Bella Smiles is a comprehensive dental office located in Nesconset, NY. We provide numerous 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.
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
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. Additionally, we will try to 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:
- Mouthguards or Dental Splints
- Restorative Dentistry Treatments
- Orthodontics
- Ways to manage stress
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 temporomandibular joint, which helps the pain subside.
What will happen if I do not treat my TMJ?
TMJ disorders are not life-threatening. However, they are 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, this will cause your teeth to wear down prematurely and harm your gums.
Get help with your TMJ disorder by contacting Bella Smiles in Nesconset, NY. Here, our doctors can find the right treatment for you that will alleviate your TMJ pain and symptoms.