Sudden or chronic jaw joint pain? We have solutions for that!
Timeless Dentistry in Forest Hills, New York, has a unique level of experience and expertise in treating patients who have been involved in car accidents and work injuries. For instance, patients who have sustained whiplash injuries to the head, neck, and jaw on the road or at work may develop and suffer from a combination of jaw joint disorders known as Orofacial Pain (OP) or Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD).
What is TMD?
TMD is associated with the jaw joint. The Temporomandibular Joint, or TMJ, connects the mandible or lower jaw with the temporal bone of the skull. The joint is located on each side of the face, right in front of your ears. When the TMJ is in “good working order,” it supports healthy and effortless functions – like opening and closing your mouth, chewing food, and speaking. When your TMJ is disordered or not functioning properly, it can make the simple behaviors that we take for granted difficult and painful.
Is TMD only caused by injuries?
No. There are many different potential causes of TMJ pain and dysfunction. Now, when the pain comes on suddenly, it may be due to direct or indirect trauma and circumstances such as whiplash (most often associated with rear-end car crashes). TMD symptoms that may have gone on for a long time, and that may be worsening in their frequency, duration, and severity, can be rooted in a variety of different oral health problems.
These problems include:
- Untreated teeth clenching
- Untreated teeth grinding
- Chronically overworked muscles
- Problems with breathing while sleeping, such as snoring, apnea, or Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
- Any other causes of poor sleep
- Postural problems
- Chronic pain conditions like Fibromyalgia or regional pain syndromes
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain in other areas, especially the neck
- Other unconscious repetitive movements during sleep or waking hours
- History of jaw trauma
- Asymmetrical left and right sides of your lower face or jaw
- An overbite, or a history of extractions and/or braces to correct an overbite
What happens if I ignore these symptoms?
TMD pain and other associated symptoms (like jaw stiffness and tension headaches) are not unlike other oral and maxillofacial conditions of the mouth and face. They typically do not go away on their own. They require professional evaluation/diagnosis and treatment. Otherwise, without treatment, you may notice your pain worsening. It can spread and radiate to other parts of your face, head, neck, back, and shoulders. You may experience more frequent episodes of pain, as well as new symptoms. At Timeless Dentistry, we pinpoint the cause of your pain. We then treat that pain and other distressing symptoms at their source.
What treatment options are available?
The specific approach we take to relieving your pain (and more) starts by precisely understanding the root cause of your jaw joint troubles. Almost all patients, however, benefit from treatments designed to release tension and relax the muscles of the head and neck. While it’s only human nature to try to stop using painful muscles and joints, we want to promote and support a more stable and healthy pattern of movement. Often, the first-line therapy at our Forest Hills, New York office is one or more oral orthotics (also commonly known as an “appliance,” “splint,” “night guard,” “bite guard,” or “bite plate” that helps change the dynamics of how the jaw joints and muscles work, either while resting or while in function. By controlling the forces on and sometimes repositioning the jaw, we promote a healthier relationship between the many components and tissues of the jaw and mouth. This adjustment helps decrease pain and restore healthy function.
We diagnose, prescribe, and 3D print many different styles and specifications of orthotics right here in our office, all depending on the precise diagnoses in your particular case. But of course, orthotics are not the only treatment we offer, and for some patients, they may not even be possible.
Depending on the specific diagnoses you suffer from, other types of treatment include trigger point therapies, functional use of Botox to calm overactive muscles, prescription medications when indicated, prolotherapy, “cortisone shots,” joint fluid supplementation, and regenerative medicine – in which we use healing factors concentrated from the patient’s own blood in order to help heal damaged jaw joints.
We also work closely with a physical therapist, with whom we partner in our office, to help patients strengthen their supporting muscles and increase their comfortable range of motion. For every patient, we discuss lifestyle, sleep, and stress factors that are known to impact chronic pain and your perception of its severity. This educational component, which focuses on your condition and maximizing your overall health, is an essential part of any treatment for a chronic issue.
Regardless of the root cause of your TMJ pain, we have solutions for you—call (718) 310-3866 to schedule your consultation today.
Timeless Dentistry is a remarkable practice lead by Dr Paul Springs. Everyone in the practice is warm, friendly and welcoming. I’ve never experienced a practice that’s committed to providing a total dental experience that focuses on an accurate professional diagnosis, personalized care and concern for your comfort & satisfaction. I needed and received implants. Like most I was concerned about pain (which was minimal to nonexistent) and what was the process. Everything was clearly explained and what resulted was a set of beautiful “new teeth” and a smile that has restored my confidence and ability to enjoy the foods my old teeth couldn’t have handled! I can’t stop singing Dr. Paul and his staff’s praises —they are totally AWESOME!! I would highly recommend them if you’re in need of a dental practice. 
