Dentist explaining dental X-ray results to a patient in a modern clinic office setting.

TMJ Treatment / Teeth Grinding

Avoid Dental Damage

Call Today (847) 595-5805 Request an Appointment

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Join our Greenwood Dental Care Membership Club and get all of your preventive care for a low monthly subscription fee. Members save 15% off needed and elective treatments. Some exclusions may apply.

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Woman with curly hair experiencing tooth pain and holding her jaw with eyes closed indoors.

Stop Jaw Pain With TMJ Treatment in Waukegan

TMJ treatment provides relief from the pain triggered by TMJ disorders. Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are small but important joints that help you bite, chew, talk, and open your mouth with ease. When your TMJs don't function properly, they can cause a great deal of discomfort. TMJ treatment in Waukegan can help. When you treat TMJ troubles, you can:

Eat foods without popping or clicking sounds
Open your mouth without discomfort
Experience relief from other TMJ disorder symptoms, like headaches
Wake up without jaw pain
Protect your teeth from the damage of teeth grinding

Ask about our Membership Club. It covers preventive services like cleanings and exams and gives you a 15 percent discount on other treatments.

Call Today (847) 595-5805

Get Relief by Wearing a Custom Mouthguard

Causes for a TMJ disorder are often hard to determine since they differ so greatly. Trauma to the jaw, arthritis, tooth alignment issues, and teeth grinding or clenching can all play a role. Whatever the reason, we can help you relieve your TMJ pain and allow your jaw to heal. One way we do this is with a custom-made oral appliance. Since teeth grinding occurs most often when you sleep, you'll wear your night guard when you go to bed. It will:

Act as a barrier between your teeth to prevent you from grinding or clenching
Fit comfortably in your mouth, so you'll barely notice you're wearing it
Last longer than products you buy in the store
Save you money on dental care since you are reducing further damage to your teeth

We may also pair this treatment with occlusal adjustment. If your teeth are out of alignment, whether due to normal wear and tear or a TMJ disorder, your dentist will examine your mouth to determine any necessary adjustments. This usually involves smoothing out problem areas of your teeth to prevent further bite problems. For more serious misalignment, your dentist may recommend clear aligners.

Visit us for TMJ treatment in Waukegan and get much-needed pain relief.

Call Today (847) 595-5805

4.9 Stars (772 Reviews)

Over 720 5/5 Reviews

Very nice office! It was easy to make an appointment. It was for my 7 year old grandaughter. We got there a bit early (by 15 min or so) and was taken in early! Very nice hydgienist took great care of my grandaughter. She made her feel super comfortable (the child is usually very squirmy) but she was perfectly still even for the x-rays! Dr. Kurkiak was also very nice and great with the little one! Quickly found common ground with 7 year old. Everything went smoothly!

Elaine Field

What a wonderful experience and an amazingly clean and modern facility. I dread going to the dentist, but this was by far the best experience I’ve ever had. My husband and I recently moved to the area and we really lucked out by having found Greenwood Dental. Dr. Nikol was very thorough and detailed about the condition my teeth were in and what the game plan was moving forward. Happy to have found such a great dentist in the area!

Danielle C.

I can’t say enough good things about Greenwood Dental Care! From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, every member of the staff is incredibly kind, welcoming, and professional. I have a lot of dental anxiety, but they’ve made every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. The entire process has been painless, and I truly appreciate the care and compassion they show their patients. I highly recommend this office to anyone, especially if you’re nervous about going to the dentist!

Jessica Mitchener

I have been coming for 6+ years. They are always fantastic and so accommodating. the same person has done my cleaning as well. It’s been a great experience. Easy to get to ; great and friendly staff from the dentist to the staff in reception. I highly recommend them. I am also bringing my...

Kevin Bueso

We had such a wonderful experience at this dental office! From the very beginning, the scheduling process was easy, organized, and welcoming. The entire staff creates such a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that immediately made us feel comfortable. I especially appreciated how patient and kind they were with my kiddos during their cleanings. The team made sure they felt relaxed and comfortable the whole time, which means so much as a parent. My husband and I also had very thorough exams, and the dentist took the time to explain everything clearly and create a game plan for our next steps instead of making us feel rushed. You can truly tell they care about their patients and want the best for your family’s dental health. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a caring, professional, and trustworthy dental office!

Chamaine Blalock-Lincke

I love seeing Dr. Nikol and friends! The office is warm, clean, and inviting. Dental work is quick and the staff does everything they can to manage any discomfort. April is the best dogtor around!

Sam Lindtner

I had a great experience! The staff was friendly and welcoming, and Dr. Kurziak was very gentle and caring. They made me feel comfortable throughout my visit. I highly recommend this office!

Amy Garza

I haven’t been to the dentist in over 10 years. Due to the fear of pain, and my gagging reflex is horrible! I came here to see Dr.Nikol. She and her wonderful staff made me feel really comfortable! If I was having a problem they would step back and let me get my bearings back and my thoughts outta my head! And April the support pup will also help you relax. She does a great job! I’ll tell you what, I won’t be afraid to come back here in the future! Oh and my bad gagging didn’t happen! Woohoo! See you next time Greenwood Dental thank you for an amazing experience!!

Theresa Kromer

Common Questions About TMJ Treatment

What is a TMJ disorder?

A TMJ disorder is a problem with your temporomandibular joints, the small joints in front of your ears that help you open and close your mouth. When they're strained or irritated, you can feel jaw pain, popping or clicking, headaches, ear pain, or trouble chewing and opening wide.

Can you really help relieve my TMJ pain?

Yes, we can help relieve your TMJ pain and protect your teeth. Your dentist will carefully evaluate your jaw joints, bite, and teeth-grinding habits. Then we'll recommend treatments such as a custom night guard and other adjustments. Our combination of treatments can reduce strain, calm inflammation, and allow your jaw to heal over time.

What usually causes TMJ problems and jaw pain?

TMJ problems often come from several factors working together. Trauma, arthritis, misaligned teeth, and chronic teeth grinding or jaw clenching can all strain your jaw joints. We'll review your symptoms, medical history, and bite. We'll identify likely causes and create a treatment plan for you.

How does a custom night guard help with teeth grinding?

A custom night guard helps by acting as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth while you sleep. It absorbs the pressure from grinding and clenching. This reduces wear, cracks, and sensitivity. It also eases jaw tension and gives your TMJs a chance to rest and recover overnight.

Why is a custom night guard better than one from the store?

A custom night guard is better because it's made just for your bite. It fits snugly and comfortably, so you're more likely to wear it every night. Store-bought versions often feel bulky and wear out faster. They may not protect your teeth and jaw as effectively or evenly.

Will I be able to sleep comfortably with a night guard?

Yes, you should be able to sleep comfortably with a custom night guard. It's made using dental impressions. We design it to fit your mouth precisely, so it feels smooth and natural after a short adjustment period. Most patients say they hardly notice it. Soon, you'll feel less jaw soreness and headache in the mornings.

How do you know if my teeth are out of alignment from TMJ issues?

We'll know your teeth are out of alignment by examining your bite, checking wear patterns, and listening to your symptoms. We look for uneven contacts, shifting, or unusual flattening. If we see signs of imbalance, your dentist will discuss whether occlusal adjustment or other treatments can restore your bite to harmony.

Can TMJ treatment really stop my headaches and ear pain?

TMJ treatment can often reduce or even stop headaches and ear pain linked to jaw tension. When grinding or a bad bite constantly strains your muscles and joints, pain can radiate to your head, temples, and ears. By protecting your teeth and correcting your bite, we address the underlying source.