If you regularly suffer from headaches, ringing in the ears, or other chronic pain, your bite might be to blame. Dysfunction of the TMJ can be debilitating, and our Rochester neuromuscular dentist has the experience to recommend treatment for disorders originating in the jaw.
To find out how Dr. Paul Sussman can alleviate your TMJ pain, please call our Rochester dental office today for a free consultation at 585-227-4390. Our TMJ dentists serve patients in areas throughout Upstate New York.
What Is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint functions like a sliding hinge, making it possible for you to open and close your mouth and move the lower jaw side to side. When the TMJ is healthy, your bite should be properly aligned.
However, TMJ disorder (TMD, or sometimes the name of the joint is used interchangeably with the condition) can result from multiple causes, including:
- Traumatic injury to the mouth
- Repetitive stress from teeth grinding or clenching
- Complications from arthritis
Even seemingly minor changes like the extraction of a tooth or an improperly fitted dental crown can disrupt the bite. Over time, the change in the bite can push the TMJ out of its desired alignment and cause progressively worse discomfort in the jaw and other areas of the face.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Some patients with TMD don’t realize that their symptoms are tied to the bite, or that an experienced dentist like Dr. Sussman can recommend a number of TMJ treatment options. A thorough evaluation will determine whether or not you’re suffering from TMJ dysfunction.
Many of our TMD patients present with an audible clicking or scraping sound that comes from the jaw when it is opened or closed. Other common symptoms include:
- Severe headaches
- Pain in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders
- Problems chewing food
- Limited motion in the jaw – sometimes the mouth might “lock” when it’s open
- Swelling in the face
- Ringing or buzzing noise in the ears
Even if you experience these common symptoms, our dentist will develop a custom TMJ treatment plan individualized to meet your needs. No two TMD patients are exactly alike, and the ideal alignment of your bite is unique to you. Dr. Sussman will work with you closely to assess the condition of your bite and restore health, function, and comfort.
Please contact the office of Dr. Paul Sussman and Dr. Meredith Pogal or call 585-227-4390 today to schedule a TMJ evaluation. Our dentists serve patients in Greece, Brighton, Fairport, and other locations in the Rochester area.
