Young woman holding jaw in pain

TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can decrease your quality of life and impact your ability to chew and speak. 

The doctors of Dearborn Family Dentistry in Dearborn, MI, can diagnose and treat the cause of your jaw problems. 

Discover how TMJ treatments can relieve your jaw pain and restore the function of your smile. 

What Is TMD?

TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, a condition in which your TMJ does not work correctly for a variety of reasons. TMJ disorders commonly result in pain, inflammation, and difficulties moving your jaw. While many TMD symptoms are minor and may go away on their own, the effects can worsen and impact your quality of life if left untreated.

Our jaw joints work constantly throughout the day as we eat and speak. If your TMJs are not functioning properly, this can have far-reaching effects.

TMD illustration

Benefits of TMD Treatment

Increased Comfort

Common symptoms of TMD like jaw pain and headaches can have wide-reaching consequences, such as impacting your ability to sleep at night. Temporomandibular joint treatments can alleviate these symptoms so you can feel better and focus on your day-to-day life. 

Improved Quality of Life

Many patients end up making sacrifices in their life to accommodate the symptoms of TMD, such as limiting their diet to soft foods or leaving social events early due to headaches. With our treatment, you don't have to suffer through those symptoms and give up the activities and foods you love. 

Cost Saving 

Temporomandibular disorders can cause oral health issues down the line such as excessive wear and tear on your teeth. Treating TMJ dysfunction early at our office in Dearborn, MI, means we can prevent more serious dental problems that require expensive treatments down the line. 

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular disorders can be difficult to diagnose since they have so many causes and symptoms that can overlap with other conditions. Some of the more common signs of TMJ disorders include: 

  • Chronic and severe headaches
  • Difficulty opening the mouth wide
  • Swelling on one side of the face
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Dental erosion or fractures
  • A popping sound when opening and closing the jaw
  • Pain in the neck, face, shoulders, or upper back

The only way to receive an accurate diagnosis is by undergoing an exam with a dentist who is familiar with TMD.

Ready for Life Without Jaw Pain?  Contact Dearborn Family Dentistry

We can help you find relief from the symptoms of TMJ disorders and improve your quality of life. Dr. Mark Luria and Dr. Rena Allswang can diagnose the cause of your TMD using digital X-rays and other advanced technology. We use non-invasive techniques like oral appliances to treat the issue so you can avoid expensive surgery and save time and money. 

You should not have to suffer through jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms of TMD. Contact our dental office and submit a form or call our Dearborn, MI, practice at:

(313) 565-5507 

Dentists

"I Am in Good Care!" 

1

Mike Mirza

2021

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I've been going there for years and the only thing I can say about this place is AWSOME. The staff are friendly and professional and the doctors are brilliant.

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1

Dawn D

2021

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They put you right at easy with their friendly demeanor. Up to date techniques and listening to your requests.

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Diagnosing Temporomandibular Disorders 

During your initial exam at our office in Dearborn, MI, one of our dentists will assess your bite and manually check for misalignment and joint inflammation. We may also take digital X-rays and other diagnostic images to determine the optimal position of your teeth and jaw joints. Our dentists can compare this data to the current position of your jaw and teeth and spot any abnormalities.

Once we identify the potential causes, our dentists will form a treatment plan to realign your bite in a way that relieves undue pressure on your TMJ. Over time, our non-invasive treatments should allow the surrounding muscles to relax while improving or eliminating your symptoms.

A customized oral appliance is often the first line of defense against disorders of the temporomandibular joint. 

TMD Treatments

TMJ device

Oral Appliances

Dearborn Family Dentistry uses non-invasive methods like customized oral appliances to treat TMJ disorders. Sometimes called a night guard, our appliances can hold your jaw in a natural, relaxed position to prevent you from clenching and grinding of your teeth. Our practice provides oral appliances based on detailed impressions of your teeth, which ensures a comfortable, precise fit for your device.

Woman going through jaw physical therapy

Lifestyle Changes

In some cases, patients may benefit from gentle exercises to relax the muscles surrounding the jaw, relaxation techniques, and stress reduction practices. Our experienced staff can demonstrate the best exercises to help your case and walk you through them step-by-step. Even after your symptoms have disappeared, we recommend regularly performing these exercises to help strengthen and relax your jaw and reduce stress levels.

Man with jaw pain

Surgical Options

Surgical treatments for TMJ disorder are a last resort because they are permanent. The cause of TMD varies from patient to patient or can change over time, so our practice relies on reversible methods to treat the condition. However, if you suffer from a chronic or long-term TMJ disorder, we can refer you to a nearby specialist who provides surgery and other alternative treatments. 

Paying for TMJ Treatment  Insurance and Financing 

Despite the benefits of TMJ treatments, insurance coverage can vary widely depending on the state and your plan. Our team can help determine how much your insurance will cover.

We also offer payment plans through CareCredit® to divide any remaining out-of-pocket expenses into affordable monthly installments. 

"This Place is AWESOME"

1

Joyce N.

2020

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Dearborn Family Denistry is the best. Dr. Mark Luria is so patient, kind, thoroughly explains any issues you have and answers all of your questions. The atmosphere is comfortable and friendly. All of the staff are warm, welcoming and helpful. 

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1

Jalen Jennings

2021

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I love Dearborn Family Dentistry! I have been going there since before I had teeth lol! Patti is awesome whenever I am going in for something painful she always ensures me to call immediately if something does not feel right! She always let’s me know I am in good care!

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Dearborn Family Dentistry Office

Dearborn Family Dentistry

Dearborn Family Dentistry is a comprehensive dental practice that has been serving the Dearborn, MI, area for more than 70 years. We welcome whole families and are available for dental emergencies. Our dentists are affiliated with:

  • The American Dental Association
  • The Michigan Dental Association
  • The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • The International Congress of Oral Implantologists

To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call (313) 565-5507. We hope to see you soon!

Contact Us Today

"Our dentists are passionate about helping patients. Drs. Mark Luria and Rena Allswang all began careers in dentistry to improve not only their patients' smiles, but also the quality of their lives."

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