The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is one of the most complex joints in the body. It connects your lower jaw to your skull and is responsible for everyday movements such as chewing, speaking and yawning. When this joint becomes inflamed, misaligned or overused, it can lead to a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. This disorder can cause discomfort that radiates far beyond the jaw, affecting your ability to eat, sleep and concentrate.
Recognizing the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorders can present a variety of symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Clicking or popping sound when opening and closing your mouth
- Struggling to open your mouth wide
- Jaw pain, especially when chewing or speaking for extended periods
- Locking of the jaw
- Facial tension
- Persistent headaches.
- Pain in the ears, neck or shoulders
Stress-related behaviors, such as teeth grinding or jaw clenching, often contribute to the development of TMD. Other causes may include arthritis in the jaw joint, jaw injuries or dental misalignment. Identifying these factors is key to creating an effective treatment plan that provides lasting relief.
Professional Evaluation & Treatment Options
At Oak Dental Associates, we offer comprehensive TMJ evaluations to determine the cause and extent of your symptoms. Our dentists will begin with a detailed examination, checking the range of motion in your jaw, listening for joint sounds and reviewing your dental history. Imaging may be recommended to gain a clearer picture of the joint’s condition.
TMJ treatment in Oak Lawn, Illinois, is tailored to your individual needs. For mild cases, conservative approaches such as jaw exercises, anti-inflammatory medications and relaxation techniques may be effective. Many patients benefit from wearing a custom-made night guard to prevent grinding during sleep and reduce pressure on the jaw.
For more advanced cases, restorative dental treatments can correct bite misalignments contributing to the problem. In rare situations, surgery may be considered, but only after all nonsurgical options have been explored.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You do not have to live with the discomfort of TMJ disorder. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing jaw pain, limited movement or related symptoms we encourage you to contact us at 708-422-1900 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chris Pallotto and Dr. Duyen Tran and learn more about TMJ treatment in Oak Lawn, IL. We are committed to helping you find comfort and restore healthy jaw function with compassionate, personalized care.