TMJ THERAPY IN MORTON GROVE, IL
If you regularly experience discomfort, clicking, or locking of your jaw, you could be suffering from a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ disorder). This disorder impacts the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull and allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn.
When this joint is injured or inflamed, it can lead to a variety of discomforts, including pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. Our esteemed dentist, Dr. John Ifantis, has extensive experience in addressing this condition and can offer solutions to alleviate your pain and restore the healthy function of your jaw.
Understanding TMJ disorder and the treatment options available is essential to managing your symptoms effectively. To learn more about TMJ disorders and the treatment modalities available in Morton Grove, Illinois, we invite you to schedule your next appointment with our empathetic and skilled dentists at Ifantis Dental Care today!
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. When this joint experiences stress, damage, or misalignment, it can lead to a condition known as TMJ disorder, often abbreviated as TMD. Factors contributing to TMD could include stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis in the TMJ, or trauma to the head, neck, or jaw.
TMD can present various symptoms. If you regularly experience jaw or facial pain, you might be dealing with TMD. Other signs of this disorder include:
- Sounds of grinding, clicking, or popping in the jaw when you open or close your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide, such as when speaking, yawning, or chewing
- A sensation of a locked or stuck jaw
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Discomfort in the neck, shoulders, or ears
- Recurring headaches
Our dentists can assist in diagnosing the underlying causes of your TMD and recommend suitable treatment options. Treatments for TMJ disorders vary depending on the specific cause and severity of your condition. Potential solutions can include relaxation exercises for the jaw and face, lifestyle modifications, restorative dental treatments, the use of a mouth guard or night guard, or, in severe cases, jaw surgery.
For more information about TMJ treatment options, and to arrange a consultation with our dentists, we urge you to get in touch with us today.