TMJ Treatment, TMD Treatment | Yorktown Heights , White Plains, NY

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TMJ/TMD Treatment Near Briarcliff Manor, NY

Get Relief From Painful Symptoms

TMJ Disorder, also known as TMD, is a condition that afflicts many people on a daily basis. Some TMJ conditions are more severe than others. Common indications of TMJ include but are not limited to frequent headaches, painful clicking and popping of the jaw joints, limited range of opening, “locked” open or closed sensations, and pain in the chewing muscles around the head and neck. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to relay this information to our team at The Center For Holistic Dentistry. Dr. Lerner will assess any symptoms and recommend appropriate therapies that can improve TMJ symptoms. We have helped many of our patients with TMJ treatment near Briarcliff Manor, NY.

Alternative Therapies & Testing Methods

Dr. Lerner’s approach includes using alternative therapies and testing methods not regularly associated with a dental office. In addition to his 40 years of experience with TMJ disorder treatment, Dr. Lerner and our team have taken extensive training at the Las Vegas Institute in Physiologic Dentistry and Cranial Facial Orthopedics and Orthodontics.

Dr. Lerner also has years of experience using Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, and Cranial Sacral therapy. Through this training, he has helped many patients who have suffered pain and disability before finding their way to The Center for Holistic Dentistry.

Dr. Lerner shares his personal struggle with jaw pain associated with TMJ complications and his unique approach to treating it.

What Is TMJ?

The letters “TMJ” stand for temporomandibular joint, the joint found in front of the ear that connects the jawbone to the skull. But, often, the term “TMJ” is used to describe a broader condition that may involve strain and lack of balance within the muscles of the jaw and neck as well as the bones of the skull and face. This is more accurately described as TMD or Temporomandibular Disorder.

The effects of TMD can affect the function of your entire body. This diffusion of symptoms is one of the reasons TMJ disorders are so often overlooked and misdiagnosed. We have seen many cases in which the correction of the underlying jaw problem has led to the relief of chronic back problems, breathing problems, difficulty walking, foot problems, digestive issues, fatigue, and generalized stress.

We recently had a patient who came in with a toothache. After a thorough exam, we determined the pain was caused by her bite putting too much pressure on her tooth. We made her a simple bite support to keep pressure off the sore tooth. The next week she came back to see us, grateful for the relief of her toothache, and even better, she said that wearing the bite support had given her relief of severe and debilitating back pain. She had been at her wit’s end with the back pain and had been told by doctors that only surgery offered hope of relief.

Do I Have TMJ Dysfunction?

When the TM joint is not working properly, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Popping or clicking and/or pain as you open and close your mouth
  • Pain in your jaw muscles as you chew and even when at rest
  • Ear symptoms (ear pain, stuffiness or itching, loss of hearing, dizziness, tinnitus)
  • Eye symptoms (pain in or behind the eyes, blurring of vision)
  • Pain in a tooth or sensitivity of the teeth
  • Chronic headache or migraine
  • Pain anywhere in the face, head, or neck
  • Stiff neck
  • Low back pain
  • Grinding or clenching of the teeth

How Is TMJ/TMD Corrected?

If you are suffering from symptoms commonly associated with TMJ/TMD, Dr. Lerner will begin with a thorough consultation and a comprehensive examination.

During your examination, he will evaluate the sites of your pain and the functional integration of related body systems using muscle reflex assessment of your acupuncture meridians. He will perform a thorough analysis of the physiology of your bite, the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), and your jaw muscles. He will also perform a computerized neuromuscular analysis of your jaw function using the Biopak Jaw Diagnostic System, as well as a T-Scan analysis of the distribution of bite forces on your teeth. Plaster models of your teeth will be formed to help us understand how your bite may contribute to your condition. Using a Cone Beam x-ray, he will create a 3D picture of your jaw structures including the TM Joint, your sinuses, and your airway.

Once your analysis is complete, treatment with bite appliances (Orthotics) will provide an optimal physiological position to stabilize your bite, relax and balance your jaw muscles, and by extension, the muscles throughout your body. Two different appliances will be used: one for use during the day and another at night.

TMJ/TMD treatment with gentle pain-relieving techniques drawn from Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, and Cranial‑Sacral Therapy will be used as needed. When appropriate, we provide TMJ treatments with moist heat packs and cold laser therapy.

Once your pain is relieved, we will explore options to fix the underlying issues in your bite. This might involve adjusting the shape of your teeth so they fit better, building up your teeth to provide better support, function, and esthetics, or possibly correcting issues of poor jaw development and misaligned teeth with Integrative Functional Orthodontics. Our goal is to bring the TM joint and the muscles of your jaw into a comfortable, healthy balance. Many of our patients have improper posture and function of their tongue and lips and benefit from Myofunctional Therapy to correct this.

Further treatment from either an osteopath, a chiropractor, or a physical therapist may be necessary during this time to ensure that your neck and spine are also brought into proper alignment. Once comfort and balance have been achieved, it may be appropriate to discuss the correction of your bite with either orthodontics and/or restorative dentistry.

“I thought everyone had headaches… it was uncomfortable for me to smile because of the tension I had in my jaw,” says Dr. Lerner. “After seeking help from dentists, chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, and osteopaths, I finally came upon the solution to my problems. This has led me to develop my own system of treatment, individualized for each patient in a manner appropriate for them. The system simply does not treat everyone in the same way.”

– Dr. Lerner

Learn More About TMJ/TMD Treatment Near Briarcliff Manor, NY

To experience our exceptional dental care, schedule your New Patient Exam by calling 914-245-4041 or by clicking here. Your appointment includes a comprehensive review of your health history and concerns; an evaluation of your teeth, bite, gums, and airway passage; low-radiation digital x-rays; and a discussion of your options with a personalized treatment plan. We look forward to meeting you!

As the premier holistic dental practice in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. and the Hudson Valley Region., our dentist and team at The Center For Holistic Dentistry also provide 5-star dental care to patients from White Plains, Cortlandt Manor, Katonah, Mount Kisco, Briarcliff Manor & Westchester County, N.Y., and the surrounding areas.

Your Top-Rated & New Favorite Dentist In Yorktown Heights, NY

"I can’t thank Dr. Lerner and his staff enough, notably his assistant Nicole for expertly handling my mercury filling removals.I had it done in 2 phases and they took very good care of me on both occasions. The whole office is very pleasant, so professional and I look forward to my visits. On this most recent cleaning appointment, Linda did my cleaning. She was gentle and thorough. Highly recommend."

- Vanessa R.

"Excellent experience during my initial consultation. The most complete examination I have ever had by a dentist, including full body muscle testing. This testing uncovered major alignment issues with my jaw which has been causing a lifetime of misalignment throughout the rest of my body. Dr. Lerner and his staff are outside the box thinkers and I am very happy I have found them."

- Greg R.

"Very professional and compassionate. Love the use of Nucalm, eye mask, calming music, and making removing my mercury fillings a pleasant experience. Well as pleasant as can be. Thank you!!!"

- Jodi B.

"Been seeing Dr Lerner since I was about 11 years old, I’m now 31! I continue to see Jane for cleanings and just did the zoom whitening treatment with them in preparation of my wedding- highly recommend!"

- Chloe L.

*The reviews listed are from actual patients of The Center For Holistic Dentistry. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.

Holistic Veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstien, Oprah’s vet of choice, shares how it was Dr. Lerner’s expertise and shared holistic approach that made him trust his treatment.

Dana talks about her concerns about injections and pain and how Dr. Lerner’s holistic approach was reassuring to her.

What To Expect On Your First Visit

Our mission is to encourage full-body wellness through oral health while allowing you to feel heard and understand all your options. During your new patient exam, Dr. Lerner will spend time reviewing your health history, concerns, and goals. Your comprehensive exam will address items you may not have considered such as airway screening and dental materials sensitivity testing. We look forward to meeting you!

Comprehensive Review Of Your Health History & Concerns

Evaluation Of Teeth, Bite, Gums & Airway Passage

Low Radiation Digital X-Rays

Discover Your Options & Receive A Custom Treatment Plan