NYC TMJ Treatment to Help With Chewing Problems

Treating TMJ / TMD in NYC

TMJ Disorder, or the formal medical term temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), is a dysfunction that can cause pain or discomfort in the jaw. This joint connects the jawbone to the skull, affecting the muscles and joints that control jaw function. 

It is important to realize that occasional discomfort in the chewing muscles and headaches can be quite common. The fact is that this issue may go away without medication; however, TMJ disorders are more serious and require attention by TMJ specialists in NYC.

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The most common symptom of TMJ disorders is pain, and its severity differs among individuals. Some do not feel the discomfort, but they have difficulty chewing and shoulder pain. Other signs include back, jaw joint, neck, head, and ear pain, and swelling on the side of the face. 

The inability to open the mouth with ease or locking of the jaws are common signs. Some patients feel popping, clicking, or grating noises in the jaw joint. An individual may also experience a bite that feels uncomfortable due to jaw position, ear ringing, and dizziness.

Causes of TMJ Disorder

The reason for patients developing TMJ is not clear. Experts agree that certain dental procedures, tooth loss, a form of arthritis, and genetic predisposition can cause TMJ injuries to the jaw. 

The condition can also be caused by disc displacement or erosion, chronic stress, connective tissue disease, or stretching of the jaw during surgery. People who clench or grind their teeth, especially during sleep, may also suffer from the ailment. Patients with missing teeth or a misaligned bite often have TMD.

Diagnosing TMJ

TMJ specialists will determine the cause of the temporomandibular disorder to come up with the best TMJ plan. The dentist will examine the patient and discuss what you are going through. 

The evaluation will involve feeling and listening to the jaw as you open and close your mouth. They observe the motion and identify the trigger points and areas of pain or discomfort. 

You may require dental X-rays, a CT scan, or MRI to diagnose it. TMJ arthroscopy is used in diagnosing TMJ disorder.

TMJ Treatment in NYC

Several treatments and therapies can be used to manage symptoms of TMJ. Some TMJ treatments include prescription medication, over-the-counter medications, relaxation, stretching exercises, physical therapy, and stabilization splints like night guards or bite plates. 

A permanent treatment plan includes surgically adjusting the bite, inserting temporomandibular joints repositioning splints, orthodontics, and extensive dental work. Surgical procedures to replace the joint or parts of it can treat it.

Reducing TMJ symptoms

Experts in NY agree that the best way to treat TMJ disorder is through conservative treatments and behavior changes. The less that you do to irritate the TMJ, the better. Those who do not feel the pain may not require a treatment option or surgical procedures. 

Tips to reduce symptoms include avoiding things like chewing gum and biting the nails. It helps prevent extreme jaw joints and muscle movements like shouting and practicing proper posture, wearing a mouth guard at night, heat packs, night guard, exercising, and reducing stress.

Getting Dental Treatment

If you suffer from pain or severe symptoms, you need to visit a TMJ specialist dr for treatment. This is important if the symptoms persist for a long time or you experience jaw pain, facial pain, or swelling in the area. If self-care approaches to reduce symptoms prove ineffective, you need to get proper treatment and therapy to deal with it. 

A dental professional office will carry out a diagnosis and discuss the various treatment options available. Visit a dentist or Dr who has the necessary skills and qualifications to treat the temporomandibular joint disorder.

Choosing Treatment Procedures

Some surgical procedures treat TMJ. Arthrocentesis is minimally invasive and involves inserting small needles to irrigate fluids to the affected muscles remove the debris. Corticosteroid injections such as Botox can also be used to relieve pain. TMJ arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that can be used to treat certain types of TMD. 

Modified condyloma that involves mandible surgery can also help ease dislocation, discomfort, and locking. Arthrotomy is used on a patient where other remedies have failed.

Living with TMJ disorder can affect an individual’s quality of life. Many people from the upper east side of NY locations go through symptoms ranging from jaw pain, weak teeth, and discomfort when chewing headaches and sleep apnea. The procedure can help to alleviate the condition. 

The dentist or dr will examine the patient to find the best solution to relieve discomfort. Before you make an appointment request, understand your options. Talk to the dental specialist in New York about the benefits and risks of the various latest TMJ disorder treatments surgical procedures. Some dentists require you to visit the office, while for some, you can book a dr via their email address or mobile phone number.

Stop the pain your jaw is causing now!