TMJ Treatment

TMJ treatment in Midtown Manhattan is available at Rockefeller Dentistry, where Dr. Marc Gainor, Dr. Richard Rausch, and Dr. Eric Chason help patients find relief from the jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and muscle tension that are common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders. Because TMJ problems can worsen when left untreated, early evaluation and a personalized treatment plan are the most effective path to a more comfortable jaw. Call 212-246-1333 or book an appointment online today.

Understanding TMJ disorders

The temporomandibular joints are the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull, one on each side of your face. These joints work together with your jaw muscles, nerves, and bones every time you chew, speak, or open your mouth. When the joints and muscles are not functioning in harmony, the result is a TMJ disorder, a family of conditions that can cause a wide range of symptoms and, if left unaddressed, lead to more serious complications over time.

TMJ disorders can develop for a number of reasons. Clenching or grinding your teeth places significant stress on the joint and surrounding muscles. Injuries to the jaw, arthritis, and damage to the cartilage disc that cushions the joint can all contribute as well. In many cases, stress is a significant factor, as tension tends to concentrate in the jaw.

Symptoms that may indicate a TMJ disorder

You may have a TMJ disorder if you are experiencing any of the following: pain or soreness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders, a clicking, popping, or grating sound when you open or close your mouth, difficulty opening your mouth fully or comfortably, frequent headaches or earaches, teeth that feel sensitive or worn, or jaw muscles that feel stiff or sore when you wake up.

The more of these symptoms you recognize, the more likely it is that a TMJ disorder is contributing. Because some of these symptoms overlap with other conditions, a proper evaluation at Rockefeller Dentistry is the right starting point for an accurate diagnosis.

TMJ treatment options at Rockefeller Dentistry

No single treatment resolves TMJ disorders completely, and the most effective approach combines professional care with self-care strategies. The initial goal is to relieve muscle spasm and joint pain, which is typically addressed with pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or muscle relaxants. Steroids may occasionally be used to reduce inflammation.

Self-care measures that can support recovery include resting your jaw, keeping your teeth slightly apart when you are not chewing or swallowing, eating soft foods, applying ice or heat to the affected area, and practicing stress management techniques.

When indicated, the doctors may recommend a custom bite splint, also called a nightguard, which fits over your upper or lower teeth to reduce clenching, relax the jaw muscles, and protect the joint surfaces during sleep. Other appliances may be used depending on your specific diagnosis and needs.

In cases where TMJ has affected the way your teeth fit together, additional treatment such as bite adjustment, orthodontics, or restorative dental work may be recommended. Surgical options exist but are reserved for severe cases where other approaches have not provided relief.

The practice uses T-Scan bite analysis technology to measure bite force and timing with precision, giving the doctors objective data to work from when diagnosing and treating bite-related conditions.

A focused depth of expertise in jaw function

Dr. Gainor has presented educational programs on TMJ dysfunction and occlusion to dental colleagues at local dental societies throughout his career, making him one of the most clinically focused general dentists in Midtown Manhattan on bite dysfunction and jaw-related conditions. That focus is supported by the Pankey Institute and Spear Institute continuums he has completed, both of which include significant coursework on occlusion and bite mechanics. His MAGD designation reflects over 2,400 hours of continuing education, much of it in areas directly relevant to TMJ treatment. Dr. Rausch is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American College of Dentistry, adding further clinical depth to the team's approach to complex jaw cases.

Financing options

TMJ treatment at Rockefeller Dentistry can be financed through CareCredit, LendingClub, and Cherry, all of which offer no-interest options for patients who qualify.

Call Rockefeller Dentistry at 212-246-1333 to schedule a TMJ evaluation, or book an appointment online today.