Top TMJ Dentist in Downers Grove, IL

At AIRE Dental Group, we understand how important a healthy, pain-free jaw is for your overall well-being. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull, and it plays a vital role in everyday activities such as talking, chewing, and yawning. TMJ disorders (also known as TMD) can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control your jaw movement.

• Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
• Difficulty chewing
• Jaw locking in an open or closed position

These symptoms can significantly impact your dental health. Persistent jaw discomfort may make it difficult to brush and floss, potentially leading to other oral health issues. TMJ problems are often linked to teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), which can cause tooth wear, sensitivity, or even cracks and fractures. Additionally, misalignment from TMJ disorders can affect how your teeth fit together, placing extra stress on certain teeth and the surrounding tissues.

Our experienced dental team is equipped to diagnose and manage TMJ disorders. We understand that untreated TMJ problems can lead to further complications, including gum disease, inflammation, or issues with dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or dentures.

If you are experiencing jaw discomfort, clicking, or other symptoms of TMJ disorders, don’t wait to seek help. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment at AIRE Dental Group can help you find relief, protect your teeth, and maintain your oral health. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and let us help you achieve a healthier, more comfortable smile.

Our experienced dentists are committed to providing comprehensive care for patients experiencing jaw discomfort or symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Diagnosing TMD involves a careful, multi-step approach to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment.

Your visit begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms. Our team will ask about any jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, difficulty chewing, or jaw locking you may be experiencing. We’ll also review factors that can contribute to TMD, such as teeth grinding (bruxism), past jaw injuries, stress, and arthritis.

Next, our dentists will perform a thorough examination of your jaw and bite. We will gently feel and listen to your jaw as you open and close your mouth, observing for unusual movements, noises, or areas of tenderness. The assessment also includes checking your bite alignment, evaluating your jaw’s range of motion, and looking for muscle tenderness in your jaw, neck, and face.

If your symptoms or our examination indicate the need for further investigation, AIRE Dental Group can utilize advanced imaging technology. Panoramic dental X-rays help rule out other dental or jaw issues, while CT scans offer a detailed view of your jawbone structure. If soft tissue concerns are suspected, such as a displaced disc in the joint, we may recommend an MRI for a more in-depth look.

If you are experiencing persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, difficulty or discomfort while chewing, or notice clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth, it may be time to schedule an evaluation at AIRE Dental Group. Our experienced team is skilled in diagnosing and treating TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, helping you find relief and restore your quality of life.

Additional signs that you may benefit from a TMJ assessment at our practice include frequent headaches, earaches, or pain radiating around your face and neck—especially if these symptoms haven’t improved with standard remedies. If your jaw ever feels “locked” in an open or closed position, or you notice limited jaw movement, our dentists can provide prompt and thorough care.

You should also seek professional evaluation if you observe changes in your bite, swelling along the side of your face, or if TMJ symptoms are interfering with your daily activities such as speaking, eating, or sleeping. Early diagnosis and intervention can help prevent your symptoms from worsening and may allow for more conservative treatment options.

Our experienced dentists specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—the crucial connection between your jawbone and skull. TMJ disorders can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty with everyday activities like chewing or speaking, but our team is dedicated to providing personalized care to help you find relief.

We begin with a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying causes and severity of your TMJ symptoms. Most often, our approach starts with conservative, non-surgical therapies. We educate our patients on effective jaw exercises and self-care techniques to ease discomfort, and we offer practical advice—such as modifying your diet to avoid foods that strain the jaw.

A common solution provided is the creation of custom oral appliances or night guards. These devices are designed specifically for your mouth to reduce teeth grinding (bruxism) and minimize stress on the jaw joint. If misaligned teeth are contributing to your TMJ issues, we may recommend bite adjustment procedures—also known as occlusal equilibration—to restore proper alignment and function.

When muscle tension is a significant factor, our dentists may suggest physical therapy or refer you to a specialist for targeted jaw physiotherapy. For short-term relief, we can prescribe medications such as muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, or pain relievers as part of your treatment plan. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Downers Grove IL, Westmont IL, Lisle IL, Woodridge IL, Darien, IL, Hinsdale, IL and surrounding areas.