TMJ Disorders

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. Cho can help you have a healthier, more comfortable jaw.

For more information about TMJ Disorders or to schedule a consult with Dr. Cho, please use our Appointment form or call our Upper East Side NYC office at 121 Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Office Phone Number 212-838-5895.

Trouble With Your Jaw? | Do You Have a TMJ Disorder? | TMJ Treatment | Bite Correction & Surgery | Patient Reviews


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 that Dr. Cho can utilize to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Cho 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 night guard) 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 night guard 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. Cho 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.



Call our Upper Midtown NYC office if you would like more information regarding TMJ diagnosis and treatment options: 121 Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Office Phone Number 212-838-5895.


Steven H. Cho, DDS, PLLC

5 out of 5 stars based on 11 TMJ Disorders reviews

Patient Review by Robert L.

This is my third experience with Dr Cho. I have had 5 extractions and 5 implants. The first one was done after two previous attempts by another doctor had failed. Dr Cho was confident that he could get the job done. And you know what”HE DID”. Since then I have had four more done,all successful. The last two were extracted just yesterday. Both roots were cracked and came out in pieces. The entire proceedure took less than one hour with a minimal amount of pain. AMAZING. Dr Cho was professional in every respect. As was his entire staff. Dr Cho is a gem and I would certainly recommend to one and all. BOB L

- Robert L.

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Audrey P

Dr. Cho and his team are amazing! I had to have 2 wisdom teeth extracted and the procedure went smoothly. Dr. Cho is both gentle and professional; I knew I was in good hands. I have full confidence in him for any future work to be done.

- Audrey P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Arrived earlier than needed and was taken care of promptly. Staff professional and courteous. Dr Cho was gentle despite the cracked tooth. Returning for implant in 2 months

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Ann K

One of the best experiences with a doctor ever. And I live in NYC, where there are a lot of great doctors.

- Ann K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by K C

Best dental experience ever

- K C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Gertrude S

Have never been in any doctor or dental office where I have been treated as efficiently as kindly as professionally as in Dr. Cho's office. The entire staff is caring, attentive and knowledgeable. Dr. Cho is a miracle - he is a brilliant surgeon whose disposition is so humble and kind that I am amazed that such a person exists in the medical profession. If you want to feel that you are being attended to, heard and feel safe in the hands of these professionals, Dr. Cho is the one.

- Gertrude S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Patricia H

I came from Long Island and had the best oral surgeon with an excellent staff and I know they are the best.Thank You so much !!!

- Patricia H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by frans w

despite the size of the molar that was extracted, he made the proceedure as smooth as possible. D Cho's assistant was very helpful and calming.

- frans w

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by ann c

All in all the most pleasant experience possible for something I dread - Feel totally confident and surprisingly relaxed in Dr. Cho's hands. Have had a a few implants with Dr. Cho who instills confidence and calm

- ann c

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by DENENE F

SERVICE IS ALWAYS EXCELLENT !!!!!!

- DENENE F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Lenward E

My visit can best be described with TenderLovingCare !

- Lenward E

5 out of 5 stars on

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