TMJ Treatment Specialist in Midtown East NYC
Understanding TMJ Disorders and How They Affect Your Jaw
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders can often cause pain or discomfort in the cheek, jaw, or ear area and may interfere with normal jaw function.
Because of the everyday stress we place on our jaw joints, patients often don’t realize that the jaw soreness, tension or ear pain they are experiencing may be due to stresses on their temporomandibular joint.
In less severe cases, TMJ disorders can often be managed with conservation approaches such as eating soft foods, using ice packs, and avoiding extreme jaw movement. Other nonsurgical treatments may include anti-inflammatory medications, Botox injections, or custom-fitted stabilization splints.
Custom Oral Appliances
We make custom-fitted night guards designed to alleviate stress on the temporal mandibular joint (TMJ), which may be contributing to your jaw soreness, tension or pain.
Our office fabricates custom appliances to help alleviate those stresses and prevent further damage and pain. Typically worn at night, these removable acrylic appliances can help provide relief from temporomandibular joint pain and other effects of grinding the teeth. These custom appliances not only reduce strain on the joint but also help prevent further wear, inflammation, and associated pain.
TMJ Conditions Fall Into Three Main Categories
Internal Derangement
of the Joint
May involve a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the condyle (the round end of the jawbone that connects to the skull.
Myofascial Pain
Discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw movement, often caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching.
Arthritis
A degenerative inflammatory disorder that can affect the TMJ and lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders are often intensified by stress and can include:
Frequent headaches
Soreness or tenderness in the cheek or jaw area
Pain in or around the ears
Facial pain, discomfort or pressure
Tight or stiff jaws
Popping or clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Locking of the jaw joint
Difficulty chewing
Frequently Asked Questions
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TMJ disorder refers to problems affecting the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. Causes can include teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, joint misalignment, arthritis, stress, trauma, or hypermobility of the jaw muscles.
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Common symptoms include jaw pain, tightness, clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth, difficulty chewing, ear pain, or headaches. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, especially during stress or after waking up, you may have TMJ disorder.
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Mild cases of TMJ disorder can sometimes improve on their own with rest, stress reduction, and self-care. However, persistent or worsening symptoms often require professional evaluation and treatment to avoid long-term damage.
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Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the disorder. Common options include custom night guards, anti-inflammatory medications, Botox injections, physical therapy, and stress management. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
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Yes. Botox is a non-surgical option that works by relaxing the overactive jaw muscles that contribute to TMJ pain. Many patients find relief within a few days, though treatments typically need to be repeated every 3–6 months.
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Apply ice or warm compresses to the jaw, eat soft foods, avoid wide mouth opening (like yawning or chewing gum), and practice relaxation techniques. Gentle jaw stretches and avoiding jaw clenching during stress can also help.
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Yes. TMJ dysfunction can cause referred pain in the ears, temples, and neck due to the shared nerve pathways and muscle tension. This is why TMJ-related pain is often mistaken for ear infections or tension headaches.
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Surgery is rarely needed and is usually only recommended for severe, non-responsive TMJ disorders involving structural damage. Most patients improve with non-invasive therapies like splints, Botox, or jaw exercises.
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Custom night guards reduce pressure on the jaw joint by preventing teeth grinding and clenching during sleep. They help relax the jaw muscles and reduce inflammation and pain associated with TMJ dysfunction.
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Some patients feel relief within days, while others may take several weeks depending on the treatment method and severity of the condition. Consistency with therapy and follow-up care are key to long-term success.