TMJ Treatment in Great Neck

Trust Our Experienced TMJ Specialists on Long Island

Also called TMJ, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a condition which can affect the joints in your jaw. Since it can present itself through a number of different symptoms, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. This is why it is important to consult an experienced Great Neck dentist who focuses on identifying the cause of the condition and providing relief without the need for surgery.

If you constantly feel pain in your jaw and believe you may have TMJ, Distinctive Dental Services of New York, P.C. can help. You'll need to visit a dentist who specializes in jaw disorders to take further action. Our dentists can perform various tests to secure a diagnosis of TMJ and offer a number of treatment options.

Common Symptoms of TMJ

TMJ affects the hinge that connects your temporal bones to your jaw. This hinge is essential for movement in your jaw, including yawning, speaking, and eating. If you have arthritis in the joint, if your jaw joints are unstable, or if you constantly grind your teeth, your body may attempt to self-correct. This may affect your ability to move your jaw comfortably and lead to more severe TMJ symptoms.

How Can a TMJ Specialist Help

A TMJ specialist can provide specialized care and treatment for issues related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Here are some ways a TMJ specialist can help you:

1. Accurate Diagnosis: A TMJ specialist has extensive knowledge and experience in diagnosing TMJ disorders. They will perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and may use imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to accurately diagnose the specific problem.

2. Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the diagnosis, a TMJ specialist can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique condition. They will consider your symptoms, medical history, and any contributing factors to design the most appropriate course of action.

3. Conservative Treatment Options: TMJ specialists typically start with conservative treatment options before considering more invasive measures. These may include lifestyle changes, pain management techniques, oral appliances (splints or mouthguards), physical therapy, and stress management.

4. Customized Oral Appliances: TMJ specialists can design and fit custom oral appliances, such as splints or mouthguards, to help reposition the jaw and alleviate symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and teeth grinding.

5. Medication Management: TMJ specialists can prescribe medications, such as muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, or pain relievers, to manage pain and inflammation associated with TMJ disorders.

6. Injections: In some cases, TMJ specialists may administer corticosteroid injections directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

7. Trigger Point Injections: For patients with muscle-related TMJ issues, trigger point injections may be used to relieve muscle tension and pain.

8. Bite Correction: If misalignment of the teeth or bite issues contribute to TMJ problems, a TMJ specialist can work with orthodontists or dentists to develop a bite correction plan.

9. Surgical Intervention: In severe or refractory cases of TMJ disorders, surgery may be necessary. A TMJ specialist is trained to perform surgical procedures, such as arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, or open joint surgery, to address structural problems in the jaw joint.

10. Follow-up Care: A TMJ specialist provides ongoing care and monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments as needed.

Overall, a TMJ specialist's expertise and focus on TMJ disorders allow them to provide comprehensive care, helping you find relief from pain, improve jaw function, and enhance your overall quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent TMJ-related symptoms, consider seeking a consultation with our qualified TMJ specialist in Great Neck.

Diagnosing & Treating TMJ On Long Island

With so many different symptoms associated with TMJ, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. The first step to a diagnosis and successful treatment is to meet with one of our dentists who can get an idea of your symptoms and history. After we analyze your medical history, we perform a thorough examination of your jaw and teeth, including feeling how your muscles move when you bite, as well as taking X-Rays. Depending on what we find, we may also use a number of different testing procedures, such as an EMG (Electromyography), TENS unit, and sonography.

Following your diagnosis, we can recommend the most suitable treatment option. There are many different ways to treat TMJ and at Distinctive Dental Services of New York, P.C., we are committed to finding the one that best fits your needs.