TMJ Treatment in Ardsley, NY
TMJ disorder can cause jaw pain, headaches, and clicking that significantly affect your quality of life. At Ardsley Dental Spa in Ardsley, NY , Hinna Chaudhry, DMD, and our team use advanced diagnostic technology and conservative treatments to relieve TMJ symptoms, restore healthy jaw function, and help you eat, speak, and sleep comfortably again.
Book OnlineWhat Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. You have two TMJs, one on each side of your head just in front of your ears. They work through a complex sliding and hinge-like motion that lets you chew and speak with ease. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects how these joints and the surrounding muscles function. People often use TMJ and TMD interchangeably, though TMJ technically refers to the joint and TMD refers to the disorder.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Severe or frequent headaches and migraines
- Pain in the ears, neck, or face
- Popping, clicking, or grating sounds when opening or closing your mouth
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking
- Jaw locking or limited opening
- Worn or chipped teeth from clenching
TMJ symptoms vary from person to person and can progress over time. For some, they are a minor annoyance. For others, they are so severe that opening or closing the mouth becomes difficult.
What Causes TMJ?
The exact cause of TMJ disorder is not always clear, but common contributing factors include:
- Bruxism, the habitual grinding and clenching of teeth
- An uneven or misaligned bite, including crooked teeth
- Problems with the cartilage disc in the joint
- Stress, poor posture, and lack of sleep
- Jaw injury or arthritis
- Sleep-disordered breathing such as sleep apnea
Advanced TMJ Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is the key to effective treatment. We use Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA), a quick, non-invasive, ADA-accepted test that measures vibrations in the jaw joint to identify stretched ligaments, disc displacement, or degenerative joint disease. T-Scan computerized bite analysis measures the timing and force of your bite with 2,200 sensing points to reveal imbalances that strain the joints. Learn more about our TMJ technology.
How We Treat TMJ
We start with the least invasive treatments and progress only if needed:
- At-home care: eating softer foods and gentle jaw massage techniques that we teach you to avoid flare-ups.
- Custom night guards: keep your teeth slightly separated at night to reduce stress on the joints and muscles.
- Bite therapy: balance your bite using T-Scan data for healthier joints and muscles.
- Therapeutic injectables: injectables relax tense jaw muscles and relieve pain and headaches.
- Restorative care: rebuild worn teeth with crowns to restore a healthy bite.
Dr. Chaudhry has advanced training in TMJ and migraine treatment and will create a personalized plan based on your diagnosis.
TMJ FAQs
What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself, while TMD refers to the disorder affecting the joint and surrounding muscles. The terms are often used interchangeably.
How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?
Common signs include jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping, ear or face pain, and difficulty chewing or opening your mouth. An exam and Joint Vibration Analysis can confirm a diagnosis.
Can TMJ go away on its own?
Mild symptoms sometimes improve with rest and self-care, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated to prevent long-term joint damage.
Does a night guard help TMJ?
Yes. A custom night guard reduces pressure on the jaw joints and muscles caused by nighttime grinding and clenching.
Can injectables help TMJ pain?
Yes. Therapeutic injectables relax tense jaw muscles and can relieve pain, clenching, and tension headaches.
Can TMJ cause headaches?
Yes. TMJ disorders frequently cause tension headaches and migraines, especially near the temples.
Is TMJ treatment painful?
No. We start with conservative, comfortable treatments such as night guards, bite therapy, and at-home care.
Find Lasting Relief From TMJ Pain
Do not let jaw pain control your life. Call Ardsley Dental Spa at (914) 693-1221 or request a consultation online to start TMJ treatment in Ardsley, NY .