Looking for a TMJ Specialist in Bloomington, IL?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and you have two of them located just below your ears where your lower jaw meets your skull.

A disorder of these joints might make eating or even speaking painful, produce a clicking or popping sound in the jaw, as well as many other symptoms. Even your sleep can be affected. If you’ve been experiencing pain, jaw clicking, or other jaw-related symptoms for some time now, then it’s definitely time to see a professional about it.

A minor issue with the TMJ may go away on its own, or could be helped, by stopping some harmful habits like excessive gum chewing and gnashing on ice, but a significant disorder of the TMJ might never go away unless it’s professionally treated. If a disorder isn’t addressed, it can lead to more serious complications, so there definitely are some major benefits of TMJ treatment.

When TMJ disorder isn’t addressed properly or at all, the disorder, its cause, and the symptoms could get much worse, leading to joint inflammation, permanent joint damage, the wearing down of your tooth surfaces, and many other symptoms that may not appear to have any relationship to the jaw. Patients who suffer from TMJ disorders may also suffer from sleep apnea. Severe, untreated sleep apnea may put you at greater risk for heart disease and even death.

Symptom relief is what drives most patients to seek treatment. You may be experiencing jaw pain, a popping or clicking jaw, pain behind the eyes or in the ears, difficulty swallowing, ringing in the ears, ear congestion, facial pain, frequent headaches, or other issues. Instead of treating the symptoms and bringing temporary relief, wouldn’t you prefer to correct the root cause?

The root cause in your case could stem from arthritis in the jaw, a prior injury, or another issue, and a TMJ professional can help to correctly identify and manage your care to prevent further complications.

If you have just a simple issue with your jaw, it may be relieved with simple jaw stretches and exercises we can teach you here at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders. For TMJ disorder, there are different methods of treatment, but one of the most effective methods is using a neuromuscular orthotic and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) with oral appliance therapy.

Our professionals will identify how your teeth should come together to ensure your muscles, nerves and TM joints are at their most comfortable and relaxed state. TENS will reduce swelling and facilitate healing of your joints. The neuromuscular orthotic will be worn over your lower teeth to prevent over closing and place your teeth together in the “true rest position.” Most patients find relief quickly and wish that they had found our services years earlier.

At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders in Bloomington, IL, we specialize in non-invasive, conservative treatments that address the underlying structural causes of jaw pain and dysfunction. Our primary treatment method is Neuromuscular Oral Appliance Therapy. We utilize Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) technology to gently relax the spasming facial muscles and determine your jaw’s optimal, natural resting position. Once this comfortable position is identified, our experienced dental team designs a custom-fit oral appliance, or neuromuscular orthotic, for you to wear. This comfortable, personalized device gently holds your jaw in proper alignment, relieving stress on the temporomandibular joint, eliminating painful clicking or popping, and reducing severe tension headaches.

By treating the mechanical root of your TMD without surgical intervention or heavy reliance on prescription medications, we help local patients from Bloomington, Normal, and nearby communities achieve lasting, drug-free chronic pain relief. Contact our professional Bloomington clinic team today to schedule a comprehensive medical evaluation and start your journey toward a healthy, completely pain-free life and sleep. Contact us for more information or visit us online to book an appointment. We are conveniently located at 2309 E. Empire St. Ste 500 Bloomington, IL 61704.