Usher in a Painless Lifestyle with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) Treatments
TMJ pain is a common condition affecting the hinge-like joints on either side of the face. The discomfort from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can make simple tasks like chewing, speaking, or even yawning painful. No one deserves to live in pain. A Brush Above Family Dentistry offers simple, effective TMJ pain treatment in Chicago, Illinois. Whether you have been battling TMJ pain for days or months, relief is possible with the right care. Schedule an appointment with our doctors as the first step towards a healthy, painless lifestyle.
What are the common symptoms of TMJ disorders?
The TMJs connect the lower jaw to the skull and are on either side of the face. These complex joints act like sliding hinges, allowing your mouth to move in multiple directions. Whether chewing food, speaking, yawning, or even kissing, your TMJs enable the fluid, coordinated movements required for these actions.
When your TMJs are healthy, they work seamlessly without you noticing their presence. However, when misaligned, strained, or injured, TMJs cause numerous unpleasant problems, including:
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- Chronic headaches
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Clicking or popping sounds when closing and opening your teeth
- Earaches and ringing sounds in the ears (tinnitus)
- Facial pain
TMJ pain symptoms vary from person to person and can mimic other conditions such as sinus problems, ear infections, or migraines, making TMJ disorders particularly challenging to diagnose. However, an experienced dentist can accurately diagnose the issue. This includes evaluating the jaw movement, checking for tenderness or misalignment, and reviewing your medical history. Advanced diagnostic tools, like dental x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, can also help pinpoint the cause of jaw pain.
What are the causes of TMJ pain?
There are numerous causes of TMJ pain, but most involve the relationship between teeth, supporting ligaments, TMJs, and related musculature. Poor oral habits like teeth grinding exert tension on your jaw muscles and joints, causing tension buildup over time. Poor occlusion (how teeth fit together) causes related muscles to overwork to compensate for the imbalances, causing discomfort. Other common causes of TMJ pain include dental trauma and infection.
How is TMJ pain treated?
TMJ pain rarely requires surgical interventions. Most cases are treatable with painless and conservative treatments. To minimize discomfort, oral appliances, such as splints or mouthguards, realign and relax the jaw joints. These custom-fitted devices reduce teeth grinding and jaw clenching for a painless lifestyle.Â
Other possible treatments for TMJ pain include:
- Orthodontic care to correct dental misalignment and bad bites
- Jaw rehabilitation exercises
- Lifestyle modifications, including stress management and avoiding chewy foods
- Anti-inflammatory medications
There’s no single solution for TMJ pain. Our dental team will work closely with you to identify the underlying cause of your discomfort and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Do you need TMJ pain treatment?
Living with TMJ pain can be a burden, but non-surgical yet effective treatments offer hope for a painless lifestyle. Don’t muscle through TMJ pain when treatments are available. If you suspect TMJ pain in Chicago, IL, call (773) 840-0378 to schedule an appointment with A Brush Above Family Dentistry.
Dr. Marcella Guzman
Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.