TMJ Vertigo & Dizziness Treatment
Get relief from TMJ-related vertigo and dizziness with New York's TMJ Specialists
WHAT IS TMJ VERTIGO & DIZZINESS?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the bone structure, muscles, and connective tissues that surround the jaw and control chewing. TMJ dysfunction or TMJ disease can sometimes cause vertigo and dizziness, which are sensations of spinning, unsteadiness, or loss of balance. The complex nature of the TMJ can lead to these symptoms and require specialized treatment for relief.
How did i get tmj?
TMJ “Clicking” Occurs When the Disc Slips Off of the Lower Jawbone
In most cases TMJ Dysfunction (TMJD) is due to a discrepancy in how the teeth fit together in a comfortable biting position and the “orthopedically-stable” position, or a position in which the jaw joint is properly supported by muscles and ligaments in our skull. This discrepancy causes muscles that move the lower jaw to spasm or tighten. Some of these muscles are connected to a disc that helps cushion our lower jawbone against our skull. When these muscles tighten, the disc is not allowed to move properly and as a result, a “click” may be felt or heard upon opening and closing. This click is your lower jawbone jumping off of the disc - a serious condition that can lead to arthritis and degenerative joint disease - and a condition that needs to be treated immediately.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COMFORTABLE BITING POSITION AND THE ORTHOPEDICALLY STABLE POSITION?
The comfortable biting position is how our teeth fit together comfortably; however, even though teeth may fit together comfortably, the TMJ jaw joint might be out of place. When this happens, TMJ symptoms start - and usually the first symptom is an audible “click” when you open or close, or muscle pain around the TMJ jaw joint.
The orthopedically-stable position exists when our TMJ jaw joint is in the correct position in our skull with all of the jaw muscles in a state of release. In this position, all of the teeth should fit together perfectly. When the teeth do not fit together perfectly in this position is when our TMJ becomes a problem.
EXPERT TREATMENT FOR TMJ-RELATED VERTIGO & DIZZINESS
Our Prosthodontist, Dr. Michael Gulizio, focuses on providing effective treatment for patients experiencing vertigo and dizziness caused by TMJ dysfunction. Through a conservative approach and personalized treatment plans, we aim to alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
HOW DO TMJ SPECIALISTS TREAT VERTIGO & DIZZINESS?
Myofascial release involves gentle manipulation of the muscles associated with the TMJ jaw joint.
Dr. Gulizio believes in a conservative approach to TMJ treatment, especially for vertigo and dizziness. Depending on the severity of your condition, he may recommend one or more of the following treatment modalities:
Myofascial release
Bite splints
Physical therapy
Medication
Simple injections with neuromodulators
Once you have been evaluated by Dr. Gulizio, he will formulate a treatment plan for you that may include myofascial release in addition to the implementation of a TMJ bite splint. In severe cases of TMJ dysfunction, a referral to an orofacial pain specialist may be required.
TMJ Bite Splints and Orthotics
A TMJ bite splint is a removable appliance made to release the muscle strain and tension in the area of the TMJ jaw joint. This device helps to “reset” the TMJ jaw joint into the correct position within the skull, thereby eliminating the pain associated with TMJ disorders.
TMJ splints are not nightguards as they function very differently than a nightguard appliance. A nightguard will only help protect your teeth from wear during clenching and grinding, but it will not fix your TMJ symptoms nor will it help correct TMJ dysfunction.
TMJ bite splint therapy requires a visit to our clinic on a monthly basis. These visits are usually very quick and they allow Dr. Gulizio to evaluate the progress of your TMJ treatment. It is important to understand that although a bite splint may eliminate your TMJ pain entirely, additional treatment may be needed to correct the position of your teeth so that your TMJ jaw joint remains stable and pain-free.
TMJ Splint: Unlike a nightguard, this device helps reposition the lower jaw to release muscle strain & set the TMJ jaw joint into the correct position.
Physical Therapy
Dr. Gulizio typically advises that all patients undergoing splint therapy strongly consider working with a physical therapist. Most TMJ disorders are highly correlated with muscle instability in the neck and mid- to lower-back regions. Working with a physical therapist will help to expedite the success of splint therapy treatment.
Trigger Point Injections and Medications
Usually the last resort for TMJ treatment, trigger point injections of anesthetic or steroids may be considered. Additionally, oral medications to help muscles around the TMJ jaw joint to relax may be prescribed.
Dr. Gulizio avoids trigger point injections and medication as a first-line choice for TMJ treatment. He has found that patients undergoing splint therapy in combination with physical therapy find relief in as little as a week. In situations where there has been a change in the anatomy of the jaw joint due to trauma arthritis or damage from letting TMJ go on too long, referral to an orofacial pain specialist is required.
Injections for TMJ
Common injectable treatment for TMJ therapy has been shown to be safe, effective and predictable. In combination with splint therapy, Injectables help to expedite muscle release in and around the TMJ jaw joint and to decrease the force that the chewing muscles can exert on the teeth, and, indirectly, on the TMJ jaw joint itself.
It is important to understand that injections for TMJ disorders are not curative, that is, it will not fix your TMJ problems. It will help the muscles around your jaw joint release from tension, allowing the bite splint to work more quickly and effectively. Usually 30-40 units of injectable freezers per side are injected. This procedure is painless and quick. For optimal results injections must be done every 3 months for a minimum of 1 year for optimal results.
Other injections for TMJ pain may include steroids and/or anti-inflammatories. These patients fall outside of the scope of conservative TMJ treatment with Dr. Gulizio and are best attended to by an orofacial pain specialist.
“TMJ sufferers, Dr. Gulizio is your guy. He’s head of NYU’s post-doctoral program for occlusion (jaw alignment) and esthetics. Do yourself a favor & make an appointment; you don’t have to live in pain. I wish I’d found him sooner. I was debilitated by TMJ pain before I came to Core Smiles.”
WHY CHOOSE OUR TMJ SPECIALISTS?
Dr. Gulizio, our leading TMJ specialist, has extensive experience in treating TMJ-related vertigo and dizziness. As the head of NYU's post-doctoral program for occlusion (jaw alignment) and esthetics, Dr. Gulizio has the expertise and skill to provide the highest level of care for your TMJ symptoms. Our patients consistently report significant improvements in their symptoms after receiving treatment from our team. For patients with signs and symptoms related to osteoarthritis and/or neurological disorders, Dr. Gulizio will refer you to an orofacial pain specialist colleague.
What are the costs involved?
Consultation
A consultation fee of $500 is required to secure an appointment with Dr. Gulizio. This fee ensures that Dr. Gulizio can dedicate ample time to accurately diagnose and provide personalized treatment recommendations tailored to your specific TMJ condition, ensuring you receive the most effective care available.
TMJ Appliances
After a thorough diagnosis, Dr. Gulizio will likely recommend a customized occlusal appliance tailored to treat your TMJ condition, offering relief and promoting long-term oral health. The cost for these appliances typically ranges from $1500 to $3000. Furthermore, Dr. Gulizio may prescribe an MRI, which is usually a covered expense by most medical insurance plans, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis for effective treatment planning.
