Say Goodbye to Jaw Pain: Effective TMD Therapy in Homewood, Illinois

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the jaw, causing pain, discomfort, and sometimes even difficulty with basic functions like eating or speaking. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing, TMD therapy could be your solution. Dr. James J. Kreuz, Dr. Gregory J. Duffner, and Dr. Alexander Dolinar at Park Avenue Dental Care in Homewood, Illinois, offer effective treatments for TMD that help relieve pain and restore comfort to your jaw. This FAQ guide will answer the most common questions about TMD therapy to help you understand the condition and your treatment options.

1. What is TMD?

“Temporomandibular joint disorder” (TMD used to be called TMJ.) describes disorders that impact the joint that links your jaw to your skull. The muscles, surrounding structures, and jaw joint can all experience pain and dysfunction due to TMD. Earaches, headaches, clicking or popping noises while moving the jaw, and trouble opening or closing the mouth are common symptoms. Teeth grinding, jaw injuries, bad posture, and stress are some causes of TMD.

2. How Do I Know if I Have TMD?

Common signs of TMD include:

  • Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or neck
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
  • Limited range of motion in the jaw
  • Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Ringing in the ears or earaches: If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, visiting a dental professional who can diagnose TMD and discuss potential treatments is a good idea.

3. How is TMD Treated?

We offer several effective treatment options for TMD at Park Avenue Dental Care in Homewood, Illinois. The specific treatment plan will depend on the severity and cause of your condition. Some common TMD therapies include:

  • Oral Appliances (Nightguards): These custom-made devices help alleviate the effects of teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can contribute to TMD.
  • Physical Therapy: Gentle exercises and stretching techniques can help improve jaw mobility and reduce muscle tension.
  • Medications: To help control discomfort and inflammation, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants or over-the-counter pain medications.
  • Jaw Realignment: In some cases, minor adjustments to the bite or alignment of the jaw may be necessary to reduce stress on the TMJ.
  • Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate TMD, relaxation techniques or counseling may be recommended to reduce jaw clenching.

4. Is TMD Therapy Painful?

Most TMD therapy options are non-invasive and comfortable. For example, wearing a nightguard is a painless way to reduce the effects of teeth grinding. Physical therapy exercises may involve mild discomfort, but they are designed to help relieve pain in the long term. If you’re concerned about discomfort during treatment, your dentist will discuss pain management options to ensure your comfort.

5. How Long Does TMD Therapy Take to Work?

The timeline for relief varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment type. Some patients experience relief within a few weeks, especially if using a nightguard or undergoing physical therapy. However, more complex cases of TMD may take longer to treat, and it may take several months to achieve significant improvements.

If you’re experiencing jaw pain or other TMD symptoms, don’t wait to get the help you need. At Park Avenue Dental Care in Homewood, Illinois, our team is committed to providing effective TMD therapy to restore comfort and function to your jaw. Call us today at (708) 792-2779 to schedule a consultation. We’ll work with you to find the best treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life!