Are you experiencing persistent jaw pain, frequent headaches, or clicking sounds when you chew? If so, you may be one of the many people suffering from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. At Cavanaugh Dental, we understand the discomfort and disruption these symptoms can cause. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Daniel Derksen, Dr. John McRee, and Dr. Sheridan Kelley, is here to help you find lasting relief.
We specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders at our Lansing dental office. By identifying the root cause of your jaw pain, we can provide effective, personalized TMJ treatment to restore your comfort and quality of life. We proudly serve patients from across the Lansing, East Lansing, Holt, Mason, and all surrounding mid-Michigan communities.
What Are the Signs of TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull, and you have one on each side of your face. This joint, along with the surrounding muscles, allows you to talk, chew, and yawn. When something goes wrong with these joints or muscles, it can lead to a TMJ disorder.
Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward finding relief. Common signs of a TMJ disorder include:
- Jaw Pain or Tenderness: You may feel pain or soreness in your jaw, especially when eating, speaking, or opening your mouth wide. This pain might be constant or come and go, and it can worsen in the morning or as the day progresses.
- Limited Movement or Locking: Your jaw might become “stuck” or “locked” in an open or closed position. This can be startling and may make it difficult to open your mouth wide when yawning or eating.
- Noticeable Sounds: You may hear clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you move your jaw. These sounds can sometimes be loud enough for others to hear and may or may not be accompanied by pain.
- Facial Pain and Headaches: TMJ disorders often cause pain that spreads beyond the jaw. You might feel pain in your face, temples, or experience frequent headaches, especially in the morning, that feel similar to tension headaches or migraines.
- Ear Discomfort: Since the TMJ is close to the ears, TMJ disorders can cause ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness or pressure. Some patients may even mistake this for an ear infection.
- Muscle Fatigue: Tiredness or soreness in the muscles of your face, neck, and shoulders can be a symptom. This happens because these muscles work extra hard when your jaw isn’t functioning properly.
How Cavanaugh Dental Can Help: Common TMJ Treatments
We offer a comprehensive range of TMJ treatments focused on addressing the root cause of your discomfort rather than just masking the symptoms. Our approach is patient-centered and personalized.
Oral Appliance Therapy (Night Guards & Splints)
Oral appliances are a cornerstone of TMJ therapy and are highly effective for many patients. A custom-fitted night guard creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which is essential if you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism) during sleep. This protects your teeth from wear and allows your jaw muscles to rest and heal overnight.
In addition to night guards, we also offer oral splints. Oral splints are custom-made devices that gently reposition your jaw into a more comfortable, relaxed position. They reduce pain and improve function.
Dental Restoration and Bite Correction
Sometimes, TMJ pain is linked to dental issues like missing teeth or an unbalanced bite. When teeth are missing, the bite becomes uneven, forcing the jaw into unnatural positions and causing strain. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures can restore proper alignment and significantly reduce TMJ discomfort.
If your bite is misaligned, Dr. Derksen or Dr. McRee may recommend orthodontic treatment with clear aligners to reposition your teeth. A more balanced bite reduces stress on the jaw joints and can provide long-lasting TMJ relief. In some complex cases, a full-mouth reconstruction combining several treatments might be necessary to completely rebuild your bite. We are a full restorative dentistry practice, so no matter what you need, we can help.
Complementary and Advanced Therapies
We also offer a range of complementary therapies to support your recovery and comfort, including gentle jaw exercises, guidance on lifestyle changes, and advice on over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to manage discomfort and swelling.
In cases where conservative treatments are insufficient, more advanced options may be considered. Our goal is always to provide the least invasive treatment possible, and with early intervention, surgery is rarely necessary.
Why Choose Cavanaugh Dental for TMJ Treatment in Lansing?
When you’re dealing with jaw pain and headaches, you need a dentist who understands the complexity of TMJ disorders. We are your local experts, conveniently located on East Cavanaugh Road in Lansing. Our team brings years of experience to providing effective TMJ treatment. We are a trusted provider for patients in the Lansing, East Lansing, Holt, and Mason communities.
Our approach is built on honesty, integrity, and a commitment to a comfortable, judgment-free environment. Dr. Daniel Derksen, Dr. John McRee, and Dr. Sheridan Kelley provide comprehensive care in one location. As an in-network provider with Delta Dental, Cigna, and Guardian, we can help you understand your coverage and maximize your benefits.
Don’t let TMJ pain control your life. Contact Cavanaugh Dental today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes TMJ disorders?
TMJ problems can be caused by many factors, including teeth grinding (bruxism), a misaligned bite, missing teeth, arthritis, or jaw injury. Stress can worsen symptoms by increasing muscle tension in the jaw.
How effective are custom oral appliances for TMJ?
Custom-made oral appliances are highly effective for the majority of patients. They address the root causes of many TMJ disorders by preventing grinding, repositioning the jaw, and allowing strained muscles to heal. Many patients say they see significant improvement within just a few weeks of consistent use.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
The timeline varies depending on your specific condition. Some patients notice relief within a few weeks of starting treatment with an oral appliance. Treatments that involve moving teeth or replacing missing teeth may take several months to complete, but provide partial relief along the way.
Will my insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Many dental insurance plans cover oral appliances and dental restorations that are part of TMJ treatment. Our team is experienced in working with Delta Dental, Cigna, and Guardian and can help you understand what your insurance might cover.
Can stress really make my TMJ symptoms worse?
Yes, stress is one of the most common contributing factors to TMJ disorders. When you’re stressed, you may unconsciously clench your jaw or grind your teeth, especially during sleep. This puts excessive pressure on the jaw joint and muscles, leading to pain and inflammation. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or counseling can be an important part of your TMJ treatment plan.
Is TMJ disorder more common in women than men?
Yes, research shows that TMJ disorders are diagnosed about twice as often in women as in men. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those related to estrogen, may play a role in joint inflammation and pain sensitivity. However, TMJ disorders can affect anyone regardless of age or gender.
Can TMJ disorders cause dizziness or balance issues?
Yes, some patients with TMJ disorders report feeling dizzy or experiencing balance problems. This is because the inner ear, which helps control balance, is located close to the temporomandibular joint. Inflammation or muscle tension in the jaw area can affect the inner ear’s function and create this sensation of dizziness or unsteadiness. If you’re experiencing these symptoms alongside jaw pain, it’s worth discussing with your dentist.
What should I do if my jaw locks or gets stuck?
If your jaw locks in an open or closed position, try to stay calm. Gently massage the muscles around your jaw and apply a warm compress to help relax the muscles. Avoid forcing your jaw to open or close, as this could cause further injury.
Contact your dentist at Cavanaugh Dental as soon as possible. We can help safely guide your jaw back into its normal position and recommend the next steps to prevent it from happening again.
Get Relief from TMJ Pain Today
If you think you might have a TMJ disorder, don’t wait for it to get worse. Early treatment can help prevent more serious problems and avoid more invasive procedures. Contact us today at (517) 760-6845
