What is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder?
TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint,” which is the joint that connects your jawbone (mandible) to your skull. This joint allows you to perform essential movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMJ disorders refer to a range of conditions that can affect this joint and the surrounding muscles and can lead to various symptoms, including jaw pain, discomfort, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, difficulty in opening or closing the mouth, and even pain that radiates to the neck and shoulders.
The team at Rejuvenation Health holds the key to alleviating these vague yet impactful symptoms that might be affecting your well-being, eating habits, and sleep quality. Dr. Gerry Curatola, a pioneer in biological dentistry and the founder of our practice, along with our renowned team, is dedicated to providing comprehensive relief from persistent pain through holistic methods.
TMJ can cause more than just jaw pain
TMJ disorders not only influence the jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles but can also lead to a spectrum of symptoms that often go unnoticed for extended periods. Ranging from chronic jaw discomfort to a complex array of ill-defined issues, these disorders can persist for months or even years without a proper diagnosis.
Look out for these TMJ symptoms:
- Jaw pain
- Popping or clicking in the jaw when chewing or talking
- Limited ability to open or close the jaw
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Headaches and toothaches
- Earaches and ringing in the ears
- Sleep problems
The Rejuvenation Health Solution to TMJ
Recognizing that TMJ disorder symptoms extend beyond the confines of teeth and jaw, our holistic and biological approach proactively work to enhance your overall health and well-being. The good news is that jaw pain may be easier to correct than you think. After a thorough evaluation, we can quickly address the real source of your disorder, these often include bruxism and a misaligned bite.
The simple act of grinding or clenching your teeth, (bruxism) whether you’re awake or asleep, can encourage the onset of the disorder. We can ease your jaw pain with a night guard, similar to a protective mouth guard worn during sports.
When your bite is off, it affects the way your teeth rest together, stopping your jaw from closing comfortably. This can be the result of worn enamel or a newly placed restoration. We can perform an occlusal adjustment by reshaping teeth that prevent proper contact.
End painful symptoms with full mouth solutions that fit your lifestyle, smile goals, and budget!
Book a consultation with Dr. Gerry Curatola and team
STEP ONE Comprehensive telehealth consultation with Rejuvenation Health Team
STEP TWO Customized treatment plan development and review
STEP THREE Treatment scheduling with a dedicated patient coordinator
OUR DENTAL TEAM
Gerry Curatola DDS
Jeannie Grecco DDS
Anxiety-Free Dentistry
At Rejuvenation Health, your overall physical and emotional wellbeing are as important to us as your oral health. As a biologically driven multi-specialty dental team, we consider how what we do impacts all of you—not just your mouth. We offer all major sedation methods from local to general anesthesia, our practice is synonymous with sedation dentistry in New York, NY so that you can relax through your appointment without fear or pain.
Local Anesthesia
We use local anesthesia, the foundational level of sedation, to numb treatment sites before a minor procedure. You remain completely alert under its effects.
Oral Sedation
We’ll prescribe a medication for you to take either before your visit or during it. The level of anxiety you have will determine the kind of medication we provide as well as the level of comfort you experience.
Nitrous Oxide
We administer nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as laughing gas, through a mask. Nitrous oxide keeps you alert but relaxed throughout your treatment, and its effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed.
IV Sedation
Administered intravenously, IV sedation puts you in a sleep-like state, though you’re not actually asleep. You won’t feel any sensation during your procedure, nor will you remember anything about it afterward.
General Anesthesia
Usually reserved for use during the most complex dental and medical procedures, general anesthesia is a combination of medications that renders you fully unconscious for the duration of your procedure.