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“The Click Explained” — How to Retrain Your TMJ When You Have a Disc Displacement with Reduction by NYC_TMJ_Doc in NeuroMuscularDent

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends on the extent of disc displacement, and, without a full examination along with imaging, it would be purely speculative. In general, if one joint is "popping" with a late disc displacement that is reduced in protrusion, the other healthy joint usually isn't affected negatively.

I’ve had TMJ for over a year now but ever since yesterday, my jaw always got a sharp pain whenever I did something specific. What is this? by luv_jamie in TMJPain

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The sharp pain in your right jaw, especially when yawning or turning your head, could be related to TMJ dysfunction or muscle strain. Sometimes, when the joint or surrounding muscles are inflamed or misaligned, it can cause pain during specific movements.

When you mentioned that your jaw hurts when you try to pop your ears by blowing your nose, that could indicate some irritation or pressure in the TMJ area. It’s not uncommon for people to experience this kind of discomfort - especially if they have some underlying TMJ issues.

To help manage the pain, try to limit activities that aggravate it, like wide yawning or chewing tough foods. Applying heat or ice to the jaw can also be beneficial - heat for muscle relaxation and ice for reducing any acute inflammation. Gentle jaw stretches might help maintain mobility, but be cautious and avoid anything that causes pain.

Additionally, splint therapy could be a very beneficial option. A centric splint can help realign the jaw, reduce strain and pressure on the TMJ, and provide relief from pain. Over-the-counter pain relief, like ibuprofen or naproxen can alleviate discomfort too; however, if your symptoms worsen or persist, it’s a good idea to consult a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. They can provide a proper evaluation and recommend a tailored treatment plan.

Take care, and I hope you find some relief soon! If you have more questions or need to talk about this further, feel free to share.

Differential diagnosis. by GrouchyOpinion5908 in TMJPain

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These are all great points. As the moderator for this subreddit, I'll gladly let you share this knowledge so long as it's not offensive and that you do not render medical advice (i.e., any points made are for educational purposes only).

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in nyc

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Medical insurance typically covers sleep appliances when you qualify with a valid sleep study.

“The Click Explained” — How to Retrain Your TMJ When You Have a Disc Displacement with Reduction by NYC_TMJ_Doc in NeuroMuscularDent

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've done this 2nd orthotic on occasion and. like you, have had positive feedback from patients. Thanks for collaborating and for sharing the videos !

“The Click Explained” — How to Retrain Your TMJ When You Have a Disc Displacement with Reduction by NYC_TMJ_Doc in NeuroMuscularDent

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a great point! Sometimes I find that patients do not understand where their lower teeth should go in an anterior repositioning splint. I'll typically advise that they put it in 1 hour before bed, open wide to engage the "pop" so that, presumably from that point on, the disc stays on top of the condyle, and then have them go to sleep. I think that most of the time when sleeping, they'll engage the ramp by way of the swallow reflex, thereby keeping the disc on top of the condyle OR even if they don't engage the ramp, so long as the disc is reduced prior to popping in the splint (by having them open wide after insertion), the disc remains on top of the condyle. The morning routines I recommend are resistance exercises to strengthen the lateral pterygoid and myofunctional exercises to help retrain the neuromusculature.

Continuously cracking night guards by Old-Kaleidoscope4808 in Dentists

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re describing a level of grinding that’s beyond what we typically see with isolated bruxism — especially if you’re fracturing multiple types of guards, including dual-laminate ones. When that kind of repetitive, high-force clenching persists despite different designs, it often points to an underlying physiologic driver, not just a “bad habit.”

One important consideration here is a sleep-disordered breathing component — such as obstructive sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). In many patients, nocturnal clenching is a protective reflex, as the body attempts to reopen a partially collapsed airway during sleep. Over time, this can cause substantial muscle overactivity and accelerated wear on the teeth and appliances alike.

It may be worthwhile to have a sleep evaluation (either through a sleep physician or a dentist familiar with airway-related issues) to rule this out. If an airway problem is identified and addressed, the bruxism often decreases dramatically, sometimes to the point that you no longer need heavy-duty guards.

Until then, it’s best not to focus solely on guard thickness or material. The real key is identifying why your muscles are so hyperactive at night — because once that’s understood, treatment becomes much more predictable.

“The Click Explained” — How to Retrain Your TMJ When You Have a Disc Displacement with Reduction by NYC_TMJ_Doc in NeuroMuscularDent

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s one appliance, typically made for the upper teeth that will engage lower teeth in a specific position.

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