3 Questions to Ask Your Jaw Pain Dentist

There are many different reasons you may experience pain in your jaw. The most common cause for jaw pain is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder or TMD). This is a broad term that can refer to any combination of dysfunction in the muscles, bones, or connective tissue associated with the hinge joint at either side of your jaw. Pain in your jaw may also be the result of bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), arthritis conditions, osteomyelitis, sinus problems, and dental issues such as damaged teeth, abscesses, or gum disease. Some patients may also experience vascular, neuropathic, or neurovascular pain as a result of other interrelated conditions.

Our dental providers have a wide range of experience helping people overcome their chronic jaw pain so they can live fuller and happier lives without chronic discomfort. A dentist can examine your teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw to check for any abnormalities that may be causing dysfunction of your temporomandibular joint. A dental professional has undergone extensive education and training to understand precisely how this part of the body is meant to work, which makes them exactly the type of provider you want on your team when deciding on a treatment plan to address your jaw pain. By performing a physical exam or x-ray imaging, a dentist can pinpoint the underlying cause of your jaw pain, so you can move forward with a dedicated treatment plan.

At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, our dental providers have helped countless patients reduce their jaw pain or relieve it entirely by creating custom-fit dental appliances designed to restore healthy function and alignment to the temporomandibular joint. These appliances are worn only at night and provide your jaw with a sturdy guide that will help it maintain its optimum resting position. This simple but effective therapeutic technique helps relieve tension in your jaw and restore better mobility to the TMJ, so you can enjoy reduced pain and better sleep. Our oral appliances are custom created for each individual patient, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. These dental appliances travel easily, are simple to clean, and can provide a plethora of physical benefits from relieving jaw pain to treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without reliance on invasive procedures, bulky machines, or prescription medications.

If you are struggling with chronic pain in your jaw, contact Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders. Our dedicated doctors and dental staff will help you understand your condition and restore natural and healthy function to your jaw, so you can eat your favorite foods and smile without worry. Call us today or click here to schedule a jaw pain consultation at the location nearest you. We are serving patients from all over the USA. Locations in Bloomington IL, Peoria/Dunlap IL, Mishawaka IN, Kansas City MO, El Paso TX and Wausau WI.