TMJ
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.
No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. Dr. Vakkas can help you have a healthier, more comfortable jaw.
Trouble with your jaw?
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.
Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?
- Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
- Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
- Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
- Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
- Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
- Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
- Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
- Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
- Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
- Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
- Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
- Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
- Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
The more times you answered “yes”, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.
TMJ Treatment
There are various treatment options for TMJ that Dr. Vakkas can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Vakkas will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care combined with professional care.
The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasms and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:
- Resting your jaw
- Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
- Eating soft foods
- Applying ice and heat
- Exercising your jaw
- Practicing good posture
Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint (or nightguard) fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night. It also helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relieves pressure on parts of your jaw, and aids in disk repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn 24 hours/day, or just at night, to move your jaw into proper position. Appliances also help protect tooth wear.
What about bite correction or surgery?
If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options, such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring, are sometimes needed, but are reserved for severe cases. Dr. Vakkas does not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw can’t open, is dislocated and non-reducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.
Yorktown Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
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Amazing experience overall. Got all four impacted wisdom teeth out and was in feeling amazing the next day. Staff and doctor were very reassuring and answered any pre op questions i had, leaving me to feel more comfortable!
- Kayla R
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I saw Dr. Vakkas for the first time for a tooth extraction. He was amazing. I did not have any pain the next day. The office staff was very kind. I was very impressed when the doctor called me at home after my surgery to see how I was doing. I have already recommended him to several co-workers.
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I have been to doctor Vakkas several times for tooth implants. The doctor is extremely knowledgeable and explains everything carefully. The office is extremely professional and always follows up and has records ready when I need them. They are extremely friendly. I highly recommend this office.
- Robin F
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The office got me in within a few hours for an extraction of an infected tooth. The office staff is very attentive and caring. Dr Vakkos did an amazing job of extracting the tooth pain free. I have never had a tooth pulled and not had pain the next day. Dr Vakkos called a few hours after extraction to make sure I was doing OK. I would recommend this practice to everyone.
- Barbara A
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I have used another area oral surgeon for years even recently I felt rushed there and had sloppy work done . This was a totally different experience the staff was warm and friendly and Dr Vakkas was an amazing Dr. He takes the time to speak to you and listens to all your concerns . I had major procedures done removal of bone on my gum line and removal of implants to help me to wear dentures with out all my issues . I will go to him always as will my family and anyone who asks for a referral . His work is neat his sutures are strong !!! I felt confident with him from consultation, assistance from staff, and to the surgury itself
- Kelly B
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My daughter and son had their wisdom teeth removed by Dr Vakkas both with minimal post-op issues.Speedy recovery and healing time with minimal discomfort.- Amazingly my son had no pain following his surgery- Dr Vakkas is an exceptional oral surgeon with an outstanding professional mannerism- Any post op questions were answered right away and follow-up call to check on patient makes all the difference. I would highly recommend Dr Vakkas. His staff is great too- so helpful and pleasant 🙂
- Christina M
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I had several teeth extracted and implants placed. Dr Vakkas and his staff are amazing!!
- Tina V
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Dr. Vakkas pulled my wisdom teeth out and called me after my procedure to see how I was feeling. Policy or not that was a great way of showing he cared. In general he is an incredibly nice person. I have recently gone back to him for another issue and will continue going to him and recommending him to family and friends !
- Brittney B
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Got 2 wisdom teeth pulled today! Glad to know that amazing dental offices are nearby. Everyone was kind, professional and put me at ease right away. I highly recommend Dr. Vakkas and his team.
- Dina G
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Dr. Vakkas and his staff made me feel comfortable and at ease. I had 2 teeth extracted 1 of them being a wisdom tooth.
- Nicole D
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My older son needed a tooth extraction a few years ago and we were very pleased then with the staff and procedure. This time, my younger son needed two teeth extracted and he is an anxious child. So even though the doctor discussed the procedure with us ahead of time, the day of the extraction, my son was nervous, teary, asking a lot of questions and wanted me by his side (not normally done). Dr. Vakkas and his staff worked it out so that I could be right outside the room and talk to my son while he had the procedure to help calm him and get him through it. The procedure was quick and efficient, (the anticipation is what was stressful for my son) and the staff was patient, kind, understanding and accommodating. I would recommend this office to anyone who needs oral surgery; they go above and beyond to make it the best experience possible for the patient. Professional and excellent in every way!
- Christine A
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Procedure was quick and staff was friendly.
- Joseph K K
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Easy and mostly painless. No swelling!
- Saskia L
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These professionals made me feel at ease and they explained everything about the necessary dental extractions. They were excellent from the moment I walked in right through when I left the office.
- Janet S
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Excellent doctor and staff. Calm and professional demeanor. I have been in very good hands.
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Doctor and staff were quite amazing
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Professional, clean, happy with service
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Highly recommend this practice
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Great experience
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Very satisfied starting with the front desk-very professional service. The assistant and doctor extremely attentive and made us feel relaxed and comfortable for our procedure. I would highly recommend this office. Excellent experience.
- Alison R