If visits to multiple specialists fail to provide relief for your clicking, popping jaw in Astoria, NY, you may be one of millions who suffer from disorders of the temporomandibular joint. Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMDs, create symptoms similar to those of many other health conditions. For example, TMDs may produce chronic earaches, compelling patients to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Other patients simply rely on over-the-counter analgesics to cope with frequent headaches. These methods rarely get to the root of the problem. Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz provides preventive dental care to patients seeking help for the sneaky, often misdiagnosed effects of TMJ disorders.
Frequently Reported Symptoms Linked to TMJ Disorders
Not all patients present with the same symptoms, further complicating diagnosis. We often see patients with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Impaired movement of the jaw: Our patients report that the jaw locks when open, closed, or both. Attempting to move the jaw while it is locked results in moderate to severe pain, creating difficulty chewing or speaking.
- Stiffness or soreness: When nighttime teeth grinding, or bruxism, is to blame for a misaligned bite, patients experience stiffness or soreness in the jaw and neck. Although soreness can occur throughout the day, it tends to be more pronounced in the morning upon awakening.
- Peculiar noises: Some patients note that their jaw makes clicking, popping, or grinding noises during movement. In some instances, the noises are so loud that others may be able to hear them. Other times, the noise is persistent yet subtle.
How Does Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz Treat TMJ Disorders?
In most cases, a custom-fitted oral splint treats a misaligned jaw, reducing or even eliminating your discomfort. Your treatment plan may also include lifestyle changes aimed at reducing stress and adopting healthy coping methods. This proves most effective when bruxism, or teeth grinding, plays a role in your symptoms. TMJ disorders are also linked to certain medical conditions, such as previous injuries or arthritis. If structural issues, such as missing or heavily eroded teeth, are causing your misaligned bite, Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz may recommend cosmetic or restorative dentistry to restore balance.
Questions about treatment for TMJ? If you experience similar symptoms, contact our Astoria, Queens office at 718-728-8320 to schedule an appointment or request more information about our services. We serve patients living in New Jersey, upstate New York, and surrounding communities. You can also find Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz on Facebook, where we share the latest dental news and healthy living insights.
