Jaw Discomfort & TMJ

Understand the complexities of jaw-related issues and their impact on your daily life. Our expert team, led by Dr. Elisa Mello and Dr. Ramin Tabib, is dedicated to diagnosing and treating the root causes of jaw discomfort and TMJ disorders. With a focus on personalized care and advanced treatment options, we strive to alleviate your symptoms and restore your comfort, allowing you to enjoy a healthier, pain-free lifestyle.

TMJ vs. TMD

TMJ stands for our left and right temporomandibular (jaw) joints. The acronym TMJ is very often incorrectly used to describe a disorder of these joints. However, the correct acronym for the disorder is TMD, meaning temporomandibular disorders and when we include the many symptoms of head, neck, facial, and jaw pain it is recognized as “craniomandibular disorders.”

understanding tmj graphic showing the temporal bone on a skull

Long-term studies suggest that the following symptoms of TMD are linked to the incorrect alignment of the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandibular) jaws and changes in the integrity of the TMJ which may result from various factors, including jaw injury, arthritis, excessive gum chewing, or teeth grinding (bruxism). This produces physiologic stress, pain, and dysfunction in the joints, supporting ligaments, and associated muscles.

TMJ Symptoms

TMJ disorders may cause a variety of uncomfortable, even painful symptoms, such as:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness facial, neck, or back, pain
  • Pain or soreness of the jaw joints clicking, popping, or grating sounds as jaw joints are in motion
  • Congestion or stuffiness of the ears
  • Numbness of the arms and fingers, chipped, or cracked teeth
  • Pain in teeth that seems to move around
  • Loose teeth
  • Ear pain
  • Ear ringing/ buzzing sounds in the ear
  • Loss of auditory acuity
  • Limitations of motion of jaw joins
  • Jaw locking upon opening or closing
  • Tired face/jaw
  • Snoring
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Tingling fingers/hand numbness
woman holding her jaw

Left untreated, the problems progress, getting worse over time and the stress and tension it produces can cause everything from mild discomfort to severe chronic pain throughout the body. They may also lead to changes in the posture which can, in turn, impact digestive function and cause chronic low-back pain.

TMD/Craniomandibular disorders can also exacerbate:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Tinnitus
  • Migraine

​Addressing Your TMJ Disorder

At NYC Smile Design, understanding and effectively treating jaw discomfort and TMJ disorders is a priority. Dr. Elisa Mello and Dr. Ramin Tabib are trained to diagnose these conditions using state-of-the-art technology and provide personalized treatments tailored to the specific needs of each patient to restore comfort and function to your jaw.

Smile code

LEARNING CENTER


Expand Your Knowledge

The NYC Smile Design Learning Center page is your go-to resource for comprehensive and insightful information on cosmetic dentistry, offering expert guidance from Dr. Elisa Mello and Dr. Ramin Tabib to help you understand the wide array of dental treatments available, ensuring you make informed decisions for your smile makeover journey.

Your TMJ Disorder Solution

Are you contemplating a change that could redefine the way you smile, speak, and feel about yourself? Embark on a journey to the smile you've always dreamed of. Schedule a consultation with NYC Smile Design today.

Smile Code

Welcome to Smile Code. Our skilled dental team in New York, NY, is led by Drs. Elisa Mello and Ramin Tabib. We provide comprehensive dental care in a modern, comfortable environment to ensure that every patient achieves a stunning smile they can feel proud to share with the world. Our affiliations include:

  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Academy of General Dentistry 
  • American Academy of Implant Dentistry
  • American Academy of Periodontology
  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists

Book an appointment today using our online form, or call us directly at (212) 452-3344.

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