TMJ Therapy Doctor in Peoria, IL

Many patients who come to our Dunlap office have experienced pain or clicking when opening and closing their mouths. However, there are a wide range of seemingly unrelated symptoms that could indicate you are suffering from a TMJ disorder. For a complete diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a physical exam that will identify uncomfortable areas of the jaw and observe its range of motion. Your doctor may also require digital imaging in order to see detail from within your body. This can provide your doctor with important information about the joint disk, soft tissue, teeth, and bones, so they can make a complete and comprehensive diagnosis. Every person’s TMJ disorder will vary depending on their unique body, so understanding the exact contributing factors for each individual patient is essential to developing an effective treatment plan.

For most people, TMJ disorders will require therapeutic medical intervention in order to resolve. In very rare cases, a patient may be able to use over the counter pain medications to reduce pain and inflammation while their condition resolves naturally. This is most often the case for patients whose TMJ problems are the result of a single issue such as chewing too much gum over a protracted period of time or clenching their jaw as the result of temporary stress at work or home. In nearly every case, TMJ therapy under the supervision of an experienced doctor can expedite the healing process and help patients find relief sooner. In most cases, medical intervention is the only way to effectively address TMJ disorder pain and other symptoms.

There are several different therapeutic modalities that may be implemented to address your TMJ disorder symptoms. One of the most popular methods is the use of an oral appliance to gently hold the jaw in its optimum resting position. This allows the muscles of the TMJ to relax and for tension and pain to dissipate naturally. At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, our doctors work closely with experienced dental professionals to create customized dental appliances that are made to fit your mouth perfectly, providing exceptional comfort and convenience. Physical therapy exercises designed to strengthen jaw muscle and stretch tense areas can also be helpful for many patients. Physical therapy solutions may also include transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation (TENS) or ultrasound, as well as hot and cold therapy. For some patients whose TMJ disorder is the result of anxiety or other behavioral factors, counseling can help address underlying issues that may contribute to their symptoms.

If you live in the Peoria area and are struggling with TMJ disorder symptoms, contact Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders in nearby Dunlap. We are conveniently located at 11825 N. State Route 40, Suite 100, Dunlap, IL 61525 and can provide you with comprehensive TMJ therapy solutions that will reduce your orofacial pain and improve your quality of life.