TMJ Treatments

Many people have heard of the jaw joint known as the temporomandibular joint, but many people need to learn what that means. The TMJ is the hinge that connects your lower jaw and upper jaw. This joint can be used to eat, talk, laugh, and more! Patients can suffer from various symptoms with their TMJs, such as pain in their jaw or neck, clicking when they speak or open their mouth, limited movement of their jaw, or locking their jaw when it opens or closes. If you suspect you may have an issue with your TMJ, visit our dentist at Stone Dental Group-SE Chicago Dentistry, for an evaluation. Our dentist can help you determine the cause of your discomfort and help you develop a treatment plan. You may be a candidate for treatment if you suffer from chronic headaches, facial pain, teeth grinding, lockjaw, or other uncomfortable symptoms with your TMJs. 

The Symptoms of TMJ 

When the temporomandibular joint is injured or inflamed, a patient can experience pain when chewing, yawning, speaking, and opening wide. Other symptoms include clicking sounds in the jaw when opening and closing the mouth. Some patients may experience an inability to open their mouths all the way, which is called a lockjaw. This can cause significant difficulty in eating and talking. Patients may also experience morning headaches that worsen as the day progresses. A dentist can help identify the source of these symptoms and recommend individualized treatment for the patient’s unique needs. 

When left untreated, these conditions can lead to chronic facial pain and limited abilities with the jaw. Patients also risk further damaging the joint if they continue engaging in activities that aggravate it. This can include excessive gum chewing, biting fingernails, and eating hard foods. 

Patients with TMJ often benefit from wearing a night guard to protect their teeth and reduce the strain on the jaw at night. Splints can also help protect the jaw from unneeded movement during the day. 

The TMJ Treatment Options 

Oral Appliance Therapy 

This treatment involves wearing a custom-made oral appliance at night to reposition your jaw and relieve joint pressure. Most patients find relief using this approach, but the device may only provide temporary relief for others. 

Botox Injections 

Botox can be injected into the muscles around the jaw to help relax them and eliminate tension in your jaws. Our experienced dentists may use a combination of these techniques to relieve your symptoms and help you live a more comfortable life. 

Our dentist can provide more information regarding the treatment options for TMJ. Visit Stone Dental Group-SE Chicago Dentistry at 2845 N Sheridan Rd #914, Chicago, IL 60657, or call (773) 8805080 to book an appointment. These treatments are tailored to each patient's unique needs to provide relief without further aggravating the condition.