Understanding and Treating TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, Michigan
If you experience ongoing pain in the area near your ear, your jaw, or the muscles on the side of your face, possibly accompanied by a clicking or popping sound or restricted jaw movement, you may be suffering from TMD—an abbreviation for Temporomandibular disorders. Note that TMD refers to the disorder itself, while TMJ is the abbreviation for the Temporomandibular Joint, or jaw joint.
TMD describes a group of conditions characterized by pain and dysfunction of the TMJ and/or the muscles surrounding it. The good news is that most TMD cases resolve themselves with the help of conservative, reversible remedies that you can often start at home. It is crucial to exhaust these conservative options before moving on to anything irreversible, such as bridgework or surgery.
Causes and Symptoms of TMD
The two complex TMJs connect your lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. Any part of the joint—the cushioning disk, the surrounding muscles, or the joint itself—can become the source of a TMD problem. Factors like inflammation, strained ligaments, genetics, and stress can contribute. The most common signs and symptoms include:
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Clicking Sounds: A clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth is usually caused by a shifting of the disk inside the joint. Clicking alone is common, but when accompanied by pain or limited jaw function (such as the jaw getting “stuck”), it is indicative of TMD.
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Muscle Pain: This pain is often felt in the cheeks (masseter muscles) and temples (temporalis muscles). Soreness and stiffness upon waking can be related to nocturnal habits like clenching and/or grinding the teeth.
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Joint Pain (Arthritis): Pain coming from the joint itself is technically described as arthritis of the TMJ. While there is no cure for arthritis, medication and conservative treatments can often relieve symptoms.
Relieving the Pain and Treatment Options
Once you have a thorough examination at Schaefer Dental Group, a strategy for treating your condition and managing your pain can be developed. Initial conservative remedies include:
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Diet Modification: A temporary change to a softer diet can reduce stress on the muscles and joints.
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At-Home Relief: Ice and/or moist heat can help relieve soreness and inflammation. Gentle stretching exercises can help muscles in spasm.
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Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants can provide relief.
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Custom Nightguard: If your symptoms are related to clenching or grinding, a custom-made nightguard should be very helpful in decreasing the force applied to your teeth, allowing your muscles to relax and relieving pressure on your jaw joints.
Severe TMD cases may require more complex treatment, such as orthodontics, dental restorations like bridgework, or minor procedures like joint cortisone injections. However, major surgery is rarely necessary. The first step is always a comprehensive examination at your trusted dentist in Lansing, Michigan.
Contact Our Lansing Office Today
If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, please contact Schaefer Dental Group to schedule an examination. We offer comprehensive solutions, including TMJ/TMD Treatment.