Local Dental Care - Trigeminal Neuropathy Libertyville, IL

TMJ Syndrome

The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, but you probably know it better as the "jaw joint." With one on each side, the TMJ connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. Notice how you can move your jaw both up and down and side to side? It's a complicated joint that allows for a wide range of motion.

Temporomandibular joint syndrome describes problems with the jaw. Jaw problems can include clicking, popping, limited motion, jaw pain or facial pain. TMJ disorder is the result of inflammation within the jaw, and it typically results in jaw dysfunction and/or joint pain.

TMJ syndrome treatment usually begins with anti-inflammatory painkillers and gentle jaw exercises to stretch the joint, loosen jaw muscles, and increase range of motion. Some patients find TMJ relief by getting a night guard or bite plate from their TMJ .

+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 Dentist Can Help End Your Headache, Neck and Jaw Pain!

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.