TMJ Treatment in Upper East Side & Kips Bay, New York
If you're dealing with clicking, popping, or chronic pain in your jaw, it may be the result of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). At Bar & Smith Dental, we offer TMJ treatments on the Upper East Side and in Kips Bay to help you get out of pain. We understand the major impact this disorder can have on your life, and we are dedicated to helping you through it with quality care.
TMD can be tricky to diagnose without the eye of a skilled dentist. With our knowledge, we can provide a diagnosis and treatments that can help improve your quality of life. Learn more and schedule your consultation with our team today!
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What Is TMD?
TMD refers to disorders of the muscles, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and nerves around the jaw. Your TMJ connects the lower and upper jaw, enabling us to talk, chew, and yawn. This means that TMD can affect even the smallest jaw movements. One of the most common forms of TMD involves discomfort and pain in the muscles that control the jaws, neck, and shoulders. This can be because of excessive strain on the joints and muscles due to teeth grinding, trauma, or medical conditions such as arthritis.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Our practice looks at various symptoms to help diagnose and determine which TMJ treatment is right for you. Some people experience temporary symptoms and occasional discomfort, usually cyclically, while others have more severe, constant pain. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, we suggest coming into our office for an evaluation:
- Soreness or discomfort in the jaw
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Limited movement of the jaw joint
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth
- Pain in your back, neck, shoulders, face, or behind the eyes
- Frequent clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism)
- A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
Our Process for TMJ Treatments
When you visit our office for a consultation, we'll work to get to the root of the issue so we can recommend the right approach for your situation. We begin with a thorough examination where we look at your jaw movement, examine your teeth for signs of grinding, and perform x-rays if needed. We'll also ask you about your symptoms, such as whether you're experiencing jaw pain, popping sounds, or headaches. If we find that your case is more complex, we will refer you to a trusted specialist so that you get the right treatment.
For many patients, an oral appliance can help them find the relief they need. Our non-invasive oral appliances, such as night guards, are made to prevent teeth grinding and clenching, allowing your TMJ to rest. We customize each appliance to fit comfortably so treatment is easy to follow through with.
FAQs About TMJ Disorders
When you're struggling with TMD, it's natural to have questions about what the right treatment is for you. You can trust that our team is here to help you get the answers you need, allowing you to feel informed and empowered throughout the process. Some of the most common questions we receive about TMJ treatments in Kips Bay include:
While there's no guaranteed way to prevent TMD, avoiding certain habits such as regularly chewing gum, biting your nails, or grinding your teeth can support good jaw health.
Untreated TMD can lead to worsening and chronic pain or stiffness, jaw locking, headaches, changes in your bite, and even arthritis. The discomfort can even spread further, impacting your neck, shoulders, and back and decreasing mobility.
Typically, once you are regularly experiencing symptoms of TMD, treatment is necessary to prevent further discomfort. Oral appliances help many people find relief, especially along with other relatively simple treatments such as stress-reduction plans.
In addition to our oral appliances, there are some things you can do to help manage your disorder at home. Over-the-counter painkillers and ice packs can help with pain and discomfort. Stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, can help prevent jaw clenching. Regular jaw exercises can also help stretch tight muscles for long-term relief.
Your Kips Bay Dentist for TMJ Disorder
You don't have to suffer from headaches or chronic jaw pain due to TMD. At Bar & Smith Dental, we offer quality TMJ treatments in Kips Bay and the Upper East Side to help relieve pain and discomfort. We take your concerns seriously and offer solutions designed around providing long-term relief and increased comfort. Our primary goal is to improve your quality of life using oral appliances that are customized to your specific needs. If you suspect you're struggling with TMJ disorder, don't hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment today!
CALL OUR OFFICES REQUEST APPOINTMENT
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