235 North Northwest Highway
Palatine, IL 60067
Weisz, Alan S D.D.S.
1641 N Milwaukee Ave # 3
Libertyville, IL, 60048-1386
Merrill & Merrill Family Dntl
1655 N Milwaukee Ave
Libertyville, IL, 60048-1314
Copeland, Raymond R D.D.S.
915 N Milwaukee Ave # A
Libertyville, IL, 60048-1973
Butterfield Dental
210 N Butterfield Rd
Libertyville, IL, 60048-1757
TM disorder describes a variety of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint - TMJ (the point where the jaw opens and closes) and nerves related to chronic facial pain. These problems are now more easily diagnosed and treated than in the past. Women are twice as likely to be affected than men.
The exact cause of the disorder is unknown. Some factors are related to an improper bite or malocclusion, injury, arthritis, severe stress, or a combination of factors. Clenching or grinding teeth, a condition called bruxism, may develop from stress or as part of a sleep disorder. This can tire muscles and create painful spasms, causing even more pain. Repeated muscle problems may affect the joints, resulting in tissue damage, muscle tenderness, and more spasms, perpetuating a cycle of pain.
Proper diagnosis is critical to make sure you receive treatment for your particular condition. Your dentist will recommend treatment after conducting a thorough health history, clinical exam, taking appropriate X-rays, and perhaps confirming the condition through other diagnostic tests.
Your dentist may prescribe a multiple-phase treatment plan. Only minor corrective treatment may be needed. Treatment may be simple or require more steps for alleviating the condition, depending on the degree of severity. Some of these treatments include:
In most cases, the symptoms related to TM disorders can be successfully treated to reduce or eliminate your discomfort. Postponement of treatment usually results in more damage to the joint, muscles, or teeth. Be sure to discuss any questions you may have about TM symptoms and treatment plans with your dentist.
By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
TMJ dysfunction is a living nightmare for an estimated 50 million Americans who suffer from this distress. And the fact that many dentists and physicians fail to diagnose this disorder means that people are suffering needlessly and spending money on office visits and drugs that give them no relief. But there is hope when TMJ is diagnosed correctly.
Symptoms include head, neck, and back aches. You may also have earaches, bouts of deafness, or ringing in your ears. You may hear clicking and popping when you chew. Some patients experience dizziness, chronic fatigue, and difficulty swallowing. And it usually starts with jaw misalignment.
When there's an imbalance in the jaws, the muscles in the neck and shoulders try to compensate, causing pains and headaches that can't be relieved until the jaws are realigned.
How do dentists realign the jaws? With a special dental splint and by repositioning the teeth using grinding procedures to produce a better fit between the upper and lower teeth. In a small number of instances, surgery may be required.
If you or someone you love suffer from the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, call your dentist's office and set up a consultation. It may end years of suffering and pain.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
