In the pursuit of ensuring the well-being of your family, it’s essential to address all health concerns that arise. Temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as TMD or TMJ disorder, is one such issue that millions grapple with. The symptoms can be far-reaching and are often misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary suffering.
Call our team at Lake Forest Smiles for a consultation today if you have concerns about your oral health or well-being.
Understanding TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. Despite its small size, this joint plays a crucial role in oral health. When it enters a state of dysfunction, it can lead to debilitating pain, hindering daily functionality.
Symptoms to Watch For
TMJ affects not only your mouth but also can spread throughout your head and shoulders. Symptoms to look for include:
- Jaw popping and clicking
- Intermittent or constant pain in the jaw
- Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
- Tingling sensations in the arms and fingers
- Neck and back pain
- Painful teeth
These symptoms not only cause physical discomfort but can also impede your ability to enjoy life to its fullest.

Expert Care at Lake Forest Smiles
Our physiologic dentists have undergone specialized training and post-graduate education, positioning them as experts in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder. Treatment is never one-size-fits-all, and at Lake Forest Smiles, we tailor solutions to each case.
Mouth Guards
For those experiencing TMJ disorder, bite guards serve as a non-surgical, non-narcotic solution to reduce pain naturally. Worn either at night or throughout the day, these guards adjust your bite, preventing your back teeth from clenching or grinding. This alleviates tension and stress on your TMJ, reducing symptoms such as facial pain and headaches.
BioPAK
The BioPAK Diagnostic System is an innovative tool that is transforming dental diagnostics. This device goes beyond the ordinary, helping us diagnose temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) and sleep apnea, and aiding us in a spectrum of dental procedures.
When assessing patients for TMJD, BioPAK is used to monitor the range of motion and function of your jaw joints and chewing muscles, allowing us insight into the cause of your discomfort. This system also encompasses your teeth, surrounding muscles, and other soft tissues, making it a versatile tool in our quest to provide unparalleled care.
Bite Adjustment
Often known as equilibration, bite adjustment allows you to achieve optimal jaw function without pain. Our team may recommend various treatments, including braces, retainers, surgical interventions, or other adjustment methods. Through a collaborative process, we determine the most suitable option to realize your desired results.
TENS Therapy
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy is used to alleviate unnecessary joint and muscle movements, offering relief from pain. By sending electrical signals through the affected area, TENS therapy aids in increasing blood flow and promoting lymphatic drainage, which are essential for reducing pain and inflammation. This process allows you to resume regular jaw motion without strain. In our practice, we provide TENS treatments, and for severe cases, we may recommend at-home TENS usage.
MLS LASER
This is not a “cutting” laser. Instead, it’s a top-of-the-line laser used to treat TMJ Disorders. Our patients are raving about their results from the MLS Laser Technology. This advanced and safe device is equipped with dual-wavelength lasers that facilitate healing in the TMJ joint by reducing inflammation on a cellular level. It’s fast and easy to use and is a remarkable way to manage and reduce TMJ pain. As a result, you’ll experience relief in record time from your TMJ disorder and without the need for medication.
TMJ Self-Examination Checklist
Find Relief Today with Lake Forest Smiles
If you suspect TMJ disorder or have been grappling with symptoms, take the first step towards lasting relief. Reach out to us for a consultation, and let’s work together to restore comfort and vitality to your life.