At Sachem Dental Group, we are committed to providing high-quality dental care to the Long Island (Suffolk County) community. One of the conditions we help our patients with is temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ disorder, TMD, or TMJD.
Determining if You Have TMJ Disorder (TMD/TMJD)
TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Some of the common symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw pain, popping or clicking sounds when opening and closing the mouth, headaches, earaches, and difficulty chewing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist who is skilled in treating TMJ disorder.
At Sachem Dental Group, we offer comprehensive TMJ exams to determine if a patient has TMJ disorder. During the exam, we will evaluate your symptoms, take X-rays and other imaging, and examine your bite and jaw joint function. Based on our findings, we can recommend the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
The Causes of Your TMJ Condition
The causes of TMJ disorder can vary from person to person. Some of the common causes include misaligned teeth or jaws, stress, clenching or grinding of teeth, trauma to the jaw, and arthritis. In some cases, TMJ disorder can develop without a clear cause.
Understanding Types of Non-Surgical TMJ Therapy
If you are diagnosed with TMJ disorder, our Long Island dentist may recommend non-surgical treatments as a first line of defense. Some of the common types of non-surgical TMJ therapy include:
Splints and mouthguards: These devices are worn over the teeth to help realign the jaw and reduce pressure on the joint. They can also help protect the teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching.
Orthodontic treatment: If misaligned teeth or jaws are contributing to your TMJ disorder, your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment to help correct the issue.
Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can help strengthen the jaw muscles and reduce pain and inflammation.
Moist heat and massage: Applying moist heat to the jaw and receiving massage therapy can help relax the muscles and reduce pain.
Surgical treatment for TMJ disorder (TMD) is typically considered a last resort because it is an invasive procedure that carries significant risks, and recovery can be lengthy and uncomfortable. There is also no guarantee that surgery will be successful in resolving TMJ symptoms or restoring normal jaw function.
Here are some reasons why non-surgical treatment options are typically preferred over surgery for TMJ disorder:
Less invasive: Non-surgical treatments for TMJ disorder are less invasive than surgery. Non-surgical treatments, such as mouthguards, splints, and physical therapy, are non-invasive and do not require incisions or general anesthesia. This can result in a quicker recovery time and less pain and discomfort than surgical procedures on your TMJ.
Lower risk of complications: Surgery always carries some level of risk, including infection, bleeding, and anesthesia-related complications. Non-surgical treatments have a lower risk of complications and side effects.
Less recovery time: Recovering from TMJ surgery can take several weeks to months, during which time a patient may experience discomfort, swelling, and difficulty eating and speaking. Non-surgical treatments typically have shorter recovery times and are less disruptive to a person’s daily life.
More conservative approach: Non-surgical treatments take a more conservative approach to treating TMJ disorder, as they attempt to address the underlying causes of the disorder without invasive measures. This can be beneficial for patients who prefer to avoid surgery or who do not have severe TMJ symptoms.
Potential for success: Non-surgical treatments have been successful for many patients with TMJ disorder. In fact, many patients have found that non-surgical treatments are just as effective as surgery in reducing their TMJ symptoms and improving their quality of life.
Talking to a Dentist Who Treats TMJ
If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, it’s important to talk to a dentist who specializes in treating the condition. At Sachem Dental Group, our team of experienced dentists has the knowledge and expertise to properly diagnose and treat TMJ disorder. We will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
What Happens if TMJ Treatment is Delayed
Untreated TMJ disorder (TMD) can lead to several long-term effects that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Here are some of the potential consequences of leaving TMJ disorder untreated:
- Chronic Pain: TMJ disorder can cause chronic pain in the jaw, face, neck, shoulders, and back. This pain can become severe and persistent, making it difficult for a person to complete daily tasks and enjoy regular activities.
- Headaches: TMJ disorder can cause headaches that range from mild to severe. These headaches can be debilitating and interfere with a person’s work and personal life.
- Difficulty Eating: TMJ disorder can make it difficult for a person to chew and swallow their food, leading to a limited diet and weight loss.
- Tooth Damage: Teeth grinding and clenching associated with TMJ disorder can cause wear, chips, cracks, and even fractures in the teeth. This can lead to a need for extensive dental work such as dental crowns, bridges, or even tooth extractions.
- Limited Jaw Movement: TMJ disorder can cause stiffness and limited range of motion in the jaw joint. This can make it difficult for a person to speak, eat, and yawn.
- Sleep Disorders: TMJ disorder can lead to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, which can cause a person to stop breathing for short periods while sleeping. This can lead to fatigue, irritability, and other health problems.
- Psychological Effects: Chronic pain and limited functionality can lead to anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Reserve a TMJ Exam in Long Island
If you are experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. At Sachem Dental Group, we offer comprehensive TMJ exams to help diagnose and treat the condition. Our team of experienced dentists will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Contact us today to reserve a TMJ exam in Long Island and take the first step toward relief from TMJ pain.