TMJ Treatment

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a painful, progressive condition that can make simple acts like eating feel challenging. If you’re struggling with TMJ pain, YooKyung Park, DDS, and herteam can help at Park Dental NYC in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York. The practice offers effective TMJ treatment options to relieve pain and restore healthy jaw function. Call or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is TMJ treatment?

TMJ treatment manages the pain, discomfort, and functional problems that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders cause. The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth. With one on each side of your jaw, these joints act as hinges held in place by muscles, tendons, and other tissues.

When the temporomandibular joints shift out of place, become damaged, or the tissues supporting them strain, a TMJ disorder can develop. These painful disorders make it difficult to open and close your mouth comfortably. TMJ treatments aim to relieve pain and restore jaw function.

Who might benefit from TMJ treatment?

TMJ is not a one-size-fits-all disorder. Some people experience severe, constant symptoms, while others notice their problems worsening over time. Signs that you may benefit from TMJ treatment include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
• Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
• Jaw joint locking
• Headaches
• Ear pain or a ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus)
• Pain or discomfort while chewing
• Facial pain or discomfort
• Pain and tension in the shoulders and neck
• Muscle stiffness in the jaw area
• Changes in the alignment of the upper and lower teeth
• Tooth sensitivity or discomfort
• Dizziness or vertigo

TMJ usually doesn’t resolve without treatment. Early intervention is essential to preserve joint health and relieve chronic jaw pain.

What are the different types of TMJ treatment?

Dr. Park and her team may recommend several TMJ treatments to relieve pain and restore healthy function, including:

Lifestyle modifications

Simple lifestyle changes like eating soft foods, avoiding extreme jaw movements, and practicing relaxation techniques can alleviate mild TMJ symptoms.

Oral appliances

Dr. Ng-A-Fook can create custom-made oral splints or mouthguards to help with TMJ-related issues by stabilizing the jaw and reducing pressure on the joint.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy exercises can help improve jaw mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain associated with TMJ disorders.

Medications

Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory medications may help manage TMJ pain and inflammation.

Surgery

For severe cases, surgical options like arthrocentesis (joint lavage), arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgery), or open joint surgery can address structural issues in the TMJ.

Call Park Dental NYC today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about TMJ treatment.