TMJ Treatment in Palatine

Your jaw joint is one of the most used joints in the human body, and as such, it can become sore or overworked. Estimates say that over 10 million Americans suffer from painful jaw joint (TMJ) problems, with symptoms that range from mild to debilitating.

When you experience a problem with your TMJ, we refer to as temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. Dr. Michael Unti has studied the TMJ extensively and offers a range of treatments to help his patients in Palatine who have a TMJ disorder.

The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw to the skull. This joint works with the muscles, ligaments, and discs, to perform many different movements, including rotating and gliding when speaking or chewing.

Some reasons why the TMJ becomes tired and overworked are:

• Tooth misalignment
• Malocclusions
• Teeth grinding and clenching
• Injury to your jaw, neck, or head
• Stress that affects the jaw and facial muscles
• Sleep apnea
• Arthritis
• Poor posture

Malocclusion refers to a problem with the way your teeth meet when you bite down and places stress on your TMJ, causing pain and wear and tear on the joint and your teeth. All this excessive wear can also damage prior dental work.

A painful or tender jaw is the most obvious sign of a TMJ disorder, but there are other common symptoms that you should be aware of:

• Popping or clicking sounds in your jaw
• Migraines or chronic headaches
• Pain in your temples
• Pain behind your eyes
• Facial swelling
• Ear pain or tinnitus
• Locking of the jaw joint

TMJ treatment helps us mitigate damage to your oral health and allows you to regain your quality of life.

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Unti has always committed himself to provide his patients with the most up-to-date treatments and technology available. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treat TMD, and his expertise and training enable Dr. Unti to match your treatment to your unique needs.

He has been trained in all TMJ treatment philosophy and doesn’t subscribe to one in particular. Instead, he works with each patient’s individual needs and tailors their treatment accordingly. Some of the approaches Dr. Unti uses when treating TMJ problems in Palatine are:

• Occlusal splint or night guard to prevent teeth grinding and give your TMJ a rest
• Mandibular advancement device that eases the jaw joint forward
• Orthodontic adjustment with traditional braces or Invisalign
• Occlusal equilibration to ensure upper and lower jaws are meeting correctly
• Physical therapy to help relax and stretch tight muscles that contribute to TMJ pain
• Medications to help minimize stress and give the TMJ a chance to rest

Yoga and meditation that helps you de-stress are also beneficial. In some cases, eliminating the source of your TMJ pain may require surgery. If this is the case, Dr. Unti works with only the most highly trained and qualified oral surgeons in our area and will oversee your treatment.

The symptoms of TMD range from mild to unbearable, but you don’t have to live with TMJ pain that takes over your life. Call us to schedule an appointment at Palatine Complete Dental, so we can provide the treatment you need to resolve your discomfort and take back your life.