TMJ Treatment St. Charles
Removing the Source of Teeth Grinding, Headaches, & Migraines
Millions of Americans struggle with teeth grinding, persistent headaches, regular migraines, and can’t figure out why. In many cases, these symptoms all stem from the same overlooked source—a dysfunctional TMJ, or jaw joint. Treating it directly cannot only help with chronic mouth and head pain, but also lower someone’s lifetime risk of dental issues.
Why Choose Biological Dentistry of Kane County for TMJ Treatment?
- Science-Backed, Comprehensive Approach to Dental Care
- Treatment Designed to Address the Source of TMJ Issues
- Convenient for Campton Hills, Geneva, Elburn, & Lilly Lake
What is TMJ Disorder?
“TMJ” stands for temporomandibular joint, and this refers to the two hinges you can feel in front of your ears whenever you open and close your mouth. Often, malocclusion (misaligned bite) places uneven stress on the joint that tires and strains the muscles, creating pain that can radiate throughout the head and neck.
Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
Patients dealing with TMJ dysfunction often experience some (but rarely all) of the following:
- Jaw pain or tenderness (especially near the ear)
- Facial pain or aching
- Ear pain (without infection)
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds (crepitus) in the jaw joint
- Locking of the jaw (open or closed)
- Limited mouth mobility or difficulty chewing
- Headaches (often temple or tension-type)
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Sensation that teeth don't fit together properly (bite feels "off")
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Neck pain, shoulder pain, or dizziness
How We Treat TMJ Disorder
A careful examination of the teeth and joints will help Dr. Allen identify the cause of the issue, and then he’ll work to resolve it as well as help a patient manage their acute symptoms.
Occlusal Splints
An occlusal splint is a custom mouthguard a patient wears to bed. It slightly shifts the jaw into a more relaxed position, allowing overworked facial muscles to relax and heal. It also protects the teeth from unconscious grinding, one of the most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
TENS Machine Treatment
The TENS machine can help provide immediate, short-term relief for patients dealing with TMJ-related pain. Electrodes are placed on the face and use a gentle current to stimulate blood flow to the area, essentially massaging the face to reduce inflammation, clear out cellular waste, and remove tension.
Stress & Diet Management
For most people, the primary source of TMJ/TMD is stress, so Dr. Allen can offer guidance to address the source of the problem directly. Tailored to each patient based on their lifestyle, this could include reducing caffeine, improving sleep, and other practices that help calm the body and mind.