TMJ and TMD
At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we understand how debilitating TMJ disorders can be. That’s why we offer advanced, non-surgical solutions to address the root cause of your jaw pain, headaches, and grinding – helping you reclaim comfort, function, and quality of life.
Comprehensive Relief for Jaw Pain, Headaches,
& Teeth Grinding
TMJ and TMD in Royal Oak, MI
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull, while TMD denotes disorders affecting these joints. These disorders may arise from a variety of factors, including injury to the jaw, arthritis, certain dental procedures, or habits like teeth grinding. Symptoms often include jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, clicking sounds in the jaw, and even headaches or earaches.
Why Choose Our TMJ/TMD Care?
Botox® certified providers for muscle tension relief
Custom oral appliances to prevent grinding damage
Whole-body approach addressing pain sources
Non-invasive therapies before considering surgery
20+ years treating complex jaw disorders
TMJ = Temporomandibular Joint (the hinge connecting jaw to skull)
TMD = Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (dysfunction causing pain)
Common Causes
Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism)
Jaw injuries or arthritis
Misaligned bite (malocclusion)
Stress-induced muscle tension
Poor posture affecting jaw alignment
Self-care methods like using ice-packs and moist heat, along with specific exercises, can reduce swelling and improve jaw movement. Various medications, such as NSAIDs, muscle relaxers, and antidepressants, can also alleviate TMD symptoms, and we can recommend the most suitable options for you. Occlusal splints, or night guards, prevent teeth grinding and come in different types tailored to your needs.
Additionally, ultrasound therapy provides deep heat to relax sore jaw joints, while trigger-point injections target facial muscles for pain relief. Surgery is a last resort after exploring all other treatment avenues.
Effective treatment can significantly improve quality of life. It can alleviate pain and discomfort, improve jaw function, reduce headaches or earaches associated with TMD, and even alleviate sleep issues caused by teeth grinding or jaw clenching. By addressing the root cause of the issue, these treatments promote better overall oral health.
Untreated TMD can lead to:
Worn/damaged teeth requiring crowns
Chronic migraines
Arthritis in jaw joints
Sleep apnea development
In some cases, BOTOX® can be used in the treatment of TMJ and other jaw tension pain. The Botox works by weakening muscles at the sight of the injection, relieving TMJ and jaw tension for many patients. The injections often eliminate headaches resulting from teeth grinding and may also be used in some cases of lockjaw.
Q: Is Botox® painful for TMJ?
A: Most patients rate discomfort 2/10 (like a tiny pinch).
Q: Will insurance cover my TMJ treatment?
A: Many plans cover oral appliances – we verify benefits beforehand.
Q: How soon will I feel relief?
A: Appliance users often notice improvement within 1 week; Botox® takes 3-7 days.
Q: Can TMJ cause ear pain?
A: Yes! The joint is adjacent to ear canals – we frequently treat referred ear pain.
Get Started Today
Contact us at 248-541-8770 or fill out the form below. Schedule your appointment for TMJ treatment today and take a step towards a healthier smile.