Treatment for TMD

Manhattan TMD Treatment | Upper East Side Dental Office

TMD, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, can cause you serious pain and discomfort that can last many years. You might have pain in your jaw area, neck or shoulders, problems opening your mouth wide, headaches, ear aches, swelling and more. No one knows exactly what causes TMD, but it is most common for people between 20 and 40 years of age. Home remedies and traditional dental cures may be able to offer some relief. Let’s go over some of these treatments and hopefully one will work well for you.

On your own, you can take an over the counter medication like ibuprofen or naproxen for temporary relief. You can also do a cold to hot routine. First use an ice pack applied to the side of your face for 10 minutes. Then do a few jaw stretches, if your dentist approves it. When you’re done, hold a moist, warm compress against the painful area for 5 minutes. Do this several times a day. Soft foods, not leaning your chin on your hand, and keeping your teeth slightly apart can also help.

When you visit your dentist Upper East Side, you can discuss other options for treating TMD. He or she may prescribe muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety drugs, or antidepressants. Your dentist will tell you if a plastic splint or a night guard is the right choice. Dental work may help correct a bite problem. In extreme cases, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, trigger point injections, or low level laser therapy may be suggested. If you are bothered by TMD, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with Dr. Lattinelli so he can determine the best course of action to relieve you from your pain.