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TMJ Specialist – Sohosmile

TMJ Treatment NYC

sohosmile®
john koutsoyiannis, dds

TMJ Treatments

Our TMJ specialist in NYC, Dr. John Koutsoyiannis is an expert in treating pain and discomfort of the TMJ. Your temporomandibular joints connect your jawbone to your skull. If you press your hands in front of each ear and open and close your mouth, you can feel the joints flexing. Most of the time, your temporomandibular joints function normally, and you don’t even think about them. Every moment you chew food, talk or swallow, though, the joints are working. Between these bones, a cartilage disc acts as a cushion so that the joint can open and close smoothly. Pain, discomfort, or other issues with these joints are referred to as a TMJ disorder. Dr. John can accurately diagnose your TMJ symptoms and create a TMJ treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

WHAT IS A TMJ DISORDER?

A TMJ disorder is when there is a complication in the joints, causing pain or difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Some of the most common symptoms of a TMJ disorder include sustained or intense pain when chewing, talking, or swallowing. Earaches, headaches, pain in the jaw muscles, lockjaw, or a clicking, popping, or grating sensation when opening or closing the mouth are also possible with a TMJ disorder. A TMJ disorder can form from inflammatory arthritis, excessive chewing, teeth grinding, or a recent trauma or accident. There are a variety of TMJ disorder treatments, which can be divided into non-surgical TMJ treatments and TMJ surgery.

WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A TMJ TREATMENT?

Ideal candidates for TMJ treatment or TMJ surgery are individuals who are looking to improve chronic or acute pain and discomfort associated with a TMJ disorder. Eligibility for a TMJ treatment varies from patient to patient. Generally, Dr. John Koutsoyiannis will try to improve your TMJ symptoms with a less invasive or non-surgical option. Dr. Koutsoyiannis reserves TMJ surgery for more severe cases of TMJ pain that have not shown improvement from traditional TMJ treatments.

SYMPTOMS OF TMJ
Ear Aches Or Headaches Without Another Cause
Lockjaw Or Limited Mobility
Clicking, Grating, Or Popping In Your Jaw When Opening Or Closing Your Mouth
TMJ TREATMENTS
Wearing A Night Guard
Physical Therapy Sessions
Only Eating Soft Food Until The Pain Subsides
Avoid Chewing Gum As It Aggravates Your Conditions
Massaging Or Stretching Your Jaw And Neck Muscles
Applying A Hot Or Cold Pack To The Area To Relieve Pain
Over-The-Counter Medications Such As Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Or Acetaminophen
Trigger Point Acupuncture

TMJ SURGERY

In more severe cases of TMJ disorders, TMJ surgery may be recommended to alleviate pain. TMJ arthroscopy is one of the most common TMJ surgeries and is performed on an outpatient basis. TMJ surgery is reserved for the most severe cases of a TMJ disorder. TMJ replacement is performed if all other treatments have not helped alleviate TMJ pain. Dr. John may refer you to an oral surgeon or specialist for a consultation for TMJ surgery. TMJ surgery is, in the majority of cases, performed only once to improve the symptoms of TMJ.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY TMJ TREATMENT?

TMJ treatment varies depending on what treatment modality Dr. John Koutsoyiannis suggests. For some patients, this will involve physical therapy sessions or medication to relax the muscles, ease pain, and encourage proper nerve health. Many patients experience relief from their TMJ symptoms from wearing a TMJ night guard while they sleep to prevent teeth grinding and / or clenching.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY TMJ TREATMENT?

In some cases, TMJ treatments are ongoing, including patients in physical therapy. Follow-up visits are required for patients with night guards in order to observe how the patients are improving and how the device fitsafter wearing it for some time. Dr. Koutsoyiannis can help you determine if ongoing TMJ treatments are right for you.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR TMJ SPECIALIST IN NYC?

Dr. John Koutsoyiannis and the staff at Sohosmile® would be happy to discuss TMJ treatments with you. To learn more, please call our office at 212.334.7330 or request an appointment online.

TMJ Treatment - Wearing A Night Guard

BENEFITS OF TMJ TREATMENT
Alleviates Chronic Jaw Pain
Reduces Damage From Teeth Grinding
Allows You To Talk & Smile Comfortably
Enables You To Enjoy Food Without Pain
No More Earaches Or Headaches Associated With TMJ
Enhances Your Overall Quality Of Life
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