TMJ Disorders - Smiles On The Upper Westside

When treated early, though, TMJ can be halted and reversed.

Smiles on the Upper Westside provides TMJ disorder treatment in the UWS neighborhood of NYC. Call 212-222-5225 to schedule your first appointment with our dentists.

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disease, is a complex and progressive disorder. Over time, TMJ can permanently damage the jaw and its supporting structures.

Causes of TMJ

The temporomandibular joint acts as a sliding hinge between the jawbone and the skull. Heavily cushioned by discs and cartilage, it normally operates effortlessly. When it is out of alignment, though, TMJ is often the result.

TMJ can be triggered by many factors, such as jaw trauma, hormonal fluctuations, anxiety, and even ill-fitting dentures. For most people, the root cause is not entirely clear. However, regardless of the cause, the misalignment in the jaw joint causes pain, popping, and pressure as the jaws attempt to operate.

TMJ Symptoms

TMJ is different for everyone, making it tough to diagnose the disorder based solely on symptoms. However, most people with TMJ experience some or all of the following:

Clicking, grating, or popping sounds from the jaw
Difficulty chewing
Earaches
Facial pain
Headaches
Jaw lockup that makes fully opening the mouth difficult or impossible
Jaw pain

Treating TMJ

TMJ treatment is highly customized to each patient, but it is always undertaken with the goal of relaxing the jaw and improving the bite.

Common treatments include, but are not limited to:

Medication
Physical therapy
Reconstruction
Splinting
Other specialized treatments

After a thorough examination, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific challenges. You may need multiple visits, depending on the complexity and the severity of your individual case. Whether you are referred for physical therapy or not, it is extremely important that you become an active participant in your own treatment.

Home Remedies

Very mild cases of TMJ may respond to home treatments, but most patients need home care alongside other procedures. Home remedies for TMJ include, but are not limited to:

Initial soft diet, with a slow progression to more challenging foods
Avoiding chewing gum or ice
Ice therapy
Over the counter medications
Jaw relaxation exercises

TMJ is highly personalized, and one patient’s successful treatment plan might be completely wrong for another. It is very important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible, as TMJ tends to worsen over time and can eventually lead to permanent damage. When caught early, though, TMJ need not have a major impact your life.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ

What does TMJ actually mean and what causes it?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and temporomandibular disorder or temporomandibular joint disorder occurs when the joint and surrounding muscles are strained. Underlying causes often include teeth grinding, jaw clenching, stress related jaw clenching, internal derangement, or muscle tension, leading to TMJ issues, TMJ conditions, and other common symptoms.

What symptoms are associated with TMJ problems?

Patients may experience TMJ pain, jaw area pain, ear pain, neck pain, tension headaches, chronic headaches, jaw locking, mouth locking, difficulty opening, jaw movement limits, jaw area, chronic jaw, chronic jaw pain, chronic discomfort, chronic pain, acute pain, and worsening symptoms.

How is TMJ treated without surgery?

Most cases respond well to nonsurgical treatments such as muscle relaxants, anti inflammatory medications, heat therapy, gentle stretching, relaxation techniques, avoiding extreme jaw movement, eating soft foods, soft foods, reducing inflammation, and working with physical therapists to support jaw muscles and jaw function.

Why is early care important for TMJ?

Early intervention helps provide pain relief, prevent severe cases, avoid invasive procedures like maxillofacial surgery, and protect the lower jaw, upper and lower teeth, and lower teeth while restoring normal jaw function and restore balance.

What result can I expect from treatment?

At our Upper West Side practice, care focuses on lasting relief, long term relief, improved jaw function, reduced jaw area pain, and guidance to prevent habits like jaw clenching, helping patients who suffer regain comfort and confidence.

If you are searching for a dentist in NYC who provides TMJ treatment on the Upper West Side, call 212-222-5225 to schedule an appointment with the dentists at Smiles on the Upper West Side.

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TMJ Treatment on the Upper West Side