Understanding Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders
An experienced dentist, Dr. Marc Herman provides a high standard of care to patients at Advanced Dentistry of Long Island and as team dentist for the New York Islanders, a professional hockey franchise. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, one of the many conditions treated by Dr. Marc Herman, involves issues related to the chewing muscles as well as the jaw joint. TMJ disorders manifest in three main ways: as arthritis of the temporomandibular joint, as a dislocation, and as myofascial pain. The latter of the three is the most common. Symptoms of TMJ disorders include stiffness, clicking, or locking of the jaw. Furthermore, patients often experience jaw or joint pain that extends into parts of the face and neck. Oral health professionals usually prescribe pain relievers to address symptoms and take a "wait and see approach" because jaw joint problems may resolve on their own. However, in the event the symptoms prove persistent or they worsen, dentists may suggest a stabilization splint or, rarely, surgery.