Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is a common condition that affects 5 to 12% of people in the United States. The exact cause of the pain isn’t always known, but the team at ToothDocs specializes in TMJ treatment. They can develop a plan to help you get relief from your pain. To schedule a consultation, call the office in Roslyn, New York, or one of the two offices in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, or book online.
Temporomandibular joints connect your jawbone to your skull. These flexible joints allow you to open and close your mouth and move your jaw forward, backward, and side to side.
Like all of the joints in your body, your TMJ is made up of many parts that support its structure and function, including bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Any problem that affects one or more of the components that make up your TMJ may cause pain. Common causes of TMJ pain include:
Sometimes the cause of TMJ pain is unknown. Unlike other types of chronic pain conditions, TMJ most often affects younger adults.
With TMJ, you may feel pain in your joint or the supportive muscles in your face. Other symptoms include:
You may also hear or feel a clicking or grating sensation in the joint when you open and close your mouth.
When you visit ToothDocs for a TMJ consultation, you can expect a comprehensive exam. During your visit, your dentist reviews your symptoms, medical, and dental history. The team conducts a dental exam, paying close attention to the structure and movement of your jaw.
They also run diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI to confirm or rule out the cause of your symptoms.
The team at ToothDocs creates personalized treatment plans for TMJ based on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause.
Initially, the team may recommend modifying your diet to include softer foods, using heat packs to alleviate the pain, and trying relaxation techniques to minimize jaw clenching.
If your symptoms persist or are severe, your dentist may recommend exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles, medications to alleviate pain and inflammation, or a mouthguard to minimize clenching and grinding while you sleep.
For misalignment issues, ToothDocs providers may recommend orthodontics, which are offered at the practice.
To get relief from your TMJ pain, call ToothDocs, or book an appointment online today.
