What is TMD?

TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) refers to a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. The temporomandibular joint, commonly referred to as the TMJ, connects your lower jaw to your skull, acting as a sliding hinge that lets you talk, chew, and yawn. When something goes wrong with this joint or the muscles around it, the result is TMD. Many doctors and patients refer to the condition simply as TMJ, so you’ll see both terms used throughout this page.

The condition can stem from problems with the joint itself, the surrounding muscles, or both. Some people develop TMD after an injury. Others experience it due to long-term habits like teeth grinding. In many cases, the exact cause remains unclear.

TMD is not a single disease but a category that includes issues like disc displacement within the joint, arthritis affecting the jaw, and myofascial pain involving the chewing muscles.

How Many People Are Affected

TMD is more common than most people realize. Research suggests that 5 to 12 percent of adults experience TMD symptoms at some point. Women are affected more often than men, particularly during their childbearing years.

Many people with mild symptoms never seek treatment. Others live with discomfort for years before learning that help is available. Because TMD symptoms can overlap with other conditions, some cases go undiagnosed or get mistaken for migraines, ear infections, or sinus problems.

TMD Symptoms

TMD is not a well-known condition, and many people have difficulty recognizing the symptoms. That’s partly because the symptoms of this disorder can be various and may manifest far from their source. Among the common TMJ symptoms to look for are:

  • Jaw pain
  • Headaches
  • Sounds like popping or clicking
  • Irregular motion, including lock jaw
  • Chipped, broken, crooked, or worn teeth
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Ear pain or fullness
  • Neck pain
  • Upper back pain
  • Tingling or numbness in the fingers
  • Sleep apnea

Less commonly, TMJ may manifest with other symptoms. If you have two of the symptoms above and other symptoms not listed here, you may have a TMJ disorder. Please call (585) 244-3337 to ask.

When to See a Doctor

Not every jaw click or moment of stiffness requires professional care. However, you should schedule an evaluation if you experience:

  • Persistent pain in your jaw, face, or around your ear
  • Difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully
  • Pain while chewing that doesn’t resolve within a few days
  • A jaw that locks in an open or closed position
  • Symptoms that interfere with eating, speaking, or sleeping

Early evaluation often leads to simpler treatment. Waiting until symptoms become severe can mean a longer path to relief.

What Causes TMD/TMJ Symptoms

TMD symptoms often start with how your upper and lower teeth meet. If your bite is off, the joint can overwork and inflame nearby muscles and tissues. Tight or sore jaw muscles may lead to jaw pain, headaches, or even ear pressure and fullness. Clicking or popping can signal the joint isn’t moving as it should.

These signs often tie back to clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism), often while sleeping. Over time, this strain can wear down teeth and further disrupt the bite—starting a cycle that keeps symptoms going.

How We Diagnose TMJ Problems

Symptoms only tell us that you might have TMD. To make sure that you have the condition before we start TMJ treatment, we will use a comprehensive approach to diagnosis. First, we will start with a medical history, asking about other potential symptoms as well as conditions that might be similar to TMJ. (TMJ is sometimes called “the great imposter” because it mimics many other conditions.)

Then, we will do a physical exam, including seeing if you have difficulty opening or closing your jaw, along with checking your range of motion. We will feel the joint and jaw muscles to see if we can figure out what’s going on. We will identify facial pain, the motion of your jaw, and other aspects of TMJ. We may then perform a treatment with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a kind of electric massage that can relax jaw muscles and make it easier to diagnose TMJ.

Then, we will perform a number of diagnostic tests to determine the extent of TMJ. Computerized jaw tracking will let us figure out exactly how it is moving so that we can identify the exact problems with the motion. Then, we will listen to the jaw joint to try to correlate the sound with the motion. Amplified sound will give us more information about what’s going on in the joint itself, including whether there’s likely any grinding of bone.

To confirm the state of your bones, we can use a cone beam CT scan, which gives us detailed 3D pictures of your bones. Once we know how far along your TMJ has developed, we can recommend a TMJ treatment plan appropriate to your condition.

Man in apparent jaw pain

TMJ Treatment Options

We offer a range of TMJ treatments focused on relieving pain, restoring function, and preventing long-term damage. We always start with the least invasive option and build from there.

Common approaches include:

  • TENS therapy: Gentle electrical pulses help relax tight jaw muscles, reduce pain, and protect teeth from damage caused by clenching.
  • Custom orthotic: A precision-fit oral appliance repositions the jaw to ease strain on the joint. It’s usually worn full-time at first, then only at night as symptoms improve.
  • Home strategies: Physical therapy exercises, a soft diet, jaw rest, and awareness of habits like gum chewing are often part of care.
  • Equilibration: Minor reshaping of certain teeth can reduce pressure points in the bite that contribute to joint stress.
  • Restorative care: If the bite remains unstable, we may use long-term solutions like crowns to rebuild proper alignment.
  • Referral care: If symptoms don’t improve, we may refer you to a physical therapist or, in rare cases, recommend an evaluation for surgical care.

Surgery is not a first-line option. We only consider it when simpler treatments haven’t worked.

Additional Sleep Treatments We Offer

Sleep Apnea Treatment

To effectively treat sleep apnea, we focus on keeping your airway open by providing crucial support to the soft tissues that can collapse during sleep. Your jaw serves as the primary bony support for much of your upper airway, and we harness this natural anatomy through mandibular advancement devices (MADs)—the most common and effective type of oral appliance for sleep apnea. By gently moving your jaw forward, these custom devices utilize your jaw’s structural support to maintain an open airway throughout the night, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP machines that many patients find difficult to tolerate.

Snoring Treatment

While some cases of snoring can be managed with lifestyle changes like adjusting your sleep position or avoiding alcohol before bed, persistent snoring often requires professional intervention, especially if you experience high blood pressure, daytime sleepiness, or have been told you stop breathing during sleep. We understand that home remedies like nasal strips or eliminating allergens don’t always provide the lasting relief you need, which is why we offer comprehensive snoring evaluations to get to the root of your problem. Our approach to snoring treatment involves carefully assessing your jaw position and airway structure to determine whether a custom oral appliance will effectively reduce or eliminate your snoring. These personalized devices work by gently repositioning your jaw to maintain optimal airway space, providing a comfortable and effective solution that doesn’t rely on bulky equipment or temporary fixes.

If you suspect you have one of these sleep issues, take the first step toward quieter, more restful nights by contacting Contemporary Dentistry at (585) 270-6808.

Practical At-Home Tips to Reduce Flare-Ups

While professional treatment addresses the underlying causes of TMD, daily habits can make a real difference in managing symptoms between visits. These strategies help reduce strain on your jaw and may prevent minor discomfort from becoming a full flare-up.

  • Rest your jaw when possible. Keep your teeth slightly apart when you’re not eating or speaking. Let your jaw relax with your lips closed but teeth not touching.
  • Choose softer foods during flare-ups. Cut food into small pieces. Avoid chewy, crunchy, or hard items like bagels, raw carrots, or tough meat when your jaw feels strained.
  • Apply heat or cold. A warm compress can relax tight muscles. An ice pack wrapped in cloth can reduce inflammation after a flare-up. Try each for 10 to 15 minutes to see which brings relief.
  • Avoid extreme jaw movements. Skip wide yawning when you can control it. Don’t rest your chin on your hand or hold your phone between your ear and shoulder.
  • Notice daytime clenching. Many people clench without realizing it, especially during stress or concentration. Check in with your jaw throughout the day and consciously relax it.
  • Skip the gum. Chewing gum keeps your jaw working constantly. Give those muscles a break.

These habits support treatment but don’t replace it. If symptoms persist or worsen, professional care can identify what’s driving the problem.

Rest Easier By Simply Contacting Contemporary Dentistry

You don’t have to accept another night of poor sleep. Our Rochester dentists are the best choice for TMJ treatment because of their complete understanding of the human jaw and tooth alignment. Call us today at (585) 270-6808 or submit an online form to schedule your comprehensive sleep evaluation and discover how dental sleep medicine can transform your nights and improve your days. Your journey to better sleep now.

TMJ Questions We Hear Often

How much does TMD treatment cost?

Costs vary based on the complexity of your condition and the treatments needed. A simple orthotic may cost less than a comprehensive plan involving multiple therapies. During your consultation, we’ll explain the recommended approach and provide clear cost estimates before beginning treatment.

Is TMD treatment covered by insurance?

Dental insurance may cover parts of care like imaging or appliances. Medical insurance sometimes covers TMD treatment when documented as a medical condition rather than a dental one. Coverage varies widely between plans. We’ll review your benefits and send preapprovals when possible.

Can an ENT help with TMD?

An ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor) can rule out ear-related causes of symptoms like ear pain, fullness, or ringing. However, if the source is your jaw joint rather than your ear, a dentist trained in TMJ treatment is better equipped to address the problem. Many patients see an ENT first before learning their symptoms stem from TMJ vs. TMD.

What is the 3-finger test for TMJ?

The 3-finger test is a simple way to check your jaw’s range of motion. Stack three fingers vertically and try to place them between your upper and lower front teeth while opening wide. If you can’t fit all three fingers comfortably, your jaw opening may be restricted—a possible sign of TMD. This quick check doesn’t replace a professional evaluation, but it can indicate whether something is limiting your jaw movement.