TMJ/TMD in Darien, IL
Relief for jaw pain.
Understanding TMJ/TMD
What causes jaw pain and how is TMD diagnosed?
Your temporomandibular joint is located close to your ear, between your upper and lower jaw. People with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) near 60561 can experience severe pain or discomfort that may either be temporary or last for many years. Your dentist at NuWave Dental & Orthodontics must perform a complete dental and medical evaluation to properly diagnose TMD.
Personalized TMJ/TMD Treatment
Find relief with custom oral appliance therapy.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD):
The first line of treatment will typically be the use of a splint or oral appliance. A TMJ splint or oral appliance is worn to reduce the stress on the jaw. This allows the muscles to function properly and may reposition the lower jaw to fall properly into the TMJ socket.
TMJ appliances are a conservative and reversible treatment option that may provide pain relief. There are many different types of splints and appliances that your dentist can fabricate for you. Your doctor will complete a clinical examination, use radiographs and your symptoms to help you decide the best treatment for you.
Call NuWave Dental & Orthodontics in Darien, IL today to schedule a consultation and ask us about our TMD treatment options.
Simple Ways to Ease Jaw Pain
Tips for TMD relief:
- Avoid chewing on gum, ice or anything too hard or sticky
- Avoid caramel, apples, hard or crunchy foods
- Eat soft foods that don’t require much chewing (yogurt, cottage cheese, soup, scrambled eggs, fish and grains)
- Avoid extreme jaw movements, as much as possible
- Sleep on your back
- Try to reduce any extra stress
- When you need to yawn, place your fist under your chin and apply upward pressure. This can help keep your mouth from opening too wide.
Protect Your Smile While You Sleep
Occlusal (night) guards.
A nightguard is the most common treatment option for the symptoms of TMD. Clenching or grinding your teeth at night, can damage the enamel of your teeth beyond repair. A night guard allows you to sleep comfortably, while protecting your teeth from erosive habits. A night guard is a plastic appliance that is professionally made by your dentist near 60561. The appliance is worn at night and can either be worn on the top or bottom arch. It is designed to protect the teeth from the pressure of clenching and grinding, by providing a protective cushion between the upper and lower teeth. It is perfect for patients with bruxism (clenching and grinding) and chronic jaw pain. This mouth guard can help relax your jaw and allow you to rest easy. A night guard is a simple, non-invasive, affordable treatment option for protecting your teeth and jaws from the damaging effects of bruxism.
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Your Gum Disease Questions Answered
FAQ.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease usually starts as a result of poor oral hygiene. Improper or irregular brushing and flossing will allow bacteria to collect below the gum line. Smoking also contributes to a poor oral environment and accelerates the spread of bacteria in the mouth. Periodontal disease affects about 80% of U.S. adults and contributes to more tooth loss than cavities.
When we eat, bacteria mix with food and form a sticky film (plaque) on our teeth. Regular brushing and flossing will remove this film. However, just a couple of days can be enough for the plaque to harden into tartar. Removing tartar requires professional dental cleaning. Tartar also permits more bacteria to collect on the teeth, causing gum tissue and bone to inflame from the irritation.
Untreated gum tissue inflammation can cause bone loss that allows pockets to develop between the gums and teeth. As these pockets become deeper, more bacteria will fit and build up inside them. This will eventually destroy the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. If too much bone is destroyed, the teeth will not be supported anymore and will fall out.
What Can I Do to Prevent Gum Disease?
A daily home care regimen is necessary to try to prevent periodontal disease near Darien, IL. Thoroughly brushing for two minutes, twice a day and flossing every night will help keep bacteria under control. Flossing not only helps prevent cavities in between the teeth, but also when done properly, cleans under the gum line and helps fight gum disease.
Many people understand the correlation between tobacco use and lung disease, heart disease and cancer. However, recent studies show a link between tobacco use and periodontal disease. We have found an increase of hard, tartar build up, deeper gum pockets and more bone loss in patients who use tobacco products. We encourage all of our patients to quit smoking to improve their overall health and quality of life!
How Do You Treat Gum Disease?
NuWave Dental & Orthodontics treats gum disease, according to the severity of the disease and other underlying medical conditions you may have. We usually start with a deep cleaning in the office in Darien, IL to remove bacteria from the teeth and under the gums. Your doctor at NuWave Dental & Orthodontics will discuss with you the best treatment options and look at your medical history, to see if you might have other medical conditions, such as diabetes, that may be contributing to your gum disease.
In some cases, non-surgical approaches are not enough to prevent further damage. Your doctor may refer you to a periodontist for gum surgery.
If you have bad breath or your gums bleed when brushing, please schedule a consultation with your doctor at NuWave Dental & Orthodontics and ask to be evaluated for gum disease to prevent more serious conditions.
