TMJ Treatment in Locust Valley Near Queens and Long Island, NY
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What is TMJ disorder?
The temporomandibular joint is an intricate collection of muscles and joints that help your mouth and jaw move normally. The function of this joint allows your mouth to open and close, contributing to your ability to speak and chew.
When an issue appears in this region, it is known as temporomandibular disorder or TMD. It’s not always clear what causes TMD, but it’s possible it can be a result of arthritis or pressure in the joint. Stress can also be a contributing factor to TMJ since it can cause you to tighten your jaw and facial muscles.
This disorder can have a negative impact on your oral health, leading to or being accompanied by jaw misalignment, teeth clenching, or teeth grinding. This is why it’s important to seek TMJ treatment early, to avoid future complications and eliminate the uncomfortable symptoms.
Ready to begin your journey to a healthy smile?
What are the common symptoms?
To help give you a better understanding of TMJ disorder, it’s beneficial to be able to recognize the symptoms. This can help you identify the signs early and know when it’s necessary to seek a doctor’s help for treatment.
Oftentimes, one of the most noticeable signs of TMJ disorder is pain and discomfort. This will most likely be felt in the face and jaw, especially when you open your mouth or chew. However, pain may also extend to the neck and shoulders. Other symptoms include:
- Clicking or popping sound in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Trouble opening mouth wide
- Jaw getting locked in an open or closed position
- Hearing problems
- Ringing in ears (tinnitus)
- Swelling
- Toothache
- Earache
- Headache
- Dizziness
TMJ can appear on one or both sides of your face. On average, TMJ is experienced by people between the ages of 20 and 40. Statistics show that it is usually more common in women than men. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it would be beneficial for you to schedule an appointment and get a proper diagnosis.
What are the treatment options for TMJ?
There are a range of treatment options available for those suffering from TMJ disorder. Some of these treatments can be done at home, while others require the assistance of a professional. Some of the most common treatment methods include:
Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes, the symptoms of TMJ can be caused or worsened by your daily habits. To help alleviate your symptoms, changing certain parts of your routine may be necessary. This can include avoiding gum or chewy foods, as well as for opting for softer foods as much as you can. Minimizing extreme jaw movements, such as yelling or singing, can also help. Hot or cold packs can be used to reduce pain throughout the day. Additionally, stress can be a major contributor to TMJ, so finding ways to reduce your stress levels can also be beneficial.
Special Exercises
There are special exercises you can do at home for your TMJ. Doing these exercises for just five to ten minutes a day can strengthen your jaw muscles, release tension, and reduce inflammation.
Oral Devices
A variety of oral devices are available that can help to support and stabilize your joints and muscles, protect your teeth from damage, and guide your jaw into a more natural position. Some of these devices include mouthguards, oral deprogrammers, and oral splints.
Medications
Certain medications can be helpful for treating TMJ disorders. Some of these medications include anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxers.
Dr. Koster can determine which treatment is best for you. She will guide you through the process and give you the tools and information necessary to relieve your TMJ symptoms.
Meet Your Dentist
While working at several of the top cosmetic dental practices in Manhattan, Dr. Adrianne Koster developed her unique approach to dental fillings. Using modern composite fillings, she can create smiles that are both beautiful and healthy.
She has been named a “Top New York Dentist” each year since 2016 because of her:
- Attention to detail and skill
- Warm, caring, and attentive approach to patient care
- Emphasis on comfort and satisfaction
- Continued study of the latest dental technology
- Passion for changing lives
How often is treatment needed?
Another factor that will influence your treatment process is how well your body reacts and responds to the therapy. Do not increase the frequency of your treatments unless advised by your doctor to do so. Trying to push your body to heal quicker may actually cause more harm than good. Overall, treatment may need to be continued for weeks to even years depending on your specific case.
What to expect at your visit with Dr. Koster
When you visit Dr. Koster, she will need to run a series of tests in order to get a proper diagnosis. She will want to review your medical history, examine your jaw joints and muscles for symptoms of TMJ, and may also request X-rays if necessary. As an experienced dentist, Dr. Koster will be sure to answer any questions you may have and do her best to make you feel relaxed and comfortable during the appointment.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can a bad bite cause TMJ?
Can a dentist tell if you have TMJ?
Can a night guard make TMJ worse?
Can massage therapy help with TMJ?
Can TMJ affect balance?
Can TMJ cause nerve pain?
Can TMJ feel like a sinus infection?
Can TMJ make your ears feel clogged?
Do mouthguards help with TMJ?
Does drinking water help TMJ?
Does TMJ get worse with age?
Does TMJ go away?
How can I prevent TMJ at night?
How do doctors fix TMJ?
How do you get rid of TMJ headaches?
What causes TMJ flare ups?
What will a dentist do for TMJ?
What will happen if TMJ is not treated?
Why does TMJ cause ear pain?
Periodontal Treatment in Locust Valley, NY
If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, know that there are treatment options available and the sooner you get help treating this damaging disease, the better. Don’t wait to start treatments, because periodontitis isn’t waiting for you.
At Locust Valley Dentists, we create a welcoming and comfortable environment for your periodontal therapy and regular dental checkups. Our goal is to give our patients excellent dental health in a gentle and friendly way. Schedule your first appointment with us by calling 516-759-2288 or by contacting us online today.
Is Locust Valley Dentists right for you?
At Locust Valley Dentists, you always come first. We begin every appointment by listening to you. You’re encouraged to share any concerns about how your smile looks or feels.
We’ll answer your questions and review the treatment options available to you, including dental fillings.
We’ll talk about:
- Common causes of tooth decay
- Dangers of mercury fillings
- Which toothbrush and floss to use
- Proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Why Dr. Koster’s uses a rubber dam during fillings
- Which foods to eat to reduce your risk of cavities
- How to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come
If you’re nervous about visiting the dentist, don’t worry.
At Locust Valley Dentists, we are known for being gentle, warm, and friendly. This will be the most relaxing and comfortable dental experience of your life! To decrease anxiety during treatment we offer our patients:
Eyewear
Headphones
Soothing music
Blankets
Aromatherapy
Location
- Convenient office hours to fit the busiest schedules
Philosophy
- There’s never any stress or judgment here
Office
- Our modern, calm, and relaxing office is one of a kind
Education
- Learn how our modern fillings improve your health and appearance
No Insurance? No problem.
Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you can still get the healthy and beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed about! At Locust Valley Dentists, we offer a variety of financing options. We’re here to answer all of your questions.
Insurance & Financing
For your filling, our office is able to work with many PPO insurance providers.
Our friendly front office team will help you file your claim and maximize your insurance benefits. If you don’t see your provider listed or if you have questions about payment options, contact our office to learn more.
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