top of page
Logotype

TMJ Disorder Treatment in New York City

Serving Midtown East, Upper East Side & Surrounding Areas

 

Causes of TMJ Disorder (TMD)

TMD can occur after trauma to the jaw, local cartilage disk dislocation, or damage to the cartilage from arthritis or other connective tissue diseases. Other patients have bite misalignment due to a lack of dental and orthodontic intervention, or interference from restorations that do not fit properly in the mouth and cause the muscles to move abnormally. The most common TMJ disorder is bruxism — stress-induced clenching or grinding of the teeth during sleep, which creates dysfunction in the lower jaw. The force exerted on the teeth can range from 50-160 lbs., and sometimes well beyond (the most ever measured was 975 lbs.), often resulting in significant structural problems. In fact, under stress, the limbic system can increase the maximum force exerted up to six times.

TMJ Issues and Nightguards

Address TMJ pain and protect your teeth with custom-made nightguards designed for comfort and longevity.

Candidates for TMJ Disorder Therapies

Patients interested in treatments for their TMJ disorder can schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Lazare to discuss their symptoms and learn more about treatment options. Dr. Lazare will collect and review a full medical and dental history and perform an examination to determine the source of discomfort. Dr. Lazare may also capture x-rays or other types of images to better understand jaw function and any underlying issues. The best candidates for TMJ disorder treatment are those who are willing to try more conservative approaches, and agree to follow at-home regimens, such as the daily use of a night guard.

Interesting Facts About TMJ Issues and Nightguards

Interesting Facts About TMJ Issues and Nightguards

Explore Our Full Range of Dental Services

Explore the full range of services offered by Dr. Marc Lazare’s dentistry practice, located in Upper East Side, New York. Whether you're looking for advanced cosmetic treatments, preventative care, or specialized biomimetic solutions, our team is here to help you achieve a healthier, more radiant smile. Discover how we can enhance your dental health and transform your smile—browse our services today!

The Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an anatomical feature found in both sides of the lower jaw.


The TMJ connects the jawbone to the skull at a socket, and the jaw muscles allow the mouth to function like a sliding hinge, opening and closing to allow different movements. There are multiple components to this area of the jaw, and if any part of the TMJ is not working correctly, dysfunction can occur.

People with TMJ disorder (also called TMD for temporomandibular disorder) experience pain of the joint and surrounding muscles.

Once joint alignment is compromised, sufferers may experience chronic pain and discomfort, as the temporomandibular joint is the most frequently used joint in the human body.

Diagnosing TMJ Disorder and Irregularities of the Jaw Joint

Along with physical symptoms, Dr. Lazare can assess a patient for TMJ disorder with a thorough evaluation. He may view and feel the area, noting any signs of inflammation that could be attributed to improper function of the lower jaw. He may also determine if there is regular movement of the jaw in each direction — forward, back, up, down, and side-to-side. If these movements are accompanied by sounds, Dr. Lazare can hear them during the exam. Sometimes, X-rays or other imaging is a necessary step in diagnosing TMJ disorder.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

There are specific side effects that occur as a result of TMJ disorder. While some are under the impression that noises produced by the jaw, like popping, clicking, or grinding sounds are an issue, this is actually very common. When these noises are accompanied by pain, discomfort, or limited movements of the jaw, there may be problems with the temporomandibular joint. When the TMJ is not functioning properly, people may notice pain in one or both side of the jaw joint when at rest or chewing, stiff jaw muscles, or earaches. In some cases, patients even experience lockjaw. Sometimes, the issue creates pain in the face and neck, or earaches that may at first seem unrelated. Headaches that occur in the morning may also be the result of TMD. Aside from pain, sufferers of TMJ disorder may also notice that their bite has changed, and the teeth no longer fit together as they once did.

Patient's Testimonials

Can TMJ Disorder Be Cured?

Most cases of TMJ disorders can be treated conservatively and successfully. Only a small number of cases require surgical correction, usually with those individuals who have suffered a traumatic injury. The first step is to eliminate the pain and muscle spasms. In mild cases, this can be done with moist heat packs, a non-chewy diet, and muscle relaxants (if necessary). It is also important not to try to test the degree of pain by opening and closing, but rather try to rest the TMJ and give it time to heal. The next step would be to try and become aware of the potential sources of stress and tension that could lead to clenching and grinding. A conservative therapeutic device that may work well for you is a corrective bite plate (made by your dentist), that will help to relax the muscles, thus preventing headaches, pain and spasm.Selective filing of an uneven bite to correct the “high” spots is a final attempt to treat TMJ conservatively, because the removal of tooth structure is an irreversible process.

What Is the Main Cause of TMJ?

Stress is the most common factor behind TMD, and should be treated alongside the physical symptoms of the joint issues. Mental stress can manifest as physical symptoms, even if we are not conscious of it. Some people enduring a stressful event may notice short term TMJ disorder, while those with issues like anxiety or chronic stress may find that problems like bruxism are ongoing.A common consequence of stress are clenching and grinding, which can tire and strain the chewing muscles, causing them to go into spasm and cause pain. An improper bite can also result in TMJ dysfunction. Among the symptoms are: headaches (usually upon awakening), tenderness or fatigue of the jaw muscles, earaches, and pain or difficulty when chewing, yawning or opening wide. Clicking or popping sounds are very common signs, and in some extreme cases, the jaw can actually get stuck in the open or closed position.

Is My Headache Related to a TMJ Disorder?

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of one’s TMJ syndrome, although it is often related to stress. It also may be the result of a traumatic accident or a disease such as arthritis.

Why Is a Night Guard the First Method of Treating TMJ Disorder?

While there are more invasive methods available, Dr. Lazare typically suggests beginning TMD treatments conservatively with the use of a night guard. The guard can provide clues as to the patient’s nighttime jaw movements, and will alleviate pain associated with the hard pressure placed on the teeth by acting as a buffer. In many cases, the use of a night guard is sufficient in treating TMD. The added benefit is that a night guard made of a hard material will also keep the teeth in proper alignment, serving as a nighttime retainer.

Is TMJ Disorder a Condition That Will Last Forever?

While Dr. Lazare can successfully manage TMJ disorders, he must first diagnose the cause of joint issues. In cases of situational stress, tooth grinding and jaw clenching may subside when the stressful event ends, or the patient is able to manage difficulties in their life. When a connective tissue disease or arthritis causes dysfunction in the joint of the lower jaw, the condition may be chronic until the disease is controlled. Most patients will not experience TMJ disorder (or at least its negative effects) long term.

What Should You Do if Your Jaw Starts Making a Popping Sound When You Open It?

If you are among the millions of people who have been diagnosed with TMJ syndrome, these may be among the symptoms. The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is a joint that attaches the lower jaw to your skull. The symptoms described may be a result of the TMJ not functioning properly, due to one or more of the following having been adversely affected: your chewing muscles, joints, ligaments or surrounding bones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Insights

Specialized Dental Treatments

What's That Sound? Understanding Jaw Noises and TMJ Disorders

Specialized Dental Treatments

From Discomfort to Diagnosis: Your Guide to Understanding TMJ

Specialized Dental Treatments

Could Your Daily Routine Be Worsening Your TMJ Symptoms?

Contact us

Are you a new patient?
Yes, I am a potential new patient
No, I'm a current existing patient
I'm neither

Address

507 Madison Avenue, Suite 1212, New York, NY 10022

Phone

(212) 861-2599

Office Hours

Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Interesting Facts About TMJ Issues and Nightguards

bottom of page