TMJ Treatment in Ithaca, NY

Find Soothing Relief from Jaw Pain With Dr. Ambis

If you experience severe and persistent pain in your teeth, jaw, or neck, it may be a sign of a problem with your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can interfere with your daily life by making speaking, chewing, and even smiling a challenge.

At Ambis Dental, our caring dentist in Ithaca, NY, Dr. Edward Ambis, has helped countless patients in Lansing, Dryden, and South Hill find relief from painful TMD symptoms. Call now at 607-272-1874 to learn more about TMJ disorders and how our skilled dental team can help you regain comfort.

What is TMJ Disorder?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition that affects your TMJ, a joint crucial for jaw movement. This painful condition limits the movement of the joints on either side of your jaw and may cause painful lockjaw, teeth grinding, and jaw misalignment. Dr. Ambis is a leading dentist in Ithaca, NY, specializing in relieving jaw pain and restoring oral health.

Types of TMJ Disorders

There are several types of TMJ disorders, each with its own unique set of symptoms and causes. Some of the most common types of TMD include:

• Myofascial Pain Disorder: This is the most common type of TMJ disorder and is characterized by pain or discomfort in the muscles that control jaw movement. Various factors, including stress, overuse of the jaw muscles, and trauma to the temporomandibular joints, can cause myofascial pain.
• Internal Joint Derangement: This type of disorder occurs when the disc that cushions the joint becomes displaced or dislocated, leading to pain, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, and limited jaw movement. Internal derangement can be caused by trauma to the joint, arthritis, or a misaligned bite.
• Degenerative Joint Disease: This disorder occurs when the cartilage in the jaw joint wears away over time, resulting in bone-on-bone contact, pain, and limited jaw movement. Degenerative joint disease can be caused by aging, joint trauma, or other joint diseases.
• TMJ Ankylosis: This rare but serious TMJ disorder occurs when the jaw joints become fused, preventing normal jaw movement. TMJ ankylosis can be caused by trauma to the joints, infection, or certain medical conditions.

Causes of TMD

TMD can be caused by a variety of factors, each of which impacts how it affects patients. Some common causes of temporomandibular disorders include:

• Poor bite as a result of crooked teeth (malocclusion)
• Jaw dislocation
• Facial or dental trauma
• Joint cartilage damage from arthritis
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Displacement or erosion of the joint disk

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). These include:

• Jaw injuries: Trauma to the jaw, such as from a car accident or sports injury, can raise the risk of TMD.
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism): Habitual teeth grinding or clenching, often due to stress or anxiety, can exert excessive pressure on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
• Arthritis or other joint diseases: Conditions causing inflammation or damage to the joints, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can elevate the risk of TMD.
• Dislocation or displacement of the jaw joint disc: If the disc that cushions and stabilizes the jaw joint becomes dislocated or displaced, it can lead to TMJ symptoms.
• Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing TMD.
• Poor posture: Poor posture, particularly in the neck and shoulders, can contribute to muscle tension and pain in the jaw and surrounding areas.
• Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop TMJ disorders.
• Age: TMD is more common in people between the ages of 20 and 40, but it can occur at any age.

TMD Symptoms

While TMD affects every patient differently, there are some common signs to be aware of. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may indicate a disorder of your TMJ:

• Headaches or migraines
• Limited range of motion in the jaw muscles; jaw locking
• Popping and clicking noises
• Pain when chewing or biting into food
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Bruxism (clenching and grinding)

Don’t let jaw pain get in the way of your life. Our compassionate Ithaca team is more than happy to provide you with the customized treatment you need. Schedule a consultation at our Ithaca, NY, office today by calling 607-272-1874.

Our TMJ Disorder Treatments

TMD treatment strategies can differ depending on the contributing factors. Our Ithaca dentist will complete a thorough exam and take a full-mouth X-ray to evaluate the anatomy surrounding your TMJ.

After an in-depth interview and assessment, we’ll likely recommend one or a combination of the following types of treatments:

• A Bite Splint or Night Guard: Habits like grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism) lead to constant muscle strain in your TMJ, face, and other muscles of your head. Bite splints and night guards can help prevent bruxism and alleviate pressure from your TMJ.
• Orthodontic Treatment: Misaligned teeth and jaws cause your mouth to move atypically. Over time, these irregular movements lead to strain within your TMJ, which is why we may recommend an orthodontic treatment to move your upper and lower teeth into proper alignment.
• Bite Adjustment: “High” or uneven teeth can create heavier biting points, leading to irritation within the TMJ over time. Dr. Ambis may elect to adjust your bite to redistribute the pressure.
• Restoring Missing or Worn Teeth: Broken or missing teeth can cause you to chew on one side of your mouth, leading to an imbalance in your joints. We can provide customized dental restorations to balance your smile and alleviate TMD pain.

Reliable TMJ Disorder Treatment at Ambis Dental

You don’t have to keep living with headaches or missing out on the foods you love. Our patient-oriented TMD treatments will help alleviate your jaw pain and get your oral health back on track.

Take the first step towards a pain-free smile today! Call our Ithaca dental office at 607-272-1874 to request a TMD exam with Dr. Ambis. You can also request an appointment by filling out our convenient online contact form. Our attentive team is here to help you rediscover the joy of a comfortable, healthy smile!