Bella Smiles is a comprehensive dental office located in Nesconset, NY. We provide many dental services for our patients in Long Island, NY. We are home to a group of talented dentists that treat TMJ disorders. This painful condition affects many people and our team is passionate about helping them find relief. Our TMJ treatment options in Nesconset, NY can help relieve jaw pain, tooth pain, and headaches.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorders
Over the years, our dental team has discovered many things that can trigger TMJ problems. Finding the source is helpful to treat the patient. Stress can cause people to grind their teeth or clench their jaws. These actions put a lot of stress on the joints. Some people grind their teeth in their sleep and may not even know it. Other common causes include trauma to the jaw, an improper bite, arthritis, and normal wear and tear.
Signs You Have a TMJ Problem
People who suffer from a TMJ disorder have a diminished quality of life. The pain is typically intense and can be hard to manage. It can often be hard to diagnose since many of the symptoms are shared with other medical problems. Most of the time, the pain is felt while moving the jaw however, you can also experience pain while at rest. Here is a complete list of TMJ symptoms for your reference. Please contact your dentist if you suspect you have a TMJ problem:
- Frequent headaches
- Jaw pain
- Facial pain
- Worn-down teeth
- Pain while chewing, speaking, or smiling
- Locked jaw
- Stiff jaw muscles
- Clicking or popping while moving jaw
- Pressure, ringing, or pain in the ear
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Dizziness
- Sharp pain on the sides of your face
- Facial swelling
Please contact us as soon as you notice a change in your teeth or jaw. We can work with you to pinpoint the cause of your dysfunction. Then we can find the right solution to treat your symptoms at the source.
TMJ Treatment Options
The best way to treat your TMJ problem is to rest your jaw as much as possible. This may include eating soft foods for a while, stretching, and using a hot/cold compress. Dr. Lotardo, Dr. Pop, or Dr. Caesar can also recommend treatment to help you find relief from your TMJ pain.
Our dentists will perform a thorough evaluation of your mouth and jaw at our Nesconset, NY dentist office. We’ll find the source of the problem which will help determine the best course of action. Sometimes, several treatments may be necessary to fully help. Treatment options may include:
At-home care is also important to keep symptoms like jaw pain and headaches at pay. Techniques of relieving stress include jaw exercises, practicing good posture, and body stretches. We may also refer you to a physical therapist to relax the muscles of your mouth, face, and upper body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? We can help. Read answers to common questions about TMJ treatment in Nesconset, NY.
Can TMJ pain happen suddenly?
Grinding your teeth, clenching your jaw, biting your tongue, and yelling can all lead to strain on your temporomandibular joint. These instances are all clear signs of being highly stressed. If you suffer from sudden TMJ pain, you are most likely suffering from high levels of stress.
If you are able to quickly manage your stress, you may not need any treatment at all. Activities such as yoga and meditation are proven to help patients relax their entire bodies, including the TMJ, which helps the pain subside.
What will happen if I do not treat my TMJ?
TMJ disorders are not life-threatening, but they’re painful and will affect your quality of life. Chronic pain can lead to severe depression, anxiety, and lack of sleep. If your TMJ is caused by clenching or teeth grinding, your teeth can wear down prematurely and harm your gums.
How can TMJ affect my tooth and gum health?
TMJ disorders can put extra pressure on your teeth and jaw, which can affect your oral health over time. Grinding or clenching your teeth can wear down the enamel, cause cracks or chips, and even make teeth more sensitive. The added pressure can also irritate your gums and lead to gum recession. Treating TMJ early can help protect your teeth and gums and prevent more serious dental problems in the future.
Can TMJ cause ear pain or ringing in my ears?
Yes. The jaw joint is located very close to your ears, so problems with the TMJ can create pressure, pain, or ringing in your ears, which is also called tinnitus.
These ear-related symptoms are actually quite common for people with TMJ disorders. Treating the root cause can often relieve the pressure and reduce or eliminate the ear pain and ringing. In many cases, combining dental treatments with jaw exercises, stress management, and at-home care helps patients find lasting relief.
Can diet affect TMJ symptoms?
Yes. Eating hard, crunchy, or chewy foods can put extra stress on your jaw joint and make pain or discomfort worse. Foods that are soft or easy to chew are easier on your jaw and can help it rest and heal. Avoiding gum and very tough foods can also reduce strain and help manage TMJ symptoms.
Are TMJ disorders permanent?
Not always. Many TMJ problems can improve or even go away with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. Even making small changes can help. While some cases may require ongoing care, most people see significant relief from their TMJ symptoms with proper treatment.
Request a Consultation
Do you wake up with a headache or jaw pain? Get help with your TMJ disorder by contacting Bella Smiles in Nesconset, NY. If you’re a new patient, call (631) 228-8780. Call (631) 724-0094 if you’re a current patient.
Also let us know if you have questions. Our doctors can find the right treatment for you that will alleviate your TMJ pain and symptoms.