TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint and this joint acts like a sliding hinge connecting the jaw bone to the skull. TMD is the name given to disorders when the jaw becomes misaligned. Jaw misalignment should be taken seriously as it causes a lot of pain, clicking or popping noises in the jaw, and swelling around the jaw area.
Jaw misalignment can be caused by developmental irregularities and bite issues though the cause behind TMJ is not always known. When you have unexplainable pain in your jaw and you don’t know what to do then you need to consult the best TMJ specialist.
A TMJ specialist is a dental professional who can diagnose and manage TMD. A general dentist who has undergone extra education and training to care for the craniofacial areas is eligible to diagnose and treat TMD.
In this article, we discuss when it becomes necessary to consult the best TMJ specialist NYC.
When to consult the best TMJ specialist NYC?
TMJ is a neuromuscular dental issue and the exact cause behind the pain is difficult to pinpoint but that doesn’t mean you should grin and bear it. It is the most common oral Health issue in the United States and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that more than 10 million Americans suffer from this condition.
When you experience the below symptoms then it is best if you visit your TMJ specialist for proper care and treatment:
- Pain/soreness/ tenderness of your jaw
- Pain in the cheeks and/ or temples
- Aching pain in and around your ear
- Aching pace in the facial areas
- Pain in the temporomandibular joints
- Difficulty in chewing and swallowing, or pain while doing the same
- Pain/soreness around the ears
- Locking of your jaw joint
- Difficulty in opening or closing your mouth
- Loss of strength and /or balance
- Clenching or grinding the teeth
Now, you may be wondering why a TMJ specialist if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. We have explained this in detail in the next section.
Why a TMJ specialist?
A TMJ specialist is a dentist who undergoes additional training so that they may treat the disorders of the TMJ effectively. They are also in a position to offer more extensive treatment options such as botox injections or surgery.
So, when you visit your TMJ specialist be ready to discuss your symptoms as well as your medical history. An evaluation will be done which will include a physical examination and X rays to determine the proper course of treatment. The treatment itself can range from simple at home care measures to extensive interventions like injections and surgery.
In the next section, we have discussed how TMJ is treated and what are the treatment options available.
How is TMJ treated?
There are many options to treat TMJ and we have outlined some of the popular treatments below:
- Moist heat application
- Change in diet
- Over the counter medication
- Bite Splints
- Oral Physical therapy
- Ice Pack and cold compresses
- Jaw stretching exercises
- Muscle relaxer
- Injections
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Surgical procedures
- Nerve stimulation
- A personalized orthotic device
- Veneers, crowns and bite restorations
- Orthodontic treatments
Seek professional help if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw or if you are not able to close or open your jaw completely.
Conclusion
TMJ disorders are very prevalent and are more common than you think. Thankfully there are many treatment options available and with the right medical attention you can get rid of the pain and symptoms for good. So, never grin and bear this problem and get yourself treated as soon as possible.
New York Dental Clinic is a highly sought after multispecialty dental clinic and all our dentists are board certified. We have TMJ specialists on board with us who are extensively trained in this dental specialty and are able to treat TMJ with lasting comfort. So, if you are suffering from any neuro dental issues then contact us right away and get the correct treatment from the right orofacial pain specialists.
