Expert: Susan Tannenbam - 4/5/2006

Question
I read the question posed to you about TMJ and read the answer.  I am in the New York City (Queens) area and would like to know any other professionals you have seen that helped you (namely the physical therapist).  Any other information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.  My TMJ is getting worse.  I have seen a dentist who provided me with a few different night guards but they did not work. Any help or other suggestions other than the ones you already provided (because they were very helpful)would be great.  Thank you in advance.

Answer
I highly recommend Dr. Barry Rozenberg, 516 791-4000 and 212-752-3000 if you were not helped with your dentist's nightguards. I also tried a LOT of nightguards from other dentists(one was in Bayside, Queens), and his was the best.  He is very kind and patient and helpful in every way.  He actually had TMJ himself, too.  He does the ultrasound therapy also which was the most helpful thing that the physical therapist did ..  The physical therapist is Dina Delgado in New Hyde Park.  516-775-9144. One thing I did not like about her was that she said the pain has to get worse before it gets better.  That never happened to me.  Also, I feel the only thing that she did that was helpful was the ultrasound, but she would not do it more than a few timnes, then take a break from it, even though I begged her to do more.  She was helpful in pointing out that my tooth pain was actually due to certain points in my neck and cheek area that were tight because of the clenching.  In the meantime, wet heat can give you quite a bit of relief if you are having a lot of pain.  I always run the hot water on my face when showering and any pain I have goes away. Dr. Rozenberg gave me some topical numbing gels that worked very well but after awhile I didn't need them.
REmember - a LOT of dentists say they treat TMJ, but they really don't have a lot of knowledge on the correct way to treat it.  Again, I really recommend Dr. R especially if you are in the NY area - we are lucky to have him!
Good Luck