Top TMJ Treatment in the USA

If you are looking for a trusted and qualified TMJ team, come to Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders. We serve patients from all over the USA. Locations in Bloomington IL, Peoria – Dunlap IL, Mishawaka IN, Kansas City MO, El Paso TX, and Wausau WI. For more information call us at one of our clinics today or request an appointment online.

The temporomandibular joint is an intricate joint that performs several actions that are fundamental to our everyday lives. Unfortunately, it can also become damaged, resulting in pain, crepitus, and a limited range of motion. In mild cases, a primary care physician may be able to offer some care for a TMJ disorder, however, moderate to severe cases are best handled by a dentist.

What is the best doctor to see for TMJ?

The best doctor to see for TMJ disorder depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In most cases, a dentist who specializes in treating TMJ disorders is the best doctor to see for this issue. For dentists who solely focus on TMD, they treat hundreds—if not, thousands—of patients and have much more experience than any other professional when treating disorders of the temporomandibular joint.

If you are looking for a qualified and experienced dentist to treat your TMJ disorder, contact Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders today for a professional evaluation. The dentists at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders specialize in treating TMJ disorders and can help you determine exactly what is causing your problems. Call us today to get started on your journey to a healthier, pain-free jaw!

Can TMJ damage nerves?

If TMJ disorder is left untreated, it can result in damage to the nerves, tendons, cartilage, and muscles. One nerve that is most prominently affected by untreated TMD is the trigeminal nerve. TMJ disorders can also cause symptoms associated with irritating other nerves, such as tinnitus, which may be related to an irritation of the cochlear nerve, in the inner ear. Nerve damage can result in neuralgia, which most often occurs in the face and head. It is described as an intense, shooting pain along the course of a nerve that is typically intermittent. In severe cases, it can be completely debilitating, and even in mild cases, it can interfere with a person’s ability to perform day-to-day activities. Since untreated TMJ disorder can lead to nerve damage, it is absolutely imperative to have it evaluated by an experienced dentist. They can help ameliorate pain and other symptoms and prevent nerve damage from occurring if treatment is started early enough.

Do neurologists treat TMJ?

In some cases, a neurologist can treat TMJ disorder, although they would not be the first professional that is consulted. The healthcare professional to perform an initial diagnosis is, in the vast majority of cases, a dentist. Dentists are specialists of the mouth and jaw and can diagnose a myriad of problems that affect this area.

Can you fix TMJ without surgery?

A TMJ disorder can certainly be fixed without surgery, especially in mild to moderate cases. There are several effective modalities for treating TMJ disorder, from oral appliances to TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). By receiving these conservative treatments early on, it prevents severe complications from transpiring. If treatment is delayed or ignored altogether, it can result in a severe case of TMD, which may require surgery to correct. However, by addressing these concerns early on, avoiding surgery is a very likely possibility. Some effective treatment options include:

• Oral Appliance — Oral appliances are designed to reposition the jaw to allow for easier breathing at night.
• TENS — Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can help the muscles relearn the best position for the jaw, minimizing painful symptoms associated with the temporomandibular joint.

For more information call us today to book an appointment for TMJ treatments. We look forward to serving you!