TMJ / TMD Therapy – New Lenox
Get Rid of Chronic Jaw Pain At Last
If you place your fingertips on the skin right below the ear and open your mouth, you’ll be able to feel something moving underneath the surface. These are our temporomandibular joints (the TMJ), which have the important responsibility of connecting the jawbone to the skull. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to chew food, speak clearly, or even yawn when you’re tired, which is why dysfunction in this bodily area is a big problem. At Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox, our experienced dentists can address TMJ disorders with focused therapy and bring back lasting harmony to your oral structures. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today in Lenox, IL.
Why Choose Us for TMJ/TMD Therapy?
- Customized Oral Appliances For Long-Term Relief
- Advanced Digital Technology & Unparalleled Diagnostic Precision
- Modern, Inviting Office Space
Diagnosis & Treatment
TMJ disorder is very complex, and no two cases manifest in exactly the same way. There are some common symptoms that patients should be on the lookout for in their daily lives, including the following:
- Strong, focused pain that feels like an earache
- Chronic discomfort in the jawbone, the neck, the face, or the shoulders
- Constant clicking and popping sounds that come from the jaw joints
- Struggling to open and close the mouth properly and/or chew food without difficulty
During your initial visit, our team will thoroughly review your TMJ, your individual teeth, and the way your bite fits together to gauge the severity of your condition. Once we understand your specific circumstances better, personalized therapy can follow.
Occlusal Adjustments / Equilibration
If your specific case of TMJ disorder is related to a misaligned bite, occlusal adjustment (also referred to as equilibration) may be able to permanently correct the issue. We will determine where there’s an excessive amount of pressure and readjust the biting surfaces of certain teeth to more evenly spread it throughout the mouth, alleviating chronic strain and helping fatigued facial muscles relax at last.
Occlusal Splints
A customized occlusal splint (more commonly referred to as a mouthguard) is another popular option for TMJ treatment. The device will reposition the patient’s resting jaw and also help prevent bruxism (teeth grinding), which can exacerbate painful symptoms over time. Many patients discover that the diligent use of an oral splint can actually “reprogram” their smile over time, leading to long-term relief.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMJ be cured permanently?
Although the discomfort associated with TMJ disorder can sometimes subside on its own with time, if your symptoms begin negatively impacting your daily life, it’s important to seek treatment from a skilled dentist.
Occlusal splints and occlusal adjustments / equilibration are treatments that are designed to permanently address the jaw tension, misalignment, and other underlying causes and symptoms of a temporomandibular joint disfunction, thereby bring the patient permanent, lasting relief.
How long does occlusal adjustment take for TMJ?
Equilibration/occlusal adjustments vary in how long they can take to bring relief. It depends not only on the specific changes that need to be made in your mouth, but also on your individual anatomy and how fast your body adapts to these modifications. However, the good news is that once their bite and teeth are better aligned, most patients experience relief very shortly afterward.
The exact length of your treatment will also vary. However, in most cases it will only take a few brief appointments – usually three or less- to complete the necessary adjustments to your teeth or restorations that could be unevenly distributing your biteforce.
Can TMJ be treated without surgery?
Yes, it absolutely can! In fact, the National Institutes of Health recommends using the least invasive and most conservative methods possible for treating TMJ disorders. That’s because surgery involves making permanent changes to the jaw and nearby anatomy and is typically only recommended as a last resort. Thankfully, in most cases TMJ disorder can be successfully treated with far less invasive methods.
In addition to at-home methods like stress relief, you can treat TMD with therapies such as occlusal splints, equilibration and occlusal adjustments.
Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?
Whether or not your TMJ treatment is covered by insurance depends on your individual plan. Depending on the cause and severity of your condition, your treatment could be covered by medical or dental insurance. Because the temporomandibular joint is not specifically related to dentistry, it may be covered by medical insurance; however, many of the treatments available such as occlusal splints can only be provided by a dentist.
Insurance coverage for TMJ treatment can be very complex and will vary depending on your location and your individual policy. Some policies have clauses that specially exclude TMJ disorder treatment, while others may limit the dollar amount that can be spent on it.
In most cases, insurance companies do not include TMJ coverage unless it is either mandated by the state or requested by your company’s benefits coordinators. Thus, it’s best to check with your insurance provider directly about whether your treatment will be covered. We can also help you determine this if you’d like, so please contact us with any questions or concerns.