TMJ Treatment on the Upper East Side

Minoli & Vijay,  DDS PC provides TMJ treatment in New York, NY. Call 212-888-4140 to learn more and schedule your appointment. 

On both sides of the jawbone are tempormandibular joints, or TMJ, which connect the jaw to the skull. Dysfunction in these joints is called TMJ disorder (TMD); TMD can cause discomfort in the cheeks, jaw, and ears, and also impact your ability to open and close your mouth comfortably.

In mild cases of TMD, self-managed care (eating soft foods, using ice packs, avoiding extreme jaw movement) and nonsurgical treatments (anti-inflammatory medications, Botox injections, or stabilization splints) are often effective. In more severe cases, surgical treatments like jaw joint replacements may be necessary.

TMJ conditions fall into three main categories:

• Myofacial pain – This is discomfort or pain in the muscles that surround the TMJ, often caused by jaw clenching or teeth grinding.
• Internal derangement of the joint – A possible sign of a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the condyle.
• Arthritis – a degenerative inflammatory disorder.

Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders are often exacerbated by stress and can include:

• Headaches
• Soreness in the cheek or jaw area
• Pain in or around the ears
• Facial pain
• Tight jaws
• Popping or clicking sounds when opening mouth
• Locking of the jaw
• Difficulty chewing

Teeth grinding and clenching are two of the most common causes of TMJ pain, and both can be aggravated or caused by stress. TMD can also be caused by arthritis in the temporomandibular joints or an injury.

TMJ pain may come and go for some people, while for others, TMD simply worsens with time. This is why it is critical to seek treatment. You risk permanent damage to your jaw and teeth if you don’t treat your TMJ disorder.

We will identify the underlying cause of your TMJ pain and create a treatment plan that not only addresses your pain, but also its source. Physical therapy exercises, self-managed care, medication, Botox injections, night guards to prevent teeth grinding, or a combination of these treatments may be recommended.

TMJ disorder is medical as well as dental, however it can be treated by a dentist who specializes in TMJ pain.

Yes, many TMJ disorder patients have hyperactive jaw muscles, which can make their jaw appear square and swollen. TMD treatment often improves this.

TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, and TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. The confusion stems from the fact that TMD is frequently referred to as TMJ.

Call 212-888-4140 to schedule an appointment.