TMJ Therapy

At Tidy Smiles, we understand how challenging it can be to live with discomfort in your jaw, face, or head due to TMJ disorders. If you experience pain while chewing or hear clicking sounds when you open or close your mouth, you may be dealing with a condition known as TMJ disorder (or TMD). Tidy Smiles offers comprehensive care and treatments to help you feel better and enjoy a healthier, pain-free smile.

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. This joint plays a critical role in basic functions like chewing, talking, and yawning. When the joint or the muscles around it are damaged or misaligned, it can lead to TMJ disorders, also known as TMD.

The TMJ acts like a sliding hinge that allows your jaw to move up and down and side to side. This makes it possible for you to chew food, speak, and even yawn. The joint is supported by muscles and ligaments that help control jaw movement. When the joint works as it should, everything moves smoothly, but when something goes wrong with the joint, it can cause pain, stiffness, or other problems.

What are common symptoms of TMJ?

TMD can cause a wide range of symptoms, which can vary from person to person. Some people may experience only mild discomfort, while others may suffer from severe pain that interferes with daily activities. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness: Pain in the jaw, especially when chewing or speaking, is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorders.
  • Headaches or migraines: TMJ issues can cause tension headaches, migraines, or pain that radiates from the jaw to other parts of the head.
  • Clicking or popping sounds: Many people with TMD hear clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they move their jaw. This may or may not be accompanied by pain.
  • Difficulty opening or closing the mouth: Some people experience a locked jaw, where they can’t fully open or close their mouth without discomfort.
  • Ear pain or ringing: The TMJ is located close to the ear, so problems with the joint can cause earaches or a ringing sensation known as tinnitus.
  • Facial pain or swelling: Pain may spread from the jaw to other parts of the face, or there may be visible swelling around the joint area.
  • Neck and shoulder pain: TMD can also cause tension and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, or upper back due to muscle strain.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment to prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.

TMJ Therapy in Palatine, IL

At Tidy Smiles, we take a personalized approach to treating TMJ disorders. Every patient is different, so we begin with a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms. Based on our findings, we’ll recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Conservative Treatment for TMJ

Many TMJ disorders can be managed with simple, non-invasive treatments. Our goal is to relieve your pain and restore normal jaw function without surgery whenever possible.

  • Lifestyle changes: We may recommend lifestyle changes like eating soft foods, avoiding gum chewing, and using hot or cold compresses to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the jaw can improve mobility and relieve pain. We may also use ultrasound or massage to reduce muscle tension.
  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or muscle relaxants can help manage pain and reduce muscle spasms.
  • Mouthguards or splints: Custom-made mouthguards or splints can be worn at night to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and reduce pressure on the TMJ.

TMJ disorders can sometimes be long-term conditions that require ongoing care. At Tidy Smiles, we’ll continue to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure you stay comfortable and healthy.

Why treat TMJ?

Living with TMJ disorders can affect more than just your ability to chew or talk comfortably. Untreated TMD can lead to more serious health issues, such as:

  • Chronic pain: Without treatment, TMJ disorders can worsen over time, leading to persistent, debilitating pain that affects your daily activities.
  • Tooth damage: Grinding your teeth, a common symptom of TMJ disorders, can wear down the enamel, crack teeth, or cause sensitivity.
  • Sleep problems: TMD-related pain can make it hard to sleep, resulting in fatigue and other issues.
  • Difficulty eating: As the pain worsens, eating and even drinking can become uncomfortable, leading to poor nutrition or weight loss.

That’s why it’s essential to seek a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent long-term complications and provide relief from pain.

Restore Oral Health & Wellness

Are you experiencing the symptoms of a TMJ disorder? Explore treatment in Palatine, IL at Tidy Smiles. Schedule an appointment with us online or call 224-268-1797.

We provide dental services to patients from Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, and Barrington.