If you experience jaw popping or clicking, headaches, jaw pain, and difficulty opening and closing your mouth, you may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. These joints connect your lower jaw to your skull, which aids in speaking and eating movements. Conditions like arthritis and teeth grinding or everyday wear and tear can cause these joints to become painful and tender, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. 

At Park Smiles NYC, we can help identify the root cause of your TMJ disorder and develop a personalized treatment plan that relieves pain and restores your jaw’s functionality. With years of experience providing exceptional comprehensive dental services to New York patients, you can trust us to put your health, safety, and comfort first through every stage of your treatment. Our caring specialists communicate with you from the beginning so you can better understand your TMJ disorder and what to expect during the treatment process.

How Are TMJ Disorders Diagnosed?

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, between 5-12% of the general adult population has some form of TMJ disorder. This condition can have several causes, including stress, teeth grinding, and jaw injury. Habits like chewing on pens and pencils, using teeth as tools, and poor posture can make it worse. 

To diagnose TMJ disorder in Carnegie Hill, we conduct a close examination using state-of-the-art technology, which involves the following steps:

• Observing your range of motion when you open and close your mouth
• Applying light pressure to your jaw to find areas of discomfort
• Feeling around the jaw joint as you open and close your mouth
• Taking image tests with X-rays to get a closer look at your joint and its surrounding structure

With this detailed assessment and testing, we can determine if your TMJ disorder is in your jaw joints or chewing muscles, along with if it is the root cause of your headaches or other discomfort. Our knowledgeable team also considers your unique needs, health history, and personal preferences to create a treatment plan. 

What Are the Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders at Our Carnegie Hill Office?

While there are several options to treat TMJ disorder, the solution we recommend for you depends on the root cause of the dysfunction and the severity of the pain the issue causes. At Park Smiles NYC, we offer the following treatments for patients with TMJ disorder:

Non-Surgical Options

Before resorting to surgery, we may try non-surgical treatments to remedy your TMJ disorder symptoms. Our experienced team offers several oral appliance options, which can be crucial to treating your concerns. These options include the following:

• Night guards/appliances: Wearing a custom-made mouthguard while you sleep can help prevent tooth clenching and grinding, a common cause of TMJ disorder. These appliances can also be modified to include ramps that help stabilize the TMJ. 
• Day appliances: If you have more severe TMJ instability, you may need to wear an oral appliance during the day. These appliances can help prevent the jaw from locking and encourage patients to stay in the proper resting position.
• Bite splints: For extreme TMJ disorder symptoms, bite splints use a mouthguard to help physically correct the bite. These appliances are worn day and night as a commitment to correcting the misalignment issues causing TMJ dysfunction.

Our specialized team at Park Smiles NYC works closely with you to determine if one or any of these oral appliances will help treat your TMJ disorder and relieve your pain. We also communicate how to wear your appliance to ensure the best results.

Surgical Options

If non-surgical options do not work to reduce or eliminate your TMJ disorder symptoms, you may need surgery to treat the issue. At Park Smiles NYC, we offer the following surgical options:

• Arthroscopy: During this procedure, we make a small incision in front of your ear and insert a small tube with a light and camera. Then, we use this tube to insert instruments that allow us to reshape the bone, remove scar tissue, and reposition the TMJ.
• Arthroplasty: If an arthroscopy cannot correct a displaced disk or other TMJ disorder issue, an arthroplasty exposes the jaw joint for more complex treatment. During this surgery, diseased condyles can be removed, bone interferences can be smoothed, and the disc can be secured into position with stitches.
• TMJ prosthetic joint replacement: For severe joint deterioration caused by TMJ disorder, we may perform a TMJ prosthetic joint replacement. We create and insert the custom-made prosthetic using a 3D model of your skull.

We understand getting TMJ disorder surgery can be daunting, so we provide the support you need before, during, and after your procedure so you always feel comfortable. Moreover, with our sedation options, you can have a painless, stress-free experience.

Why Choose Park Smiles NYC for Your TMJ Disorder Treatment in Carnegie Hill?

When looking for a dentist to help treat your TMJ disorder, it is crucial to find one you can trust to find a solution to help you get your life back. TMJ disorder can make it challenging to do basic tasks, like eating and speaking, and impact your quality of life. At Park Smiles NYC, we understand these challenges and are committed to developing a treatment that restores your jaw health and functionality. 

We set ourselves apart in the following ways:

• Client-focused: We schedule one patient at a time, providing undivided attention to everyone we work with.
• Experienced team: With over eight certified doctors and nine dental experts, our well-trained team has the knowledge, skills, and experience to treat your TMJ disorder, no matter how severe.
• Comprehensive services: We provide unmatched comprehensive dental services to our NYC patients, so you can get every treatment you need in our comfortable offices.
• Top-of-the-line care: We use the latest technology and techniques, ensuring you receive the best care possible for your TMJ disorder.

We understand TMJ disorder affects everyone differently, so we work hard to identify the root cause of your condition, find the proper treatment, and alleviate your pain. You don’t have to continue living with jaw pain and headaches. With the help of Park Smiles NYC, you can treat your symptoms and prevent future damage.

Schedule a Consultation With Park Smiles NYC to Learn More About Your TMJ Disorder in Carnegie Hill

At Park Smiles NYC, we offer comprehensive and personalized TMJ disorder treatments tailored to meet your unique needs. Our small team, led by experienced professionals, ensures you receive individualized attention throughout your diagnosis and treatment process. With our state-of-the-art technology and compassionate approach, we aim to alleviate your pain and restore your jaw’s functionality, enhancing your quality of life.

Trust us to provide you with top-quality care, from non-surgical options like custom-made mouthguards to advanced surgical procedures when necessary. Don’t let TMJ disorder impact your daily activities. Schedule a consultation with Park Smiles NYC today by calling (212) 988-6724 or visiting our contact form.