High Quality TMD Treatment Options in Schaumburg, IL

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common problem that might lead to uncomfortable symptoms and other dental issues. If you have any symptoms of TMD, then it is important that you talk with a dental specialist to learn more about the dental condition and to find the treatment plan that is right for you.

Common Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Symptoms

The symptoms of TMD can manifest in different ways, depending on your individual situation. These are some of the symptoms that you should be watching for:

• Discomfort or difficulty while chewing or biting
• Headaches
• Snoring
• Teeth grinding
• Ear pain
• Dizziness
• Locked jaw
• Jaw tenderness or pain
• Popping or clicking in the jaw joint
• Aching, dull pain on the temples or side of the face

If you have one or more of these TMD symptoms, then you should schedule a consultation to talk with Dr. Ads about the treatment options that are available. Keep in mind that the symptoms might be mild at first, but many people experience a worsening of the symptoms if the TMD is left untreated.

Diagnosing TMD

There are several diagnostic methods that can be used to evaluate whether you have TMD. Your dental specialist will check for a variety of symptoms, including the diagnostic wear patterns on the teeth and the way the jaw moves. The doctor will look for signs of clicking or popping in the jaw joint, and might also discuss other symptoms that you are experiencing on an ongoing basis.

It is common for TMD patients to suffer from teeth grinding or clenching, which usually happens at night. These symptoms can damage the teeth over time, and the grinding and clenching might also cause other symptoms to get worse.

Usually, clenching is associated with high stress levels, so it is important to take a proactive approach to decrease your stress. Pay attention to see if you are clenching or grinding your teeth only at night or if it is also happening throughout the day.

Treatment for TMD

The most common treatment to reduce the symptoms of TMD is to wear a nightguard while you sleep. This appliance is custom made to fit your mouth, and it sits over your teeth to help your jaw relax while you sleep. The nightguard is beneficial to protect the teeth and prevent the grinding that can wear down the teeth

In severe cases, oral surgery might be needed to reposition the jaw. But, each situation is considered on a case-by-case basis, so you should talk with an oral surgeon for more information. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, then we encourage you to contact us at Oramax to schedule a consultation and learn more about the treatment options.