When it comes to jaw pain, headaches, or clicking when you chew, many people wonder whether TMJ issues fall under medical care, dental care, or both. Because the temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and directly impacts how your teeth fit together, it sits at the crossroads of dentistry and overall health. At our office, we provide comprehensive dental care in Park Ridge that helps you understand not only what’s causing your discomfort, but also how proper jaw function supports a healthy, comfortable smile.

A strong focus on prevention is built into everything we do. By identifying early signs of jaw imbalance, bite problems, or wear on the teeth, we can help protect your oral health and prevent small issues from developing into more complex TMJ disorders over time.

How Is TMJ Diagnosed?

Diagnosing TMJ concerns concerns requires a combination of dental insight and whole-body evaluation. While most people say “TMJ” when talking about jaw pain, the joint itself is the TMJ—your symptoms typically fall under TMD, or temporomandibular disorders. At Complete Health Dentistry of Park Ridge, we sort through these details during your evaluation, which may include a hands-on exam of the jaw and bite, advanced imaging like CBCT scans, and a conversation about your symptoms, habits, posture, and medical history. This allows us to understand what’s causing your discomfort and how to treat it effectively.

What Causes TMJ—and Can It Be Prevented?

TMJ disorders can develop for many reasons, including injury, bite misalignment, arthritis, clenching and grinding, or stress-related habits. While not all causes can be avoided, many patients can reduce their risk through thoughtful preventive care. Regular dental visits, maintaining a stable bite, reducing stress, improving sleep posture, and addressing tooth wear early are all important steps in protecting your jaw joints as well as your overall oral health.

Understanding your triggers is the foundation of staying ahead of TMJ symptoms—and a key part of maintaining long-term comfort.

What Are TMJ Treatment Options?

Depending on your evaluation, several effective treatment options may be recommended. Each one is tailored to your specific symptoms and long-term goals.

  • Periodic TENS Treatment: Some patients experience meaningful relief from TENS sessions, which help relax tight jaw and neck muscles.
  • Bite Splint Therapy: For recurring or bite-related TMJ issues, a custom bite splint helps guide the jaw back into a balanced position. Using K7 technology and neuromuscular measurements, we calibrate the splint to support your most comfortable, natural jaw alignment.
  • Full Mouth Reconstruction (Phase 2 TMJ Treatment): When long-term stabilization is needed, restorative dental care may be recommended to permanently support your ideal bite. By reshaping or rebuilding specific teeth, we can help ensure your jaw stays in a healthy position without relying on a splint throughout the day.

These options allow us to reduce pain, protect your teeth, and support healthier jaw function—often with benefits that extend to posture, sleep, and overall well-being.

What Happens if TMJ Is Left Untreated?

Ignoring TMJ problems can lead to worsening pain, limited jaw movement, chronic headaches, tooth wear, and broader health concerns. Because TMJ issues often affect both oral health and daily comfort, early treatment can prevent long-term complications and help you maintain a healthier smile.

Your Family Dentist in Park Ridge, IL Can Help With Your TMJ

Whether your symptoms feel new or have been disrupting your life for years, you don’t have to navigate them alone. At Complete Health Dentistry of Park Ridge, we provide TMJ-focused care that blends dental expertise with whole-body awareness. From early preventive strategies to advanced jaw and bite therapy, we help you restore balance, comfort, and confidence in your smile.

If you’re ready to find relief, call us today at (847) 696-3240 to schedule your TMJ evaluation.