If you are experiencing jaw pain and symptoms like ear popping in Evanston, you may be wondering what the cause of your discomfort may be. Could it be TMJ? Find out in this article from Fischl Dental. We’ll discuss common symptoms of TMJ including ear popping, and a few of your options for relief at our office.

TMJ Can Cause Ear “Popping” Sensations & A Variety Of Other Symptoms

TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD) is a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. This is a very small, delicate joint located just beneath each of your ears. 

This joint is responsible for connecting your jaw to your skull. But if it’s damaged by an injury, inflammation, overuse, or due to any other reason, the result is TMJ, and the joint can begin malfunctioning. 

The symptoms of TMJ include “popping” and snapping sensations in your ear and in your jaw. You may also experience jaw pain and soreness, as well as radiating pain in your jaw, or even headaches and migraines.
In very severe cases, TMJ can even make it difficult for you to open and close your jaw, or your jaw may even “lock up” temporarily when you’re trying to eat, chew, or speak. If you notice any or all of these symptoms, it’s very likely that you have TMJ, and you should see an expert TMJ dentist at Fischl Dental Associates right away.

TMJ Options At Fischl Dental Associates – Get The Help You Need

If you think that you may have TMJ in Evanston, Dr. Paul Fischl, Dr. Marie Bradley Fischl, and Dr. Lorenzo Prieto are here to help. At Fischl Dental Associates, we offer a variety of different TMJ treatment options, including: 

  • Bite diagnosis – First, we will perform a comprehensive bite diagnosis. TMJ can be caused by a lot of different contributing factors, so this is an essential step in determining the proper treatment for your own unique situation.
  • Nightguards – Nightguards may be an effective way to reduce the effects of TMJ in patients who grind their teeth at night (bruxism). Eliminating grinding helps reduce strain on the temporomandibular joint, and also protects the teeth from premature wear & tear.
  • Occlusal splint therapy – Occlusal splints are designed to change the position of your jaw when you sleep. This can help encourage proper healing of the temporomandibular joint, which can eliminate TMJ when combined with other treatments and lifestyle changes.
  • Occlusal equilibration – Occlusal equilibration involves altering your bite by removing some material from your teeth. Using an advanced bite model, your dentist at Fischl Dental will reshape your bite and your teeth to reduce strain on your jaw muscles and joints, eliminating TMJ. This may be combined with orthodontic treatment like Invisalign, in some cases.

Get Help With TMJ In Evanston – Contact Fischl Dental For Expert Treatment 

No two cases of TMJ are alike, and every patient will need a different, customized solution for pain relief. So don’t wait. If you are experiencing ear “popping” and other symptoms of TMJ in Evanston, our team is here for you. Contact us online or give us a call at (847) 864-0822 to schedule a TMJ assessment, and get the relief you need from the pain and discomfort of temporomandibular joint disorder in Evanston.