How Libertyville Dental Practitioners Treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

There are Lake Forest dentists who have enough education and training to recognize and treat some oral health problems that only a few patients experience. These dentists have also received training to operate equipment like x-ray machines and perform orthodontic procedures to treat temporomandibular joint disorder.

Temporamandibular joint disorder, sometimes called TMJ disorder or TMJ syndrome, is an inflammatory disorder that occurs in the temporomandibular joint. Unlike other joints in the body, like the vertebrae or the joints in the limbs, the temporomandibular joint or TMJ is a thick and tough pair of tendons connecting the temporal lobe to the mandible. A dysfunctional TMJ appears swollen and stiff and feels significantly painful.

TMJ disorder affects the bones, muscles, teeth, and other ligaments and connective tissue. A person with TMJ disorder may experience significant discomfort when chewing or biting. The area’s close proximity to the ears contributes to hearing loss or tinnitus (more commonly known as “ringing in the ears”). The patient also experiences earache, headache, and jaw discomfort that radiates to the neck and shoulders.

Using digital x-rays or comprehensive oral exams, a Lake Forest dentist can pinpoint the problem as a symptom of pulpitis, inflammation of the dental pulp or the fleshy core of the tooth. Pulpitis is a serious dental infection attributed to periodontal disease and dental cavities that have worsened and infected teeth. TMJ disorder can also be a problem following wisdom tooth extraction.

There are other causes that affect not only the TMJ, but also the teeth and jaws. Bruxism, the uncontrollable clenching or grinding of teeth during sleep or moments of stress, can lead to TMJ disorder. Bruxism causes significant strain on the temporomandibular joint and some dental trauma. Dental trauma or injury is also a risk factor that aggravates TMJ disorder.

To address this, a dentist can create a protective mouth guard made of ethylene-vinyl acetate. This apparatus protects the teeth from trauma, immobilizes the jaw and reduces strain on the temporomandibular joint. If the TMJ disorder is somehow caused by severe malocclusion or misalignment of teeth, orthodontic dentists may instead prescribe dental braces.

Libertyville dental health practitioners also teach patients how to property take care of their teeth. They advise patients to take smaller bites of food and to refrain from excessive nail biting and gum chewing, all of which can strain the TMJ. It’s always prudent to visit your dentist to determine if you’re at risk for TMJ disorder.