The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is similar to a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement.
TMJ/Facial Pain Treatment
To treat TMJ disorders, first, the cause has to be identified. In less severe cases, TMJ disorders can be treated with self-managed care (eating soft foods, using ice packs, avoiding extreme jaw movement) or nonsurgical treatments (anti-inflammatory medications, BOTOX® injections, stabilization splints). Muscle spasms most often cause TMJ disorders but, in some cases, require very specialized treatment.
Conservation Management:
- Warm Compresses
- Nightguard Therapy
- Physical Therapy/Jaw Exercises
- Muscle Relaxants/Anti-Inflammatory Medications
- BOTOX® Injections into Surrounding Musculature
Minimally Invasive Solutions:
- Arthrocentesis
Minimally Invasive Surgery:
- During arthroscopic surgery, the joint is accessed through a small incision with a camera and specialized instruments for the purpose of diagnosing and treating the patient’s condition
Open TMJ Surgery
- Open Arthroplasty accessses the temporomandibular joint surgically for the purpose of addressing more advanced degenerative changes.
- Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement is necessary when a joint is not otherwise salvageable due to severe degenerative changes.
Why Choose NewYork-Presbyterian for TMJ/Facial Pain
At NewYork-Presbyterian, we offer exceptional dentistry and oral medical care. As our patient, you benefit from our dentists’ years of training and experience. We also provide dental clearance for cardiac procedures, head and neck radiation, and stem cell transplants.
As a scientifically based hospital in partnership with two academic institutions, we are at the forefront of the latest treatments. Our dedication to improving dentistry and oral surgery extends to innovative research programs. We continue developing new techniques and therapies to enhance our patients’ quality of life.