frequent headaches, clicking when you open or close your mouth, or difficulty chewing, you may have TMD. Dr. Cochran can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause.

Does insurance cover TMJ treatment?

Many dental and medical insurance plans cover TMJ treatment. Coverage varies by plan. Our team can help you understand your benefits. Call 703-771-9034 for details.

How long does TMJ treatment take?

Many patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks of starting treatment with a custom oral appliance. Complex cases may require several months of therapy. Dr. Cochran will outline a timeline specific to your needs.

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Cochran Family Dental

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Jason Castle

Cochran dental checkup is always friendly, and on top of things. I've never been left waiting for long, and they make sure I'm comfortable with each step of the cleaning.

Jason and Kristan Cound

Cochran Family Dentistry is a “first-rate”practice! My wife has been a patient here for years, and I am thankful she referred me.
I moved to the area in 2021 after previously enjoying regular, free, high-quality dental care in the military my entire adult life. I went to another dental practice in Ashburn 14 months ago for xrays and a cleaning, and really did not like the experience one bit. “Pushy” “pricey” and “impersonal” are descriptors I never thought I would use when referring to a dental practice. Having to repeatedly decline the same “optional” treatments during the same visit leaves a bad taste in one’s mouth.
Thankfully, Dr. Cochran and his team are the exact opposite of this, and I am so thankful to be a new patient of theirs! If you long for that nostalgic “hometown dentist” feel thst you experienced growing up in the U.S.A., then pick up the phone and book an appointment with Cochran Family Dental! 🇺🇸

Andrew McCully

My Dentist always does a great job, she friendly, efficient and makes my cleaning and check up a pleasant experience. The Dr. also checks things open and he is great to talk to. I’d recommend this place to anyone. My family goes here as well.

S. Rabbit

best dentist i've ever seen. over the years i've lived all over the country but when i need a dentist i always travel back to leesburg to see dr. cochran. outstanding on every level. i wouldn't trust anyone else with my teeth. dr. cochran and his staff are top notch.

Karen Petroff

Dr. Brian Cochran, DDS is an exceptional dentist who provided a pain-free and highly professional root canal experience. From the moment I walked in, I felt calm and well cared for. Dr. Cochran took the time to explain every step of the procedure, ensuring I was comfortable and informed throughout. His gentle approach and attention to detail made what I expected to be a stressful experience completely manageable. The office staff was friendly, efficient, and made scheduling easy. I was seen promptly. The results have been excellent—no pain, no complications, and a tooth that feels strong and natural. I highly recommend Dr. Cochran to anyone needing a root canal or any dental care. He truly puts patient comfort and quality care first.

Keith Hall

Another great visit to Cochran Family Dental. Hygienist was thorough and gentle and latest technology contributed to a great exam by Dr. Cochran. I trust and highly recommend this practice.

Response from the owner:Keith,
Thank you for your five-star review! We strive to provide the very best care and to have the latest technology and it is nice to hear the positive feedback.

Craig Stuart

Professional friendly staff. Listens to my concerns. Does not push for unnecessary work. Highly recommend.

Jane Hoover

Friendly, efficient and caring. A pleasant experience.

Response from the owner:Jane
Thank you for your very kind review as it was a pleasure to meet you and your husband and we look forward to caring for your dental needs.
Dr. Cochran

Ryan

Response from the owner:Ryan thank you for your five star review. It is always great to see you!

Susan Christoff

I have been coming here for several years, now even driving here from my new home in Rhode Island, and have always found Dr. Cochran to be an excellent provider, friendly, compassionate, as is his staff.Bethann used to be my hygienist until she switched things up and runs things at the front desk but it’s always like saying hi to an old friend when I come in for an appointment. Today my hygienist was Rebecca and she was great. My appointment today was to be a cleaning and a small filling. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I noticed a problem with a tooth in the morning of my appointment. Dr. Cochran was able to take care of that in addition to the other tooth all in less than an hour. Great practice all around.. highly recommend!

Response from the owner:Susie
Thank you so much for your kind review and as always we appreciate your fantastic attitude and personality. It makes our day to have patients such as yourself!
Dr. Cochran

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Brian Cochran, DDS

Dr. Cochran is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry and has practiced dentistry in Leesburg, VA since 2002. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Northern Virginia Dental Society, a Premier Invisalign Provider, and has completed advanced training in dental implant placement, bone grafting, and CEREC same-day restorations.

Schedule Your TMJ Evaluation Appointment

Call Cochran Family Dental at 703-771-9034 or request an appointment online. Our office is located at 1503 Dodona Terrace SE, Suite 210, Leesburg, VA 20175, conveniently located behind Wegmans in the Dodona Manor area, easily accessible from Route 7 and Route 15 with free parking.

We proudly serve patients throughout Leesburg, Ashburn, Purcellville, Potomac Falls, Lansdowne, Sterling, Hamilton, Dulles, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, and surrounding Loudoun County communities including Edwards Landing, River Creek, Raspberry Falls, and the Historic District.