Quick and Efficient Treatment for TMD of the TMJ in New York

The TMJ/TMD dentists at Arlington Dental can evaluate your symptoms and help with a treatment plan to ease your pain.
Quick and Efficient Treatment for TMD of the TMJ in New York

Why TMD/TMJ Treatments?

Do you have frequent headaches, ear pain, jaw pain, or stiff, tight jaws? You may have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). When the  temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is damaged or is not functioning as it should, it is called temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). While it is common to experience TMD/TMJ, you may have a higher risk if you have the following conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Arthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis/Osteoarthritis: All three of these conditions damage your cartilage, which prevents the TMJ from moving correctly
  • Injuries to your jaw: Sports injuries, car wrecks, or other direct injuries to the face, neck, head, or shoulders can lead to TMD
  • Bruxism/ Teeth Grinding: Teeth grinding puts pressure on the jaws that can lead to TMD
  • Connective tissue disease: Applies direct pressure on the TMJ, causing pain and limited face movement



Why TMD/TMJ Treatment?

What to Expect

TMJ/TMD can be very painful. Treatment for this condition can include adjusting the bite, replacing missing teeth, and using night guards. Each TMD case is different. With a proper exam and x-rays, you and your dentist will determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Before Treatment

Since the temporomandibular joint acts as a hinge and is responsible for a wide range of motion, it can get easily damaged. The primary causes of temporomandibular joint disorder are:

  • Misaligned small discs or erosion
  • Arthritis damage to the cartilage
  • Physical injury to the head, neck, or face
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Often it is hard to pinpoint the actual cause of the damage or disorder. Sudden onset of TMJ pain is common and TMD may not be noticeable until the pain sets in. 

Finding out which diagnosis you have is crucial before you start treatment. Your dentist will help you figure this out. 




During Treatment

There are several different treatment options available, including: 

  • Prescription Medicines 
  • Therapeutic Treatment Options
  • Mouth Guards or Splints
  • Physical Therapy 
  • Counseling 
  • Surgical Treatment 



After Treatment

After you start treatment for TMD, you need to follow up regularly with both your physician and dentist. If you choose a non-invasive option, your follow ups will likely be less frequent than if you choose another, more invasive option like surgery. Treatment can help ease your pain



Your First Visit

Once you have a consultation with a dentist, we will discuss your medical history and try to detect signs of all TMJ symptoms that you’re experiencing. In some cases, diagnostic testing to listen to jaw movement to detect popping or clicking sounds, x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are often used to diagnose TMD.
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On Your Schedule
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Insurance
and Financing

Are you worried about the cost of TMD/TMJ services? Don't panic. We work with over 200 dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment plans for your convenience.

No Insurance? No Problem.

Don't have insurance? That's not a problem with us. We offer payment plans and accept most major credit cards, personal checks, and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes TMJ disorders?
Many TMJ disorders are caused by either damage to the cartilage that cushions the joint from the jawbone, or by damage to the small, shock-absorbing disc that sits between the joint and the bone. TMJ problems can also be caused by chronic grinding or clenching of teeth, cartilage damage from arthritis, erosion of either disc, joint damage sustained by an impact or forceful movement of a disc.
What are the symptoms of a TMJ disorder?
How is TMJ diagnosed and treated?