TMJ Disorders, New York NY
TMJ disorders are a family of problems related to your jaw joint. If you are experiencing symptoms such as jaw movement, facial pain, or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past.
These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of joint disorders can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.
No one treatment can resolve joint disorders completely. Treatment takes time to become effective. Dr. Brisman can help you have a healthier, more comfortable jaw.
Trouble With Your Jaw?
Temporomandibular disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease.
Injuries and arthritis have the potential to directly damage the joint or cause stretching and tearing of the muscle ligaments. This can result in the displacement of the joint disk. The joint disk is composed of cartilage and serves as the “cushion” of the jaw joint.
Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, chronic pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth, or limited mouth opening.
Procedures
Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?
It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of TMJ disorder to receive timely treatment. Take a moment to consider the following questions:
- Do you notice yourself grinding or clenching your teeth?
- Do you wake up with stiff or sore muscles around your jaws?
- Are frequent headaches or neck aches part of your daily experience?
- Does the pain worsen when you clench your teeth?
- Have you observed an increase in clenching and pain during times of stress?
- Do you experience clicking, popping, grating, catching, or locking in your jaw when you open your mouth?
- Is it painful or difficult for you to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
- Have you ever experienced an injury to your neck, head, or jaws?
- Do you have issues with other joints, such as arthritis?
- Have you noticed your teeth no longer touching when you bite?
- Do your teeth come into contact differently at times?
- Is it challenging to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
- Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken, or worn?
If you have answered “yes” multiple times, there is a higher chance that you may be experiencing a joint disorder. Familiarizing yourself with joint disorders can provide insight into their treatment methods.
TMJ Treatment Options at Brisman Implant and Oral Surgery in NYC
There are various treatment options that Dr. Brisman can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Brisman will determine the proper course of treatment.
It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care combined with professional care. The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasms and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with nonprescription pain relievers, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxants. Corticosteroid injections can be administered directly into the joints to reduce jaw pain and inflammation. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:
- Resting your jaw
- Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
- Eating soft foods
- Applying ice and heat
- Exercising your jaw
- Practicing good posture
Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint (or nightguard) fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing acute pain.
Nightguards are appliances used to prevent teeth clenching or grinding and reduce muscle tension at night. They help protect the joint disk and joint surfaces in the mouth. An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relieves pressure on parts of your jaw, and aids disk repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn 24 hours/day, or just at night, to move your jaw into the proper position. Appliances also help protect tooth wear.
What About Bite Correction for TMJ or Surgical Treatments?
If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options, such as arthroscopy, jaw surgery and open joint repair restructuring, are sometimes needed but are reserved for severe cases.
Our NYC oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Brisman, carefully considers surgical treatments for non-reducible dislocation of the jaw, severe degeneration, and cases where appliance treatment has been unsuccessful. Recommendations for surgical treatment are made only in cases of inability to open the jaw or when conservative therapy is ineffective.
Schedule an appointment with an experienced Maxillofacial Surgeon in NYC
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Adam Brisman at Brisman Implant and Oral Surgery in NYC. Dr. Brisman offers specialized care for TMJ disorders, ensuring personalized treatment for each patient. The friendly staff will help you find a convenient appointment time, answer any questions, and guide you.
During your visit, Dr. Brisman will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, discuss your symptoms, and create a customized treatment plan to address your discomfort. Trust Brisman Implant and Oral Surgery for exceptional TMJ care.
