Warren TMJ

Dr. Richard Klein is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about TMJ.


Q. What is TMJ?

A. Technically, TMJ is the name of the joint where the lower jaw fits to the skull. We all have a pair of TMJs just like we all have a pair of knees. When there is a problem with the TMJ, it is called TMD or TMJD. The D stands for disorder or dysfunction.

Q. How do I know if I have TMJ?

A. If you have a disorder of your TMJ, the symptoms can be quite confusing. TMD has been called the great imposter since it mimics so many other problems in the jaws, neck, ears, eyes, and head.  These are TMD symptoms: Eye pain, blurry vision, lacrimation (excessive tears), double vision, ear pain, dizziness, ear congestion, hearing loss, muffled hearing, sensitivity to sounds.   Also, headache, neck ache, pain in the forehead, numbness in the face, difficulty swallowing, speech difficulties, difficulty chewing, jaw pain, clicking of the jaw when moved, difficulty opening the mouth wide, and locking of the jaw.

Q. Can pain killers help in treating TMJ syndrome?

A. Yes and no.  Pain killers can help diminish the pain which may help you clench less if the pain makes you emotional.  Pharmaceuticals are very helpful, but getting at the cause of the pain and not just masking it is more important.  A muscle relaxer and an anti-inflammatory medicine are more appropriate to help alleviate or control TMJ symdrome.

Q. Who should treat TMD?

A. TMD is most successfully controlled by a dentist who is trained and well versed in up-to-date therapies and treatment modalities. Almost every state in the U.S. has dentists who belong to the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain.  This organization has strict acceptance standards and is composed of TMD qualified dentists whose membership mandates that post graduate classes in TMD must be continually attended.

Q. What should you expect from a TMD doctor?

A. A TMD doctor should listen to your complaints and needs , should have extensive experience in TMD, should be able to provide a variety of possible necessary treatment options besides only a mouthpiece, and should follow up and monitor your care.

Q. What results can I expect from surgery?

A. Surgery, statistically, is not usually recommended as it was in the 1980’s.  It may be necessary to re-balance a small lower jaw to fit better with a larger upper jaw, but actual surgery to the inside of the TMJ today is rare.  The exception to this statement is a surgical procedure called arthrocenthesis.  Basically, it’s similar to  changing the oil in your car.  The Oral Surgeon flushes out the synovial fluid (the lubricating fluid in your joints) and your body creates new fluid that does not have the caustic irritating chemicals found in a pathologic joint.

Q. Is TMJ/TMD covered by insurance?

A. Most medical insurances have codes that allow payment towards TMD treatments.

Q. How to contact Dr. Klein if we have further questions?

A. Please visit our website at michiganheadandneck.com, tmjmichigan.com or sleepapneamichigan.com.  Our address is 3665 E. 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48092; our telephone number is 586-573-0438.