Where Can I Find a TMJ Specialist in Peoria, IL?

For any issues with the jaw joint or for a TMJ disorder (TMD), you should see a TMJ professional. This kind of professional can properly interpret symptoms like jaw pain, jaw clicking, facial pain, pain in the ears, ear ringing, ear congestion, and difficulty swallowing, which are all common symptoms of a TMD. Also, the professional may be able to help you understand what could have caused your issue, and of course, help you treat it too.

Despite the fact that TMJ disorder is quite common in the U.S., researchers and doctors don’t exactly know what causes it. However, what we do know is that the disorder is a dysfunction of the temporomandibular (jaw) joint, which can cause issues like jaw pain, a clicking jaw, and even difficulty sleeping. It may be that TMJ disorder is caused by pre-existing health conditions, unhealthy habits, or trauma. It’s also possible that certain habits cause or contribute to the disorder. In your case, the culprit might be:

– Jaw joint misalignment or dislocation
– An effect of whiplash
– The effects of jaw joint rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
– The effects of a trauma like a blow to the jaw or cheek
– Teeth grinding or teeth clenching
– Gum chewing or nail biting
– Teeth misalignment or loss
– Poor posture (this can result in abnormal function of the jaw muscles)
– Stress (which can contribute to muscle tension and jaw clenching)

Genetics may be a factor for you, or age or gender. Age in women is a common factor, as ages 18 to 44 are at a higher risk of developing TMJ disorder.

It’s important to treat a jaw issue or TMJ disorder, as the pain and other symptoms may worsen. If the disorder is caused by an underlying issue or condition, that can worsen too. Leaving a TMJ disorder or issue untreated may lead to joint inflammation, joint damage, the gradual wearing down of your teeth, or the development of an airway sleep disorder like sleep apnea. A condition like sleep apnea can even lead to life-threatening conditions like heart disease.

It’s definitely important to treat jaw issues and TMJ disorders. With us at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, treatment is easy on the patient.

Various stretches and exercises can help in many cases of TMJ disorder, and sometimes surgery is necessary, but much of the time the best treatment is oral appliance therapy. The therapy uses just a simple and comfortable oral insert for the treatment of TMJ disorder. A patient wears the insert regularly at night, and after about three months of treatment, many patients will be 90% symptom-free! Oral appliance therapy is approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and recommended by Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders.

Yes, our professionals at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders provide specialized TMJ treatment near you in the Peoria, IL area. The clinic serving this region is located in Dunlap, Illinois, and offers a comprehensive approach to Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders. The specialists there utilize neuromuscular treatment to address the root cause of jaw pain and dysfunction. This method aims to align the muscles, nerves, and joints to a relaxed, harmonious bite position, providing effective relief for symptoms like chronic jaw pain, clicking, and related headaches.

We encourage you to visit the Peoria/Dunlap location to explore non-surgical solutions like oral appliance therapy for your specific TMJ needs. For more information, call us or book an online appointment. We are located at 11825 N. State Rt 40, Ste 100, Dunlap, IL 61525. We serve patients from Dunlap IL, Bellevue IL, Pottstown IL, West Peoria IL, and surrounding areas.