Find Lasting Relief with TMJ Disorder Treatment at Our Farmington Hills Dental Office!
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the joints connecting your jaw to your skull. These joints allow you to talk, chew, and yawn. When something disrupts their function, it can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving the jaw. TMJ disorder is surprisingly common and can affect adults of all ages.
Dr. Roman Shlafer, our highly skilled restorative dentist in Farmington Hills, specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. By offering personalized treatment plans, he helps patients regain proper jaw function and reduce pain. Our office proudly serves Farmington Hills and surrounding communities, including West Bloomfield, Novi, Southfield, Livonia, and Birmingham, ensuring patients in the greater Metro Detroit area receive top care. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, contact our Farmington Hills dental office by calling (248) 781-0040
Overcoming TMJ Pain with Quality Care
Many patients come to Dr. Roman Shlafer feeling frustrated and exhausted after trying multiple treatments that didn’t provide lasting relief.
Andrea K., one of our valued patients, shared her journey to a pain-free jaw:
- “Dr. Shlafer is amazing!! I have been dealing with TMJ pain for years and have seen several TMJ specialists who have only tried VERY expensive short-term solutions that don’t last! I went into Dr. Shlafer’s office almost in tears, feeling defeated. Dr. Shlafer and MaryBeth truly listened to me, and it was the first time I felt heard. He performed an occlusive adjustment to correct my misaligned jaw, and to my shock it worked!!! A couple of weeks later, I stopped taking pain meds, and my jaw is more relaxed. I cannot thank Dr. Shlafer enough for his expertise and compassion!! His office staff is amazing too!!!”
Andrea’s experience is a perfect example of our approach: we focus on truly understanding each patient’s needs, providing personalized treatment plans, and delivering long-term results rather than temporary fixes.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the joints that connect your jaw to your skull. These joints, called the temporomandibular joints, are responsible for essential movements like talking, chewing, and yawning. When these joints or the surrounding muscles are not functioning properly, it can lead to pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving your jaw.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
Several factors may contribute to TMJ disorder, including:
- Jaw Misalignment (Malocclusion): Improper bite alignment can strain the TMJ.
- Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism): Often occurs during sleep, causing excessive stress on the jaw muscles and joints.
- Stress and Anxiety: Tension can increase jaw clenching, worsening TMJ symptoms.
- Trauma or Injury: Accidents or direct injury to the jaw may trigger TMJ pain.
- Arthritis or Joint Degeneration: Age-related wear and tear can affect the TMJ over time.
Identifying the underlying cause is critical to selecting the most effective treatment. Dr. Shlafer takes a thorough, personalized approach to ensure long-lasting results.
Recognizing the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder can present differently in each person. Some common signs include:
- Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Persistent discomfort in the jaw or face, especially near the ears, is one of the most common symptoms.
- Clicking, Popping, or Locking: Sounds when opening or closing your mouth or episodes where the jaw locks in place.
- Headaches and Earaches: TMJ disorder can cause tension headaches and ear pain without any underlying ear infection.
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: You may notice your bite feels off, or you feel fatigued while chewing.
Even if symptoms seem mild, early evaluation is essential. Schedule an appointment with our Farmington Hills dentist as soon as possible by calling (248) 781-0040. TMJ issues often worsen over time if left untreated, and proactive care can prevent complications.
How Our Farmington Dentist Treats TMJ Disorder
At our Farmington Hills practice, Dr. Shlafer focuses on conservative, non-invasive treatments whenever possible.
Two of the most common and successful methods are custom mouthguards and occlusal equilibration.
Custom Mouthguards
Also called splints or nightguards, custom mouthguards are designed to reduce teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching, which are major contributors to TMJ pain. Worn primarily at night, these devices help relax the jaw muscles, prevent further wear on the teeth, and reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joints. Dr. Roman Shlafer ensures that each mouthguard is precisely fitted for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Occlusal Equilibration
Occlusal equilibration is a process in which Dr. Shlafer carefully adjusts the bite to correct misalignment of the teeth and jaw. Even small discrepancies in how the teeth meet can create uneven pressure, strain the jaw muscles, and worsen TMJ symptoms. Through precise adjustments, occlusal equilibration can relieve tension, improve jaw movement, and reduce pain over time.
By combining these treatments, Dr. Shlafer provides a personalized plan that addresses the root cause of TMJ disorder rather than just masking symptoms. Most patients experience noticeable relief within a few weeks, with long-term benefits for jaw health and overall comfort.
Signs It’s Time to See a TMJ Specialist Near You
Chronic jaw pain that persists despite home remedies- Frequent headaches or earaches with no other cause
- Difficulty chewing or speaking comfortably
- Jaw clicking, popping, or locking
Chronic jaw pain that persists despite home remediesIf you recognize these symptoms in yourself, early intervention is essential. Addressing TMJ issues promptly can prevent long-term damage, reduce chronic pain, and improve your overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should see a doctor for TMJ disorder if you’re noticing constant pain, tenderness, or having trouble speaking and eating. Dr. Shlafer can help diagnose your TMD and find an effective treatment best for you.
Leaving your TMJ disorder untreated can exacerbate your symptoms in the future. We recommend asking us about the disorder if you begin to notice early symptoms so we can stop your pain before it progresses.
Many insurance plans partially cover TMJ treatments, but coverage varies. Our office staff will help you navigate insurance options and discuss payment plans if necessary.
When you’re chewing or yawning, you shouldn’t be experiencing any ear. If you do notice persistent ear pain, you may be suffering from TMD.
Your TMJ is the joint that connects your jaw to your head. It’s located on both sides of your head near your ear, so this is why a problem with it can cause ear pain. Finding TMD treatment can alleviate the pain in your ears, making it easier to eat, speak, and yawn without any pain.
Jaw popping can oftentimes occur when you’re chewing, but it doesn’t always mean you have a TMJ disorder. We still recommend asking Dr. Shlafer about your jaw popping symptoms to ensure you’re not suffering from the disorder.
If you do have TMD, Dr. Shlafer can suggest different mouth exercises to mitigate the pain and offer you tips to help prevent it from aggravating.
Experience Relief and Renewed Comfort with Quality TMJ Care
Living with TMJ disorder can be frustrating and painful, but with the right care, lasting relief is achievable. Dr. Roman Shlafer provides compassionate, personalized TMJ treatment designed to improve your jaw function and overall quality of life.
Patients in Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Novi, and surrounding areas trust Dr. Shlafer for quality care that delivers real results. Don’t wait another day to address jaw pain, contact our dentist in Farmington Hills by calling (248) 781-0040 to schedule your consultation now and take the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable smile.
