This article describes what TMJ is and its symptoms, causes and treatments, including mouth guards as recommended by an oral surgeon.
This dual-degreed oral surgeon in Chicago Loop is a highly trained and qualified professional who treats an array of problems, disorders and ailments associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ disorder is generally characterized by pain, inflammation and even swelling around the joint that links the skull to the mandible. Because of the pain and impairment to jaw function associated with the condition – and the splitting migraines it can cause – sufferers of TMJ are often forced out of necessity to seek the advice and treatment of an oral surgeon in Chicago Loop in solving this sleep-hindering condition. Jaw joint treatment offered may include a night guard, an NTI bite splint, or a soft day guard, and arthrocentesis (joint flushing) or arthroscopy … but here’s the good news; it seldom requires reconstructive jaw surgery in Chicago!
Ask the Oral Surgeon in Chicago Loop: Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
There are a number of symptoms linked with TMJ that can be diagnosed by this dual-degreed oral surgeon in Chicago Loop, including:
- Clicking or other noise when closing or opening the mouth
- Pain or difficulty in chewing or biting
- Loss of or altered hearing
- Ache or pain in face
- Headache, most noticeable in the morning, after waking up
- Earache, most noticeable in the morning
- Migraine, most noticeable in the morning
- Tinnitus
- Impairment to closing or opening the mouth
- Ache or pain of the jaw
- Ache or pain of the shoulder or neck
The Oral Surgeon in Chicago Loop: Assessing the Causes of TMJ
TMJ can be caused by a number of factors including bruxism, the unconscious and repetitive grinding of the teeth (usually at night, during sleep). It can also be set off by a misalignment of the temporomandibular joint, perhaps due to a sports injury or trauma, or through habits that are detrimental to the normal functioning of the joint, such as poor chewing habits. This dual-degreed oral surgeon in Chicago Loop can help you to identify the causes of the discomfort you are suffering. Even things like biting your nails or eating food in large bites can place stress on the respective joint, resulting in TMJ symptoms. The syndrome could also be the result of a degenerative joint disease like osteoarthritis. Seek the professional advice of this oral surgeon in Chicago Loop when identifying the cause of your TMJ… it really need not require jaw surgery in Chicago.
Jaw Surgery in Chicago and the Treatment for TMJ
The good news is that in many cases, TMJ pain is easily and economically treated with the help of this oral surgeon in Chicago Loop. Those seeking treatment for the condition may be offered a night guard – a mouth guard that is worn at night to reduce the grinding of teeth. This form of treatment by this oral surgeon in Chicago Loop is very successful in easing TMJ symptoms in patients whose condition is caused through Bruxism. With the help of a durable, custom-fit mouth guard, the condition can be relieved or even completely alleviated and without the need for major jaw surgery in Chicago. If your TMJ is attributed to a sport injury, then this oral surgeon in Chicago Loop may offer you a sport bite guard in addition to other treatment.
The Oral Surgeon in Chicago Loop and TMJ: A Final Note
TMJ can be a painful condition, not to mention it can be disruptive to a good night’s sleep. With the help of this dual-degreed oral surgeon in Chicago Loop, you can overcome teeth grinding and other conditions associated with TMJ effectively with the use of a mouth guard. Give yourself and your sleeping partner the rest you deserve!