TMJ / TMD Therapy
Do you suffer from recurrent headaches or migraines? Facial or jaw pain? Jaw clicking or popping? Neck pain or stiffness? Imagine a life free of pain. We are here to help patients who are struggling with all these symptoms, which are known as craniofacial pain. Although, most people are told or say they have “TMJ,” it is a part of a bigger picture. Craniofacial pain is usually a symptom of a bigger underlying issue. Luckily, at Inspire Dental Wellness, Dr. Erica, knows how to identify those problems, which will lead to successful treatment without surgery.
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What is TMJ / What is TMD?
TMJ stands for the TemporoMandibular Joint. “TMJ” can be used as a generic term for pain or functional issues with the jaw joints or facial structures. TemporoMandibular Disorder is the dysfunction or disease of the TMJ(s). It can present in many different ways, which makes it complicated to treat .
What Causes TMD?
TMDs are usually the result of a traumatic injury like a blow to the face or car accidents. They can also be caused by having a bad bite (even with straight teeth), clenching or grinding. The effects of these things usually builds up over time and your body makes compensations that allow you to function, but in a suboptimal fashion. Likely, another injury or change in the delicate balance will be the last straw, and the situation becomes unbearable.
How TMJ is Treated?
Dr. Erica recommends reversible and noninvasive therapy to initially treat TMD. Usually, this includes an appliance called an orthotic. An orthotic is a clear and nonintrusive appliance that you wear during the day. This therapy usually lasts between 12-16 weeks. After the 12-16 weeks, we will begin to wean you off the orthotic. If weaning is unsuccessful, we will explore and recommend non-reversible Phase II therapy options to stabilize your condition.
Are TMJ and Tinnitus Related?
Tinnitus can at times be caused due to a TMJ or TMD dysfunction. At Inspire Dental Wellness of Orland Park we can provide dental treatment or bite realignment that may reduce Tinnitus symptoms.
Can TMJ Cause Dizziness?
Patients with a diagnosed TMD disorder may experience dizziness often attributed to symptoms of vertigo. The anatomical proximity of the TMJ to the inner ear which assists with balance can be a interfered with TMJ inflammation. Some patients that have gone through TMJ therapy have had reduced or eliminated vertigo symptoms.
Can TMJ Cause Headaches?
The muscles attached to the TMJ are broad and cover each side of your head. When they become tense due to TMJ / TMD then they put added pressure on your skull which can cause a headache. There are studies out there that patients thinking they are having a tension or migraine headache are actually having a headache from TMJ.