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TMJ/TMD treatment relieves jaw pain, clicking, and related headaches caused by problems with the jaw joint and muscles. At Dentistry at Millennium Park, we take a conservative, non-surgical approach — often a custom nightguard, laser therapy, and bite evaluation — to ease your discomfort and protect your teeth. Most cases improve without surgery.
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the hinges that connect your jaw to your skull, and you use them constantly to talk, chew, and yawn. When something goes wrong with these joints or the muscles around them, it's called a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, and it can cause real, daily discomfort.
TMD has many causes, often teeth grinding or clenching, stress, a bite that's out of balance, or a jaw injury. The good news is that most TMD is very treatable with conservative, non-surgical care.
Our approach is to find the cause of your symptoms and treat it gently, with options like a custom nightguard, laser therapy to ease muscle and joint discomfort, and a careful look at your bite. We treat TMD conservatively and refer out the rare cases that need surgical or specialist care.
TMD may be the cause if you notice:
Note: Many people don't realize these symptoms are connected, or that a dentist can help. An exam can pinpoint what's going on.
Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) are common drivers of TMD. Watch for:
Worn, flattened, or chipped teeth
A sore jaw or headache in the morning
Increased tooth sensitivity
Clenching when you're stressed or focused
A partner who hears you grind at night
Our practice is on the 18th floor at 8 S Michigan Ave, steps from Millennium Park and the heart of the Loop, an easy stop for downtown professionals dealing with jaw pain or stress-related clenching.
We welcome patients from across downtown Chicago, including the Loop, River North, South Loop, and West Loop, with convenient access by CTA, Metra at Millennium Station, and nearby parking.
A comfortable, custom-fitted guard that eases jaw strain and protects your teeth from grinding.
Gentle laser treatment to help relieve muscle and joint discomfort.
We check how your teeth come together and address imbalances that strain the jaw.
Simple strategies like jaw stretches, warm compresses, softer foods, and stress management.
We start with the least invasive options that bring relief.
Therapeutic Botox that relaxes overactive jaw muscles to ease clenching, soreness, and tension.
We start by understanding your symptoms and finding the cause, then build a plan around you.
Comfort note: Our comfort menu (noise-canceling headphones, Netflix, blankets, and more) is here to help you relax.
Coverage for TMJ/TMD treatment varies by plan, and some treatments, like a custom nightguard, are covered in part by many dental plans. We're in-network with most major PPOs and will review your specific benefits with you before treatment.
To keep care manageable, we offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry, and members of our in-house membership plan receive 15% off treatments. We'll always give you a clear estimate up front.
TMD is often caused by more than one thing, so treatment can take a little time and some fine-tuning, and it isn't always an instant fix. A nightguard, for example, protects your teeth and eases strain, but lasting relief also means addressing habits like clenching and managing stress. We'll set realistic expectations and adjust your plan as your symptoms improve.
Our focus is conservative, non-surgical care, which helps the large majority of TMD cases. If your situation involves a structural joint problem or needs surgical treatment, that's outside our scope, and we'll refer you to a trusted specialist and help coordinate your care.
Jaw pain deserves a thoughtful, gentle approach. We take the time to understand your symptoms, find the real cause, and treat it conservatively, combining custom solutions with modern options like laser therapy for comfortable relief.
As a proudly woman-owned, all-female practice in the heart of the Loop, led by a woman of color, we pair modern dentistry with genuine, personal care.
Founder & Lead Dentist, Dentistry at Millennium Park.
Last updated: June 2026
Meet Dr. RanganathanTMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints, the hinges of your jaw. TMD is a temporomandibular disorder, a problem with those joints or the surrounding muscles that can cause jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. People often say "TMJ" when they mean the disorder.
Common causes include teeth grinding or clenching, stress, a bite that's out of balance, and jaw injury. Often it's a combination, which is why we look for the underlying cause before treating.
Conservatively and without surgery. Depending on the cause, treatment may include a custom nightguard, laser therapy to ease muscle and joint discomfort, a bite evaluation, Botox, and self-care guidance. We start with the gentlest options that bring relief.
For many people, yes, especially when grinding or clenching is involved. A custom nightguard cushions the jaw and protects your teeth, which often reduces pain and morning headaches. It's one of the most effective first steps for grinding-related TMD.
Mild jaw discomfort sometimes eases with rest and self-care. But pain that's ongoing, worsening, or interfering with daily life should be evaluated, since untreated TMD can lead to worn teeth and more discomfort over time.
At our office on the 18th floor of 8 S Michigan Ave, steps from Millennium Park and the Loop. We welcome patients from across downtown Chicago. Call or text (224) 249-5977 or book online.
You don't have to live with jaw pain, clicking, or tension headaches. Call or text us at (224) 249-5977 or book online, and we'll find the cause and help you feel comfortable again.
We are taking new patients in Chicago! We offer a wide range of dentistry services, including regular dental cleanings and check-ups, fillings and crowns.
