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TMJ Treatment in Midtown NYC

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Metropolitan Dental Care provides treatment for disorders of the temporomandibular joint, commonly called TMJ. Treatments at our state-of-the-art practice near Grand Central Station and Bryant Park include Botox injections and custom night guards. To book a consultation, call 212-867-4223 or schedule your appointment online.

How We Treat TMJ at Metropolitan Dental Care

Millions of people suffer from disorders of the jaw joint. Known broadly as TMJ disorders, common causes of TMJ include teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), arthritis, and less commonly, a dislocated or displaced joint.

TMJ can significantly reduce your quality of life. With symptoms ranging from headaches to facial and jaw pain to neck stiffness and popping and clicking sounds when opening your mouth, TMJ may be worse during periods of high stress. 

At Metropolitan Dental Care in Midtown Manhattan, all three of our highly respected, experienced, and trained dental specialists treat TMJ with several non-invasive treatments.

Custom Oral Appliances (Night Guards). During an exam, our dentists will look for signs of wear on the teeth when performing a comprehensive oral exam. Wear on the teeth, particularly the molars, indicates grinding or clenching your teeth while sleeping.

If grinding and clenching are suspected as the cause of your TMJ pain, you may be fitted for a custom night guard (known as an oral appliance). The night guard will prevent you from fully clenching down while you sleep, thus alleviating pressure and stress on the jaw joint.

Botox Injections. Botox works by temporarily relaxing targeted muscles. When used to treat TMJ, Botox injections prevent the muscles responsible for grinding, biting down, and clenching while you sleep from working. To relax the muscles responsible for clenching and grinding, Botox is injected into the jaw muscles, near the temple, and sometimes the forehead. 

Botox injections for TMJ often work very quickly, providing fast relief from pain.  Pain relief from the injections may last 4 months or longer. Botox injections may be used in conjunction with at-home remedies and oral appliances.

At-Home Remedies to Reduce TMJ Pain. Mild pain from TMJ can often be reduced with at-home remedies and lifestyle changes.

For example, you may ice the jaw, switch to soft foods temporarily, or use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to mitigate pain.

Because symptoms of TMJ are often exacerbated by stress, the TMJ specialists at Metropolitan Dental Care may also recommend relaxing activities to reduce stress. Examples may include using mindful meditation apps or videos, stretching exercises such as yoga or tai chi, and soothing activities such as a walk in the park or a hot bath. During a TMJ flare, it is often extremely beneficial to try to mitigate stress and anxiety.

Symptoms of TMJ You Should Not Ignore

Symptoms of TMJ can arise seemingly out of the blue. However, as a holistic dental practice, our experts at Metropolitan Dental Care know that underlying conditions can suddenly spark jaw pain that may radiate through the face, neck, and shoulders.

Indeed, many people first develop signs of TMJ during a particularly stressful period in their lives. Job changes, moves, grief, divorce, and financial strain may contribute to teeth grinding and clenching.  Although some cases of TMJ will resolve on their own, others may require dental intervention.

Symptoms of TMJ requiring treatment include:

  • Persistent pain in the jaw, face, neck or shoulders
  • Inability to chew food
  • Headaches
  • Jaw locking
  • Inability to fully open your mouth
  • Popping and clicking sounds when opening the mouth

Why Choose Metropolitan Dental Care?

As a patient-centric, holistic dental practice, Metropolitan Dental Care is committed to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness. To that end, we don’t merely treat the symptoms of problems; we work with you to treat underlying causes of oral health care problems.

A multi-faceted treatment plan for TMJ pain is often prescribed by Dr. Mermet, Dr. Winters, and Dr. Soletic. This may include non-invasive lifestyle changes, a focus on reducing stress and anxiety, along with Botox injections for immediate pain relief, and sometimes an oral appliance to protect the joint and teeth from strain and pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment

Does TMJ Require Surgery?
TMJ pain rarely requires surgery. An injury to the face or jaw that damages or dislocates the joint may require surgery. Most people will find relief from TMJ by treating the underlying conditions of bruxism and arthritis.
Do Botox Injections for TMJ Hurt?
Botox injections require multiple needle pricks. If you suffer from a fear of needles, please let our team know, and we will work with you to help you manage your fear, so that you can receive the treatment you need.
Will Insurance Cover TMJ Treatment?
All insurance policies are different. Some dental insurance policies may offer some coverage for a custom oral appliance. Contact your carrier for specific coverage available to you. Metropolitan Dental Care also accepts all major credit cards and third-party financing such as Lending Club and CareCredit.
How Long Does Botox Take to Treat TMJ?
Many patients feel relief from TMJ pain caused by clenching or grinding within just days of injections. Some patients report immediate relief.
How Many Units of Botox Will I Need for TMJ?
All patients are different, but 15-25 units of Botox per side is a common dosage for TMJ treatment.
Will a Night Guard from the Store Fix My TMJ?
Metropolitan Dental Care does not recommend over-the-counter night guards or sports guards. These do-it-yourself mouthguards can cause issues with bite alignment and may worsen symptoms of TMJ.
Is TMJ a Permanent Condition?
Not necessarily. Many people only experience TMJ pain once or a couple of times in their life. With proper treatment, most cases of TMJ can be successfully managed.
Does TMJ Ever Go Away On Its Own?
Yes. Occasional flares of jaw pain often resolve on their own. However, persistent pain, clicking, locking, or popping needs dental intervention to not only treat the symptoms but to protect the teeth and jaw joint from permanent damage.

Book an Appointment for TMJ Treatment in Midtown Manhattan

If you’re suffering from pain in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders or you are experiencing headaches with no known cause, schedule a consultation at Metropolitan Dental Care in Midtown. Call 212-867-4223 or message us.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

275 Madison Ave, Suite 2118
New York, NY 10016