TMJ Treatment Streamwood Illinois

Serentity Dental is available for diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and related disorders for Streamwood Illinois patients.

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What is TMJ?

TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is where the mandible (lower jaw) joins the temporal bone of the skull. Each time you chew, you move it, but you also move it every time you talk and every time you swallow. It is, therefore, one of the most frequently used joints in the body.  This multifactorial problem can be caused or be the result of a series of injuries which cause strain on the joint. 

Causes of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The exact cause of an individual’s TMJ disorder is often hard to pinpoint. There are numerous things that can cause tension in the jaw and temporal muscles or negatively impacts the joint can lead to issues with the TMJ. In most cases, there are a number of coinciding factors that lead to the disorder and pain. Such causes could be an injury to the neck or jaw, grinding or clenching of teeth, arthritis, improper bite alignment, poor dentistry, or stress.

 

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ Disorder causes widespread pains that may range from mild, constant discomfort, to severe, intermittent pain. Patients from the Streamwood, Illinois area who come to our Schaumburg dental office regularly express they are experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Pain and limitation of mouth opening
  • Teeth Grinding or clenching
  • Chewing difficulty
  • Bruxism and face pain
  • Soreness in muscles in the morning
  • Headaches or ear pain or neck pain
  • Clicking or popping sounds on mouth opening
  • Tingling sensation or stuffiness in the ears
  • sensitive, loose, broken or worn teeth

Treatment of the TM Joint

Serenity Dental offers sophisticated testing procedures which ensure accurate working diagnoses. These diagnoses lead to the alleviation of most symptoms including jaw pain and bruxism through multidisciplinary TMJ treatment. Whatever the cause or severity of the TMJ Disorder, our dentists in nearby Schaumburg can help. We have been treating dental patients from Streamwood, Illinois for over 15 years. The most effective approach is to initially use a soft dental splint. The aim of using the splint is to relieve pressure on the TMJs, decrease muscle tension and limit effects of clenching and grinding of teeth.

There are a few simple steps you can take on your downtime to prevent TMD from becoming more severe, or to prevent it from occurring more frequently:

  • Relax your face — We recommend you remember the rule: “Lips together, teeth apart”
  • Avoid grinding your teeth
  • Avoid constant gum chewing
  • If you are on the phone a lot during the day (especially for work), don’t cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder — either use a headset or hold the receiver in your hand
  • Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth, try to avoid favoring one side over another.
  • Do not sit with your chin rested on your hand
  • Practice good posture — keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared