We’re delighted you’re here to learn about TMJ. If you’re struggling with jaw pain or other symptoms, Dr. Karthilde Appolon, a TMJ dentist in Midtown Manhattan near Columbus Circle, can help. She specializes in neuromuscular dentistry, which focuses on correcting jaw misalignment.
Neuromuscular dentists like Dr. Appolon determine the best jaw position to fix misalignment and adjust how your upper and lower teeth meet, known medically as “occlusion.” If your bite isn’t aligned correctly, a condition called malocclusion, you’re likely experiencing TMJ symptoms.
To realign your jaw, Dr. Appolon uses various methods like cosmetic dental restorations, tooth recontouring, and orthodontics. This relieves stress on the jaw muscles and eliminates the painful symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, commonly known as TMJ or TMD.
Symptoms & Signs Of TMJ
One of the factors that makes TMJ such a challenging disorder to diagnose is its sometimes seemingly unrelated variety of symptoms. TMJ is often misdiagnosed and undiagnosed because the symptoms don’t make sense to medical professionals without neuromuscular dentistry knowledge. TMJ can affect various parts of your body, including:
- Head: Headaches, migraines, site-specific head pain, pain behind the eyes
- Face: Facial pain, numbness, tingling
- Ears: Ringing, stuffiness, muffled sounds, ear pain, hearing difficulty
- Jaw: Jaw pain, tightness, chewing difficulty, speaking problems, clicking noises, jaw locking
- Neck: Neck pain, stiffness, limited range of motion
- Back: Upper, mid, and lower back pain
- Upper Extremities: Numbness, tingling, reduced grip strength
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is a broad label that describes many different disorders of the craniofacial systems, including the jaw and chewing muscles. Although not all forms of TMJ have been described in detail, there are three common types that are well known:
- Myofascial pain disorder (MPD)
- Disc displacement (DD)
- Degenerative joint disease (DJD)
MPD is the most common form of TMJ. In this form of the disorder, imbalance in the jaw causes muscle dysfunction that can lead to muscle pain and other effects, such as pinched, pressured, or overburdened nerves.
DD occurs when the cushioning disc between the bones in the joint comes out of place. This is related to jaw symptoms like jaw noises and irregular motion.
DJD occurs when the jaw joint is being damaged by degenerative conditions, such as arthritis. DJD can impact the bones, cushioning disc, ligaments, or other jaw structures.
Dangers Of TMJ, If Left Untreated
Untreated TMJ can be dangerous and lead to serious health concerns. If left untreated, TMJ headaches can be debilitating, causing you to miss work and be unable to perform daily activities.
Joint damage may occur when TMJ is untreated. When your jaw joint is misaligned, your TMJ symptoms will intensify, leading to further inflammation and increased pain.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and TMJ are often related. Many people with TMJ also have sleep apnea, a sleep disorder leading to heart problems, diabetes, stroke, sexual dysfunction, and mood disorders. Yes, Dr. Appolon also provides sleep apnea treatment.
TMJ Treatment At Appolon Dental Group
You don’t have to live with TMJ pain. Dr. Appolon offers a range of non-invasive, non-narcotic, and affordable treatments, including:
- Lifestyle changes in sleep habits, diet
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation)
- Bite splints or oral appliances
- Dental procedures to correct uneven, worn, and misaligned teeth
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Oral surgery (only for advanced cases)
TMJ treatment will work to move your jaw into its optimal position because when the jaw is not functioning correctly and is out of alignment, the joints and muscles in the area are forced to work overtime to allow you to move your jaw, face, head, and neck in many directions.
The Temporomandibular Joints are the only joints that move back and forth, side to side, and up and down. Due to having to move in so many directions, the jaw joints get overworked, and dysfunction results.
Midtown Manhattan TMJ dentist Dr. Appolon can evaluate your jaw function to determine if you’re suffering from TMJ. If you are diagnosed with TMJ, treatment may begin right away. Our innovative TMJ technology lets us see and hear jaw movements to discover your problems.
Schedule a TMJ Evaluation Today in Columbus Circle
Ready to take the next step? Call Appolon Dental Group at (212) 557-8668 or complete our online contact form. A team member will contact you to answer questions or help you schedule an evaluation.
