If you’re living with persistent jaw discomfort, tension headaches, or unexplained ear symptoms, you may be wondering whether your temporomandibular joint—commonly called the TMJ—is to blame. Using advanced, non-invasive diagnostics, Dr. Karthilde Appolon, DDS, identifies the root cause of your symptoms and creates personalized treatment plans to help you find lasting TMJ relief. Discover what to expect during your first TMJ evaluation at our Manhattan dental practice and how we help you find lasting relief.

What “TMJ” Means and Why It Matters

Your TMJ is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to the rest of your skull. It allows you to open, close, and move your mouth from side to side. When the joint or the muscles surrounding it become strained or imbalanced, you can develop TMJ disorder (TMD), which can affect more than just your jaw.

Many people with TMJ disorder experience:

  • Jaw pain or tightness when chewing or talking
  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
  • Headaches, especially upon waking
  • Ear symptoms such as fullness or ringing
  • Neck, shoulder, or facial soreness

Because the TMJ is connected to muscles and nerves that influence multiple areas of the face and head, even small imbalances can lead to widespread discomfort. The good news is that conservative dental therapies can often restore balance and alleviate symptoms without the need for surgery or medications.

Why See a TMJ-Focused Dentist in Midtown Manhattan

While many providers can treat jaw pain, a dentist trained in TMJ evaluation understands the critical relationship between the bite, muscles, and joint function. Dr. Appolon applies a neuromuscular approach—one that looks at how the jaw, teeth, and muscles work together—to relieve pain and restore harmony.

Located near Columbus Circle, Appolon Dental Group offers an inviting, boutique atmosphere designed for patient comfort. The practice focuses on comprehensive care, flexible scheduling, and even virtual consultations, making it easy for busy New Yorkers to get relief from TMJ pain.

You can learn more about our team’s conservative, technology-driven approach on our TMJ treatment in Midtown Manhattan page.

How Your TMJ Evaluation Works

Your first TMJ visit is designed to help you understand your unique symptoms and identify the underlying cause. Every step is designed to make you feel at ease and provide insight into how your jaw is functioning.

Medical and Dental History With Symptom Mapping

The evaluation begins with a thorough discussion of your health and dental history. Dr. Appolon will ask when your symptoms started, what triggers them, and how they affect your daily life.

She’ll also review details such as:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching habits
  • Stress levels or sleep issues
  • Past dental procedures or orthodontic work
  • Headache frequency or location

This conversation helps link your personal experiences to objective findings from the exam.

Measuring Jaw Motion and Joint Sounds

Using innovative technology, the team can “see and hear” how your jaw moves. This analysis tracks how smoothly your jaw opens and closes, and whether any noises, such as clicking or popping, occur.

These measurements provide insight into how the joints, muscles, and bite work together. If there’s an imbalance, the data helps guide treatment—whether it’s an oral appliance, bite adjustment, or other therapy designed to restore natural alignment.

Gentle Muscle Relaxation With TENS Therapy

A key part of neuromuscular TMJ evaluation is TENS therapy, which stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. This gentle, low-frequency pulse relaxes overworked jaw muscles and helps them return to a natural resting position.

Most patients describe the sensation as a light, rhythmic massage. Once the muscles are relaxed, Dr. Appolon can determine how your bite should come together comfortably—without strain or compensation.

Bite Analysis and Trial Jaw Position

After TENS therapy, the next step is to assess how your upper and lower teeth meet. Small imbalances in your bite can cause your jaw muscles to work harder, leading to pain and fatigue. During the bite analysis, Dr. Appolon identifies which teeth contact first and how your jaw moves through different motions.

She then tests a “trial” jaw position—an ideal alignment that relieves pressure on the joints and muscles. This data is used to design your custom oral appliance, or orthotic, which helps your jaw maintain this balanced position in everyday life.

When Imaging Is Recommended

Not every TMJ evaluation requires imaging; however, if symptoms suggest a structural concern, such as joint inflammation or disc displacement, Dr. Appolon may recommend additional diagnostic scans. These help confirm the condition of your joints and ensure that your treatment plan remains precise, conservative, and safe.

Your Custom TMJ Treatment Plan

After your evaluation, you’ll receive a personalized plan that addresses your specific findings. Dr. Appolon’s philosophy focuses on conservative, reversible therapies first—meaning treatments that don’t permanently alter your teeth or joints.

Oral Appliance (Orthotic) Therapy

Most TMJ patients benefit from a custom-fitted orthotic, a slim, comfortable appliance designed to support your jaw in its optimal position. Unlike a standard nightguard, this orthotic is calibrated to guide your muscles and joints into alignment, relieving tension over time.

You’ll also find practical guidance on long-term care in the TMJ oral appliance care guide, which covers daily cleaning and wear tips.

Follow-Ups and Adjustments

TMJ recovery happens gradually. Regular follow-up visits enable Dr. Appolon to fine-tune your appliance and monitor your progress. Early visits focus on comfort and muscle relaxation; later appointments verify stable bite alignment and long-term relief.

Typical improvement milestones include fewer morning headaches, easier chewing, and reduced jaw fatigue. Every plan includes clear expectations for visit frequency and duration.

Stepwise Care: Beyond the Orthotic

If symptoms persist after initial therapy, further steps might include selective bite recontouring, orthodontic adjustments, or restorative treatments that maintain the corrected bite position. Each decision is based on your progress and comfort level.

For patients who also experience nighttime breathing issues, the practice offers oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea to support airway health and improve sleep quality.

At-Home Strategies Between Visits

Dr. Appolon emphasizes empowering patients with practical home strategies that complement in-office therapy. These small habits can make a big difference:

  • Choose soft foods during flare-ups and avoid gum or tough meats
  • Maintain good posture, especially while working at a desk
  • Use warm compresses or gentle stretching as recommended
  • Sleep on your back with supportive pillows to reduce jaw strain

Consistent home care helps stabilize results and prevent symptom recurrence.

Recognizing Improvement and When to Check In

Relief often builds steadily as muscles relax and the bite becomes more balanced. However, if you ever notice new locking, persistent swelling, or significant bite changes, it’s important to schedule a check-in appointment. The Appolon Dental Group team is always available to evaluate concerns and keep your recovery on track.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Visits

Understanding what to expect helps you feel confident before your appointment. Below are answers to some of the most common patient questions about TMJ evaluations at Appolon Dental Group.

Plan for a comprehensive appointment that includes discussion, muscle testing, and bite analysis. Most visits last approximately an hour, but more complex cases may require additional time.

Not necessarily. Imaging is only recommended when the physical exam suggests internal joint problems that need further clarity.

It feels like a mild, pulsing massage across the jaw and neck area. Many patients find it relaxing and even notice immediate tension relief.

Coverage varies. The Appolon Dental Group team can review your benefits and discuss flexible payment options before starting care.

Yes, TMJ and airway problems can overlap. If symptoms suggest a breathing concern, Dr. Appolon may discuss options that include oral appliances for sleep apnea.

Scheduling Your TMJ Evaluation in Midtown Manhattan

Finding relief from TMJ pain begins with understanding the cause. At Appolon Dental Group, Dr. Karthilde Appolon and her experienced team provide patient-centered care that combines advanced technology with personalized comfort. Whether you’ve been struggling with headaches, ear pressure, or jaw tightness, a thorough evaluation can be the first step toward long-lasting relief.

The office is conveniently located at 200 W 57th Street, Suite 1402—just steps from Columbus Circle—and offers flexible appointment options, including virtual consultations. You can easily contact Appolon Dental Group to learn more or reserve your first TMJ evaluation.

Take the first step toward comfort and confidence—call (212) 557-8668 today or click the button below to schedule your TMJ evaluation in Midtown Manhattan.