TMJ Treatment Detroit

Accurate TMJ Diagnosis

Successful TMJ treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. At the Michigan Head & Neck Institute, our TMJ dentists take the time to thoroughly evaluate your condition and ensure your diagnosis is correct.

The first step in TMJ diagnosis is listening. Our doctors will listen to your description of your symptoms and the development of your condition. He will ask questions to make sure he understands your medical history, including earlier injuries and treatments that might have impacted your current condition.

Your TMJ evaluation includes a physical exam, which may involve gently palpating the areas where symptoms occur. You may also be asked to move your jaw or head in specific ways to help identify the source of your discomfort.

As part of the diagnosis, we might recommend imaging that can reveal the structure and condition of your jaw joints. Types of imaging used might include:

• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• MRI
• CT scan

Each imaging technology has a different purpose. X-rays and CT scans are good for looking at the hard tissue (bones) in your jaw joint. MRI and ultrasound provide better looks at  your soft tissue, including muscles and the cartilage disc supposed to cushion the bones from grinding against each other. Our TMJ dentists will go over the images in detail to help you understand the condition of your jaw joint.

Once you both understand the condition of your jaw joint, we will propose a personalized comprehensive treatment plan. When you accept the treatment plan, treatment will start.

Types of TMJ Treatment

A wide range of TMJ treatments is available, but we prefer a conservative approach. Using noninvasive and minimally invasive methods, your dentist can often help you achieve TMJ relief with a low risk of side effects or complications.

Common TMJ treatments your dentist may recommend include:

• Orthotic (mouthguard) to hold your jaw in place
• Physical therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Trigger point injections

Often, a combination of treatments works best. In some cases, your dentist may provide all aspects of care, while in others, you may benefit from a collaborative approach. We partner with the Michigan Center for TMJ & Sleep Wellness, where Dr. Jeffrey S. Haddad frequently assists in patient care. Your dentist can also coordinate with other trusted providers or work alongside the care team you prefer.

Orthotic

One cause of TMJ is that your jaw is unbalanced or can’t find a comfortable resting position. An orthotic can help with this. An orthotic is like a mouthguard for protecting your teeth. It does this, but it also helps hold your jaw in a comfortable, healthy position.

You will likely start out wearing your orthotic full-time, taking it out only for eating and cleaning your teeth. As your condition improves, you will switch to wearing the orthotic only at night, then only some nights.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy helps relax, condition, and comfort sore jaw muscles. Physical therapy could be exercises, physical massaging of the area around the joint, and heat applications.

In addition, your dentist may use TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). TENS delivers gentle electrical stimulation to help your jaw muscles relax—almost as if they’re massaging themselves. For some people, periodic TENS sessions provide meaningful TMJ relief.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy for TMJ focuses on practical guidance to help you avoid habits that worsen symptoms and develop healthier routines that support long-term relief. This may be offered informally during your visit, or you may be referred to a behavioral therapist for more structured support.

If your dentist suspects that anxiety, depression, or other psychological factors are contributing to your TMJ symptoms, you may also be referred to a psychologist for additional treatment.

Trigger Point Injection

Trigger point injection uses a very small amount of anesthetic at the true source of pain. The anesthetic helps keep the injection comfortable, but the needle itself does most of the work by deactivating the trigger points.

This is a highly skilled technique that takes considerable training and experience to perform well. At the Michigan Head & Neck Institute, our dentists use methods originally taught by pioneers in the field, including Janet Travell, physician to former President John F. Kennedy. After decades of clinical use, this technique continues to be an effective option for relieving TMJ pain.