Sachar Dental NYC

20 E 46th St Rm 1301

New York, NY 10017

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All the below content has been written by NYC Dentist, Dr. Sandip Sachar.

Jaw Pain – Why Is My Jaw Hurting and How to Get Rid of the Pain

Jaw pain is more than just an inconvenience—it can disrupt your ability to eat, speak, and sleep, affecting your overall quality of life. At Sachar Dental NYC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating jaw pain with cutting-edge, personalized care in New York City.

Illustration of TMJ inflammation for jaw pain treatment

What Causes Jaw Pain?

Jaw pain can stem from multiple factors as stated below.

The most common cause of jaw pain is TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).

TMJ Disorders (TMD) – Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull, can lead to pain, clicking, and restricted movement.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – Chronic clenching and grinding of teeth can put excessive strain on jaw muscles, joints and teeth , often occurring subconsciously during sleep.
Bite Misalignment – An uneven bite can create tension in the jaw from uneven load when chewing, leading to discomfort and pain over time.
Arthritis – Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing inflammation and pain.
Muscle Tension and Stress – Habitual jaw clenching, often due to stress, can contribute to persistent pain from sore muscles.
Dental Issues – Tooth infections, gum disease, erupting wisdom teeth or abscesses can cause radiating pain in the jaw area.
Injury or Trauma – A direct impact or accident can damage the jaw joint or surrounding muscles, leading to chronic discomfort.

Signs and Symptoms of TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The symptoms of TMD can vary in severity and nature. If you experience any of the following, seeking professional evaluation is crucial:

Pain or soreness of the jaw muscles
Clicking or popping, of the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
Pain or soreness of the jaw when chewing or biting down
Frequent headaches or ear pain
Jaw stiffness or locking of the jaw
Ringing in the ears
Pain in all the teeth that comes and goes
A bite that seems off first thing in the morning

Treatment for Jaw Pain

When treating jaw pain, the first step is accurate diagnosis, followed by an appropriate treatment plan to address the specific issues causing the jaw pain. A thorough clinical exam and x-rays will help to diagnose the cause of the jaw pain. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. For example, if the jaw pain is due to a wisdom tooth trying to erupt, extraction of wisdom tooth may be recommended. If the jaw pain is due to an abscess or gum infection, antibiotics and gum treatment may be recommended.

Treatment for TMD or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder:

1. Custom Oral Appliance

For those suffering from teeth grinding or TMJ disorders, custom-made oral appliances may be recommended. These appliances can help prevent excessive pressure on the jaw joint and reduce muscle strain and protect teeth from damage caused by bruxism. These appliances are custom fabricated by a trained dentist or TMJ specialist like Dr Sandip Sachar at Sachar Dental in New York City.

2. Occlusal Adjustment (Bite Correction)

If a misaligned bite is contributing to your TMD, an occlusal bite adjustment may be needed. This procedure reshapes specific teeth to create an even bite, alleviating stress on the jaw muscles and joints from uneven load.

3. Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can help to relieve muscle tension.
Heat and cold therapy can help to reduce inflammation

4. Botox Injections

Botox is an effective, minimally invasive treatment that relaxes overactive jaw muscles. This reduces tension and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders and bruxism. Botox injections are usually effective for 3-6 months.

5. Invisalign / Orthodontic Solutions

If the TMD is caused by misalignment, orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign can help reposition teeth, leading to a balanced bite and reduced strain on the jaw joint and muscles.

6. Stress Reduction Techniques

For stress-related TMD that is caused by teeth grinding, incorporating relaxation methods like mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises can prevent habitual clenching and the resulting muscle fatigue. The main cause for bruxism or teeth grinding is stress and anxiety.

7. Medication for Pain Management

In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to alleviate acute TMD pain while undergoing other treatments.

8. Restorative Dental Treatments

If missing or damaged teeth contribute to TMD, restorations such as crowns, bridges, or implants can help restore a proper bite function and eliminate discomfort.

TMJ Specialists

Dr Sandip Sachar is a skilled and trained TMJ Specialist in NYC with over 20 years of experience. Dr Sachar\ combines knowledge and expertise with state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive TMJ pain relief.

Experienced Specialists – Dr. Sachar and our team of expert dentists have extensive knowledge and experience in the treatment of TMJ disorders, bruxism, and bite correction.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools – We use cutting-edge imaging and diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the exact cause of jaw pain.
Personalized Care Plans – Each treatment is customized to address the patient’s unique condition and lifestyle.
Minimally Invasive and Holistic Approach – We focus on non-surgical, conservative treatments to promote natural healing and long-term relief.
Convenient NYC Location – Our centrally located office ensures easy access to top-quality dental care in New York City.

If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain and discomfort, don’t wait—schedule a consultation today.

We offer effective solutions to help you regain comfort and improve your quality of life.

Read MORE about TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) on our services page.

Jaw Pain: Common Causes and How to Treat It

Sachar Dental NYC
20 East 46th Street
Rm 1301
(Between 5th Ave & Madison Ave)
New York, NY 10017
212-752-1163
https://www.sachardental.com/
drsachar@sachardental.com

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