If you’re suffering from jaw pain on one side, you may need a thorough evaluation with a TMJ specialist in Manhattan. Dr. Karthilde Appolon and her team at Appolon Dental Group in Midtown have the latest dental technology to diagnose and treat the painful symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ). Millions of Americans experience some form of this complex disorder, which occurs when one or both of the Temporomandibular Joints (located under the ear on either side of the face) become overworked, overstressed, or stop functioning correctly. These joints are two of the hardest working in the human body, moving in three directions: side-to-side, up and down, and front-to-back.

Jaw pain on one side often occurs when the TMJ on that side of the face is injured or misaligned. TMJ presents with a wide range of symptoms; the specific signs vary from patient to patient. If you want to relieve your jaw pain in Midtown Manhattan, Dr. Appolon can help with a customized treatment plan for your unique needs.

Common TMJ Symptoms

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) can present with symptoms that affect various parts of the body, not just the jaw. Below are some areas that may experience pain or discomfort due to TMJ.

Head Symptoms:

  • Migraine-like headaches
  • Tension headaches

Jaw Symptoms:

  • Pain in the jaw area
  • Clicking or popping noises when opening or closing the mouth
  • A locked jaw
  • Tightness in the jaw muscles
  • Difficulty opening the mouth when talking or yawning
  • Pain when chewing
  • Inflammation in the jaw joints

Face Symptoms:

  • Facial pain
  • Swelling or tenderness on one side of the face
  • Facial numbness

Ear Symptoms:

  • A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears, similar to being at a high altitude
  • Ear pain
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Temporary hearing issues due to pressure in the ears

Neck Symptoms:

  • Stiffness in the neck, sometimes feeling like you’ve “slept on it wrong”
  • Neck pain

Back Symptoms:

  • Upper and mid-back pain
  • Tightness in the back muscles

Extremity Symptoms:

  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers

It’s important to note that TMJ symptoms can be widespread and vary significantly from one patient to another. A dentist with specialized training in TMJ, such as Dr. Appolon, can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether TMJ is the root cause of your discomfort or if another issue is to blame.

TMJ and Bite Problems

When you open and close your mouth, several key elements of your oral health are at work. Your jaw muscles and nerves control the movement, while the TMJs allow the jaw to open and close. Your teeth, meanwhile, distribute the pressure from your bite. When these components are not functioning properly, the others must work harder to compensate.

TMJ disorder can make it difficult for your jaw to move freely, and over time, this added strain can lead to other dental health issues, including:

  • Tooth wear and damage: Teeth can wear down unevenly if one side of your jaw is favored. This can lead to chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth.
  • Tooth sensitivity: Pain or sensitivity can occur when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages.
  • Gum recession: This can lead to sensitivity, bleeding, and an increased risk of gum disease.
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding): An uneven bite can cause grinding and damaging restorations like dental crowns, fillings, and bridges.

TMJ Treatment in Midtown Manhattan

Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for TMJ. At Appolon Dental Group, located conveniently near Columbus Circle, Dr. Appolon and her experienced team have been treating jaw pain in Midtown Manhattan for many years. A comprehensive TMJ evaluation will involve the latest dental technology to diagnose and address the condition accurately.

Here are several effective TMJ treatment options used by many of our patients:

  • TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): This non-invasive treatment stimulates the nerves to relax the jaw muscles.
  • Oral Appliances: Mouthguards, nightguards, and orthotics can help realign the jaw and reduce pressure on the joints.
  • Behavior Modifications: Avoiding hard foods or chewing gum can help alleviate symptoms.
  • Restorative Dentistry: If teeth have been damaged due to bite issues, restorative procedures can correct these problems.
  • NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs): These medications can reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Surgery: In rare and advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the TMJ dysfunction.

Depending on your specific symptoms, you may also benefit from orthodontic treatment, such as traditional braces or clear aligners, to help correct bite misalignment. Dr. Appolon may recommend a combination of TMJ treatment modalities, such as TENS therapy, orthodontics, and an oral appliance. In some cases, more conservative treatments like behavior modifications and using a nightguard may be sufficient.

No two TMJ treatment plans are alike, as each patient presents with a different set of symptoms. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Appolon will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that fits your needs, schedule, and budget.

Contact Us Today to Relieve Jaw Pain in Manhattan

Don’t wait to seek treatment if you’re experiencing jaw pain in Midtown Manhattan. Contact Appolon Dental Group by calling (212) 557-8668 or use our convenient online contact form to request an appointment. Our team will reach out shortly to assist you in scheduling your comprehensive TMJ evaluation.

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