Effective TMJ Treatments in Westbury, NY
Drs. Smallberg and Satornino completed the University of Kentucky’s TMD and Orofacial Pain Mini-Residency Program. Their knowledge and experience working with TMJ patients are unmatched, and they can provide contemporary therapies to alleviate discomfort and restore optimal function. Read on to learn more about TMJ Treatments in Westbury, NY.
What’s Causing Your Jaw Pain?
Pain and pressure result when your teeth don’t fit together properly and/or the two small joints in front of your ears – TMJ joints – don’t function smoothly. You may experience migraine headaches or unexplained jaw, neck, shoulder, or facial pain. Tooth wear, teeth grinding (bruxism), tingling extremities, and chronic earaches are also on the list of common problems caused by TMJ disorder.
Customized TMJ Therapy to Restore Comfortable Function
Improper bite alignment and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems can cause pain and deterioration of teeth and supporting structures. Dr. Smallberg and Dr. Satornino evaluate smiles for these problems as part of comprehensive treatment planning. As Dawson Academy graduates, they know bite problems and TMJ-related issues and can provide contemporary therapies to alleviate discomfort and restore optimal function.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorder
There is no single cause for TMJ dysfunction. Any number of factors or combination of factors may be to blame, including the following:
- Trauma to the head, neck, or face
- Trauma to the TMJ joint or arthritis
- Hormonal changes or imbalances
- Malocclusion (where the jaws do not line up correctly, resulting in bite problems)
- Stress
TMJ Treatment Using Nightguards
For those experiencing TMJ-related symptoms, we often recommend custom nightguards. These personalized oral appliances are designed to be worn during sleep, providing a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Nightguards help alleviate the strain on the TMJ, reducing jaw clenching and teeth grinding that often occurs unconsciously during the night. By promoting a relaxed jaw position, nightguards contribute to better sleep quality and decreased TMJ-related discomfort.
We make custom-made nightguards to the proper jaw position using a method that not many dentists use: finding the exact spot where the patient’s muscles are the most relaxed.
Relieve Jaw Pain and Improve Functionality
At Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC, we offer jaw pain relief treatment in Westbury, NY. With their knowledge and experience in TMJ therapy, Drs. Smallberg and Satornino can help take away the following symptoms:
Headaches/Head and Neck Pain: Finding the Source
TMJ disorders can manifest as headaches and head or neck pain. Our skilled professionals conduct thorough assessments to identify the root cause of your discomfort. We aim to alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall well-being by combining targeted treatments and lifestyle recommendations.
Tooth Wear: Preserving Your Dental Health
TMJ issues can contribute to tooth wear, affecting the longevity and integrity of teeth. At Smallberg & Satornino, we take a comprehensive approach to addressing TMJ disorder and any associated dental concerns. Through customized treatment plans, including nightguards and other therapeutic interventions, we work to preserve dental health and enhance the longevity of natural teeth.
Don’t let TMJ-related symptoms compromise your quality of life. Schedule a consultation at Smallberg & Satornino to explore personalized TMJ treatments in Westbury, NY, that bring relief and promote optimal oral health. Our team is dedicated to restoring comfort and functionality to your jaw, helping you regain a pain-free and confident smile.
Do you have any problems with your teeth? Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC can help you regain your healthy, confident smile. Contact us today for personalized dental care to enhance your oral health and aesthetic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions about TMJ Treatment
How do I know if my jaw pain is actually a TMJ problem?
Common signs include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping when you open your mouth, difficulty chewing, frequent headaches, and ear or neck aches. A dentist confirms it with an exam of your bite and jaw movement. At Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC, Drs. Smallberg and Satornino evaluate this as part of a full bite analysis, call (516) 518-9835.
Will TMJ pain go away on its own, or do I need treatment?
Mild TMJ flare-ups sometimes ease with rest, soft foods, and stress reduction. Persistent or worsening pain usually needs treatment, since untreated TMJ issues can lead to tooth wear, damaged teeth, and chronic headaches. If your symptoms last more than a week or two, contact Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC at (516) 518-9835 for an evaluation.
Is a nightguard the same as a store-bought mouthguard?
No. A custom nightguard is made to your exact bite and jaw position, while over-the-counter versions are one-size and can fit poorly or even worsen symptoms. The practice makes custom nightguards positioned where your muscles are most relaxed, which is key for TMJ relief. A proper fit protects teeth and eases jaw strain far better.
Can teeth grinding and stress make TMJ worse?
Yes. Grinding and clenching (bruxism), often driven by stress, put repeated strain on the jaw joint and wear down teeth, which can trigger or worsen TMJ symptoms. Much of this happens unconsciously during sleep. A custom nightguard reduces that strain, and managing stress helps protect both your jaw and your teeth.
Can TMJ disorder cause headaches, ear pain, or neck pain?
Yes. Because the jaw joint sits just in front of the ears and connects to head and neck muscles, TMJ problems often show up as migraines, earaches, facial pain, and neck or shoulder tension. These symptoms are easy to mistake for other conditions. A dentist trained in TMJ care can trace the source and target treatment to the jaw.
Are the dentists specially trained to treat TMJ?
Yes. Drs. Smallberg and Satornino completed the University of Kentucky’s TMD and Orofacial Pain Mini-Residency and are Dawson Academy graduates, giving them focused training in bite and jaw-joint problems. You can read more about Dr. Smallberg and Dr. Satornino. To book a consultation, call (516) 518-9835.
What can I do at home to relieve TMJ pain while I wait for my appointment?
Try eating soft foods, applying a warm or cold compress to the jaw, avoiding gum and hard or chewy items, and gently limiting wide yawns. Over-the-counter pain relievers and reducing stress can also help short-term. These steps ease symptoms but do not fix the underlying bite issue, so still schedule an exam if pain continues.
Where can I get TMJ treatment in Westbury, NY?
Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC offers TMJ treatment and jaw pain relief in Westbury, NY. The office is at 330 Winthrop St, #1, Westbury, NY 11590, and you can reach the team at (516) 518-9835. Treatment often starts with a bite evaluation and a custom nightguard, contact us or visit the Westbury office to schedule.
