A Highly Qualified TMJ Dentist Serving Patients From Lockport, IL

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Young man grimacing in pain as he holds his right hand to his jaw because of  a TMJ disorder.

When to See a Dentist for a TMJ Disorder

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which refers to one of the jaw joints on either side of your face that allow your mouth to open and close. But the acronym has become shorthand for TMJ disorder, a condition that can cause not only jaw pain but also other symptoms that are less obviously connected to problems with your jaw joints. It’s a good idea to be familiar with the most common TMJ symptoms, but you should also seek a professional diagnosis from an experienced TMJ dentist. If you’re in the Lockport, Illinois, area, you can feel confident turning to Lakota Dental for a reliable diagnosis and effective TMJ treatment.

In the meantime, here are a few clues that you may be dealing with a TMJ disorder:

• Your jaw becomes stiff or even locks up when you’re chewing food, talking, or yawning.
• You’re experiencing chronic headaches or face, jaw, or neck pain.
• You have ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and balance issues.
• You’re having trouble sleeping, and you rarely feel fully rested.

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What Causes TMJ Problems?

In many cases, the cause of TMJ disorders is unclear. They can be caused by a misaligned bite, a blow to the face, arthritis, or simply wear and tear of the joints due to aging.

Dr. Mike Lakota at Lakota Dental is a caring and experienced TMJ dentist who has helped many patients find relief from their TMJ symptoms. If you’re in the Lockport area, you can count on Dr. Lakota to provide you with an accurate diagnosis using electromyography (EMG) to assess the muscles you use for chewing as well as computer imaging to track the movements of your jaw joints. Based on the results of these high-tech tests, Dr. Lakota will determine your optimal jaw placement and create a custom orthotic to help keep your jaw in the proper position.

If you’d like to find out whether you need TMJ treatment, contact Lakota Dental today to schedule an appointment. We welcome both children and adults from the Lockport area.

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Relaxed young woman leaning back on a sofa, smiling
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