Trusted treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
As specialists in supporting the health, function, and aesthetics of various structures and tissues of the face, mouth, and jaws, the Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery are well-equipped with treatment to put the many symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders or dysfunction (TMJDs) behind you.
What are TMJDs?
These disorders affect the small joints (TMJs) in front of the ears and where the skull meets the lower jaw. This joint functions as a hinge to move the lower jaw.
What happens when these joints are “disordered”?
Our patients from across Mount Prospect, Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, and Chicago, Illinois, experience a variety of symptoms and problems with day-to-day function. You, for one, may have unexplained facial, jaw, and neck pain. You may also be plagued by tension headaches and migraines. Or, whenever you open your mouth, you may hear clicks, pops, or grating sounds. Your jaw could also tend to “catch” or lock in place when you open and close your mouth.
What causes TMJDs?
There are many potential “sources” or triggers. You may place lots of stress on the joints and connected tissues from bruxism, a condition characterized by chronic teeth grinding and clenching of the jaws. You may also have a degenerative condition such as arthritis. A previous injury or bite imbalances may also be to blame. Any time behaviors or other conditions stress these joints; you could be at risk of developing TMJDs that manifest as pain and the other symptoms mentioned here.
How do you treat TMJD?
It is essential to get a correct diagnosis. Drs Russell Spinazze, Mark Spinazze, and Eliza Drobny have the expertise to diagnose these and related conditions accurately. We may also order advanced imaging and consult with other specialists as needed to determine the best path forward. This path also resolves the underlying source of the problem and doesn’t merely mask or relieve symptoms like pain in the short term. Since there are so many potential sources and causes, treatment options also vary depending on what we find during an evaluation.
What are some examples of TMJD therapies?
Shorter-term interventions might include muscle relaxants or special appliances called oral splints. When non-surgical interventions do not get the results that you deserve, or if joint damage is present, surgery may be recommended. Surgical procedures could involve arthroscopy – a method identical to orthopedic treatments to repair larger damaged joints such as the knees. Whatever the source of the problem, don’t ignore any concerning symptoms. TMJDs only get worse with time. They require professional intervention to avoid further pain and potentially severe damage to the joints.
Call (847) 255-7080 to schedule a consultation at our Mount Prospect, IL office. Or, if our locations in Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, and Chicago are more convenient for you, call (630) 289-5002, (847) 593-0535, and (773) 736-3300, respectively.
