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 joint (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. Read on to learn more about TMJ disorders and how our skilled dental team can help.

What is TMJ Disorder?

Temporomandibular joint 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 one of the best dentists in Ithaca, NY for relieving patients of jaw pain and restoring their oral health and wellness.

Causes of TMJ Disorder

TMD can be caused by a variety of factors, each impacting how it affects patients. Some common causes of (Temporomandibular joint disorders)TMJ 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 joint disk

Signs of TMJ Disorder

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
  • 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 life. The compassionate dental team at Ambis Dental 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 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

▼What are the risks of untreated TMJ disorders?

If left untreated, TMJ disorders could turn into chronic jaw pain and result in a host of complications. TMD doesn’t usually go away on its own, which is why it’s crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Some risks of untreated TMD include:

  • Arthritis of the jaw
  • Injury to the jaw
  • Connective tissue diseases
  • Extensive dental damage
  • Gum recession

▼When should I seek treatment for jaw pain?

If you find your jaw pain becomes persistent or severe, it may be a good idea to seek help from a dental professional like Dr. Ambis before the issue progresses. TMD can cause long-lasting and complex dental damage if left untreated. Schedule a consultation at Ambis Dental to discover a life free of jaw pain.

▼How long does TMD last?

The duration of TMD varies between patients and typically depends on the cause of their TMJ disorder. Some patients may find their TMD symptoms fade within days or months, while others may experience a chronic condition. Regardless of the severity of your TMJ pain, it’s best to seek professional dental treatment to prevent the worsening of symptoms.

▼How do you fix a TMJ disorder?

The best way to find relief from TMD symptoms is to seek treatment from a dental professional. Our caring team provides the best TMJ care in Ithaca, NY, and will customize your treatment to meet your specific needs. Call our dental office today at 607-272-1874 to schedule your consultation with our skilled dentist.

Reliable TMJ 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.

Call our Ithaca dental office today at 607-272-1874 to request a TMJ 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!

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