TMJ Disorders

Dr. Victoria Kushensky at Hutchinson Metro Dental in Bronx, NY is a TMJ specialist with years of experience treating TMJ pain and its accompanying side effects. Available options range from at-home exercises to restorative dental work or even TMJ surgery. Don’t live with jaw pain; call for an appointment to find relief.

What is TMJ?

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, more commonly referred to as TMJ, is a condition that affects the joints and muscles of your jaw. It causes pain and other symptoms. The temporomandibular joint attaches your lower jaw or mandible to the temporal bone, which is the bone on either side of your head. It’s this joint and the surrounding muscles that give you the ability to chew, talk and yawn without difficulty.

When the TM joint becomes dysfunctional, your jaw doesn’t work properly. TMJ pain relief depends on Dr. Victoria Kushensky correctly diagnosing your condition, which is what you can expect when you visit Hutchinson Metro Dental in Bronx, NY. Symptoms your TMJ specialist looks for include:

• Tenderness in your jaw, usually accompanied by occasional severe jaw pain
• Pain in either one or both of the temporomandibular joints on either side of your head
• Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
• Swelling in your face, especially along the jaw line
• TMJ pain when chewing
• Difficulty eating because your mouth doesn’t close properly
• Shooting headache pain that resembles migraines
• Pain in your ears and eyes
• Stiffness in your jaw muscles
• Shooting pain in your face and neck region
• Painful popping or clicking sounds every time you open or close your mouth
• Changes in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together

Causes of TMJ Pain

Although the exact cause of your jaw pain is often difficult to pinpoint, there are several reasons why TMJ issues may suddenly appear. If you have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, it can erode your jaw joint and cartilage. Osteoporosis weakens your jaw bone, making it prone to fractures and other damage. TMJ may arise when you get a direct hit in the face or your jaw undergoes sufficient stress.

Grinding or clenching your teeth also puts strain on your jaw bone. You should inform Dr. Victoria Kushensky in Bronx, NY if you suffer from sleep apnea, as the condition may lead to teeth grinding while you sleep. Women tend to suffer from TMJ more than men. The idea that hormones could play a part in the painful jaw condition can’t be ruled out, either.

How to Treat TMJ

More than 10 million American sufferers seek TMJ relief treatments each year. TMJ treatment begins with an examination, during which Dr. Victoria Kushensky checks your medical and dental history. X-rays of your jaw, neck and head may be needed. Although TMJ surgery is an option, your dentist in Bronx, NY prefers a more conservative route initially.

Dr. Kushensky, a family cosmetic implant dentist, may suggest that you wear a TMJ night guard while you sleep. Made of plastic, the guard fits over your teeth and protects them when you grind or clench your teeth during the night. Orthodontic treatment such as teeth straightening; may also help, as misaligned teeth can lead to excessive grinding, and uneven bite patterns place unusual stress on your jaw bones.

Additional TMJ Treatments

Missing teeth create an unhealthy bite and inadequate bone development. At Hutchinson Metro Dental, you have access to a range of restorative dentistry options. To fill in those gaps and allow your jaw to work properly again, you may require:

• A dental bridge
• Dentures
• Dental crowns
• Implants

Other corrections to damaged or ill-fitting teeth may help as well, including:

• Extractions
• Bone graft
• Single tooth implant

At-home remedies also provide significant TMJ relief while you undergo other dental procedures or allow time for the TMJ mouth guard to do its work. Your Bronx, NY TMJ specialist makes recommendations for your particular situation, including:

• Eating soft foods like scrambled eggs, smoothies, yogurt, cooked vegetables and soup to give your jaw time to rest and heal
• Placing ice packs on your jaw to bring down the swelling and numb any discomfort
• Making a fist and placing it under your chin every time you yawn to prevent your mouth from opening too wide
• Sleeping on your back, not your side or stomach, because you can accidentally hurt your jaw while you sleep
• Doing specific jaw exercises to loosen your jaw muscles
• Learning some relaxation techniques to help ease the tension in your jawline

Get the help you need to relieve your TMJ pain now and in the future. Contact Dr. Victoria Kushensky today for an evaluation.