TMJ
Are you suffering from severe pain in your teeth or jaw? Does your jaw click every time you open your mouth?
These could be symptoms of a more serious issue called a temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMD).
Proudly serving Queens, NY, Drs. Carmen Every-Degel and Clifford Degel can treat your TMJ disorder and give you the relief you need.
Understanding the Acronyms
TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint, which refers to the joints that move your jaw. TMD is short for temporomandibular joint disorder, which refers to any complication involving your TMJ.
While TMD is the shorthand for a TMJ disorder, many people refer to issues involving the temporomandibular joint as TMJ. Patients can use the terms interchangeably, and our dentists will understand.
What is a TMJ Disorder?
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TMJ or TMD is the name for any disorder affecting the joints, muscles, ligaments, or nerves in your jaw. TMD affects the standard movement of your jaw, and causes severe pain that can affect daily activities. The condition makes it more difficult to chew or even open your mouth. If left untreated, TMJ can lead to severe oral and physical health issues.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding is typically caused by stress, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, or poor dental alignment. The grinding of your teeth puts added stress on your temporomandibular joints. When left untreated, it can lead to TMD.
Missing Teeth or a Misaligned Bite
Missing teeth or having a misaligned bite can both lead to TMD. When the bite force is not evenly distributed, it affects the natural movement of the temporomandibular joints, causing pain for the patient.
Physical Injury
An injury to the jaw or face can affect the function of your temporomandibular joints. This is especially true if you have suffered a dislocated jaw or another type of jaw-specific injury.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. If you suffer from arthritis, your temporomandibular joint is not immune from inflammation. This swelling can affect the natural movement of your joints and lead to TMD.
Your Dentist Can Detect the Signs of a TMJ Disorder See Why NYC Chooses Us to Treat Their TMD
Astoria Dental Group has been a staple in Queens, NY, since 1990. Our dentists run a state-of-the-art practice and stay up-to-date on the developing techniques of dentistry. They are experienced in treating TMJ disorders and have a variety of techniques to treat and control your symptoms.
Our patients' oral health and comfort are our top concerns. We take the time to listen to each of our patient's needs to develop a treatment plan that is best suited for them. Contact us online or call our Queens, NY, office to see how we can treat your TMD.
(718) 278-1123
See Why People in Astoria and Long Island City Love Us!
Tom K
2021
Dr Degel and his entire staff provide the most enjoyable dental experience from the moment you walk in the door. I highly recommend them.
View On GoogleEvelyn Williams
2021
The Astoria Dental Group is excellent; have been going here for over 10 years and I am comfortable. That is a difficult thing to say about dentistry.
View On GoogleTMJ Disorder Treatments
Oral Splint
If your TMD is due to a misaligned bite, your dentist might fit you with an oral splint. An oral splint is custom-created to fit your teeth and keep your bite and jaw in their natural position. Splints can be combined with other TMD treatments if it does not totally alleviate your symptoms.
Mouthguard
Similar to an oral splint, a mouthguard acts as a barrier between your teeth. It's a good option for people who clench their jaw or suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism). Mouthguards are also custom-fitted in order to best suit your needs. Preventing teeth grinding and relieving pressure on the jaw can prevent your TMD symptoms from worsening.
BOTOX
Commonly thought of as a way to treat and prevent wrinkles, BOTOX® injections have an added use in treating TMJ disorders. BOTOX injections relax the muscles in the jaw, which prevents you from clenching or grinding your teeth with a great amount of force. Having the muscles relaxed around your TMJ helps alleviate the jaw pain associated with straining those muscles and clenching your teeth. BOTOX therapy is an effective TMD treatment on its own, but injections can also be combined with other treatments to fully address symptoms.
Ditch the Over-The-Counter Medications Get Professional Treatment for Your TMJ Disorder
Our dentists can offer you treatment options that are effective and that last longer than over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or pain medications. Astoria Dental Group can offer you:
Pain Relief
Nobody should have to live in excruciating pain every day. Through a variety of non-invasive treatments, we can alleviate your jaw pain in ways that last.
Oral Health
If left untreated, TMJ can cause severe and sometimes irreversible damage to your teeth and jawbone, which leads to many oral health issues such as tooth decay.
Quality of Life
If you suffer from TMJ, the jaw pain can affect your overall well-being. By getting professional treatment, you can return to doing the things you love pain-free.
A New York City Dentist for More Than Three Decades
Eric Luciano
2021
As nerve wracking as one may think a visit to the dentist will be, I have to say I’ve had a great experience every time with this office. The staff is friendly, welcoming and pleasant. I worked with Cindy who is knowledgeable, thorough and walks me through the entire process with attention to all my questions. Always walk out of a visit on a good note. Highly recommend it.
View On GoogleMark Saltzman
2021
A co-worker recommended Astoria Dental Group to me a few years ago and I'm so glad she did. They have been nothing but fabulous since my first appointment and I actually enjoy going to the dentist for the first time ever. Dr. Carmen Degel is wonderful and the staff are very friendly and engaging. I highly recommend Astoria Dental Group!
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