TMJ Treatment

TMJ Specialist on Long Island NY

Our mouths contain a great joint known as the temporomandibular (TMJ), connecting the skull and jawbone with complex movements such as opening/closing the mouth and sliding from side to side. It also enables us to enjoy life’s most basic functions like speaking, yawning, and chewing – making the temporomandibular joints one of the most significant yet intricate joints in our body.

There is a TMJ on each side of the jaw. Many patients every year are diagnosed with a TMJ disorder which requires treatment of some kind. Usually, these disorders cause pain and they may limit the movement of the jaw.

It’s usually hard to determine exactly what is causing someone’s TMJ disorder. Several things could possibly cause pain and stiffness. In some cases it’s genetic. It could also be a sign of arthritis, or it could be the result of an injury as well. One of the major probable causes is teeth grinding (bruxism). This is often caused by stress, which makes people habitually tense their muscles, including the muscles in the jaw.

In the vast majority of cases, a TMJ disorder is temporary, and you can relieve it with treatment at home. However, if the pain lasts too long and at-home treatments are not sufficient, then surgery is a last resort option. 

TMJ disorders can present themselves in several ways. Pain and discomfort might be felt on either side of the face or both, and women tend to have TMJ disorders more often than men, and it most commonly affects those between the ages of 20 and 40.

Common symptoms include pain or tenderness in the jaw, neck, face, or even shoulders. In some cases, the pain could be in the ears, especially when chewing, speaking, or opening the mouth wide. In other cases, it might be difficult to open the mouth wide, or the jaw could get stuck in place. When the TMJ gets stiff, it can cause noises from your jaw, such as clicking or popping. Even swelling can be a sign of a TMJ disorder. Other common symptoms include headaches, earaches, toothaches, and tinnitus.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a chronic condition that affects the jaw joints and muscles, leading to pain and dysfunction. Sufferers can experience three distinct categories of TMJ: 

• Muscle-related pain or discomfort
• Dislocation or injury in the joint
• Arthritis that affects the temporomandibular joints

While the symptoms of TMJ can vary in severity and cause either brief or more extended discomfort, some cases may persist as chronic conditions, leaving sufferers with debilitating, long-term pain.

If any of these symptoms present themselves, there are several things you can do before bringing concerns to the TMJ dentist. A cold or warm compress can help alleviate tension and reduce pain. Sometimes simply resting the jaw can help, which means not opening it wide, and eating soft foods that are easy to chew. Massage of your jaw muscles can work, too. A relaxed jaw means having your teeth and your lips just a little bit apart. Your tongue should be resting comfortably, and your teeth should be slightly separated. 

If you try these and your pain and stiffness continue to bother you, then it might be appropriate for intervention from your TMJ dentist. A dentist will examine your jaw and possibly take x-rays to determine what might be wrong with your TMJ. After they may suggest some further treatment at home, such as extra relaxation techniques, or possibly outside help such as from a chiropractor or a physiotherapist. They also prescribe some medicine to help with any inflammation or pain. In some cases, they will suggest treatments to help with sleep since TMJ disorders are known to disrupt sleep for many people. 

If the cause of your TMJ disorder is determined to be bruxism, then a night guard might help. A night guard or a mouthguard is a clear plastic splint that fits over your teeth to protect the bottom and top from touching each other. This will prevent your teeth from being tense and will allow the joints and muscles to relax. Please take note that a sports mouthguard is different from a night guard and they don’t serve the same purpose.

If you are still suffering, then your dentist will most likely refer you to a Long Island TMJ specialist, such as a pain specialist, an oral surgeon, a periodontist, an orthodontist, or a prosthodontist. At this point, it may be that surgery is a possibility, even though it is rare. Surgery is required if your TMJ disorder has gone beyond pain and discomfort, such as if you have chronic difficulty opening your jaw, which can affect your eating and nutrition.