TMJ Therapy

You wake up in the morning with a tight jaw and pain towards your ears. Maybe you even get headaches and a sore neck! Did you know that all of this pain could be because you’re clenching or grinding your teeth?!

WHAT TO EXPECT

They say you’re not really a New Yorker unless you own a nightguard! Research has shown that during episodes of grinding, our heart rate and pulse increases, which has a correlation between stress and grinding. Although yoga classes may help you find your Zen, it may not prevent you from damaging your pearly whites!

TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint, which is vital in the function and movement of the jaw.  Complications in this joint may be caused by misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excessive muscle tension.  Problems in the TMJ can cause headaches, earaches, popping of the jaw, pain in the jaw muscles, and soreness in the area that may extend to the face.  Dr. Plotnick has various methods for TMJ treatments, including professional nightguards.

YOU MAY BENEFIT FROM A PROFESSIONAL NIGHTGUARD IF YOU:

-Wake up from your sleep clenching your teeth
-See small craze lines in your teeth
-Have experienced several cracked teeth
-Have pain in the morning in your jaw
-Have small notches at the gumline of your teeth
-Get headaches and a sore neck regularly

WHAT TO EXPECT

2 appointments

YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

At your first appointment in Williamsburg, a TMJ assessment will be performed, checking your range of movement, feeling for tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw, and checking for clicking or crepitus (crackling noise) and nerve asymmetry.  Since there are many TMJ appliances, careful assessment is necessary to ensure the right appliance is chosen for you.  After your assessment, an impression of your teeth is taken with a putty-like material and sent to our laboratory technician to create a strong, durable appliance that lasts for many years.

YOUR SECOND APPOINTMENT

During your second appointment, we will have your new oral appliance ready for you.  We will provide instructions on how to place the appliance, as well as take it out and clean it.  We will also review the benefits of using the nightguard and the disadvantages of not using it.  Be assured, Dr. Plotnick will have your TMJ therapy in your best interest, and following her instructions will minimize any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Contact Grand Street Dental today to schedule your TMJ therapy appointment.

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