TMJ and TMD Treatment in Apex
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Temporomandibular disorders include conditions affecting the jaw joints, chewing muscles, or both. Symptoms can vary widely, so identifying the likely source of discomfort is important before recommending treatment. Dr. Michael Kim evaluates jaw movement, muscle tenderness, joint sounds, oral habits, bite function, and symptom history to develop an appropriate plan.
TMJ/TMD Treatment
Appointment-Only TMJ and TMD Evaluations in Apex: TMJ/TMD treatment may help patients experiencing persistent jaw pain, facial discomfort, stiffness, restricted movement, locking, painful clicking, or difficulty chewing. Evaluation may include an examination of the jaw joints and muscles, a review of oral habits such as clenching or grinding, and dental imaging when clinically appropriate.
Treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis and severity of the condition. Conservative care may include habit modification, temporary dietary changes, home-care guidance, or a custom oral appliance. Referral to another healthcare provider may be recommended when additional evaluation or treatment is needed. TMJ/TMD evaluations are available by appointment only.
“Jaw pain can have several possible causes, so treatment should begin with a careful evaluation rather than assumptions. By reviewing the joints, muscles, movement, oral habits, and symptom history, we can recommend conservative care when appropriate and coordinate additional evaluation when needed.”
Dr. Michael Kim
Read Verified Reviews From Apex Parents
“My kids have been going to this practice since they were toddlers, and having one doctor who understands their complete dental history and growth patterns has made such a difference. Dr. Kim treats them like they’re his own children and recommends only what’s truly necessary. The convenience of having both their regular checkups and orthodontics in one place has been a game-changer for our family.”
“What impressed me most was how honest the doctor is about treatment recommendations. He explained exactly why each step was needed and never pushed unnecessary procedures. Having someone I trust completely managing both my kids’ dental and orthodontic care gives me peace of mind. The staff is incredibly kind and patient with nervous children.”
“We switched practices specifically because we wanted someone who could handle both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. The continuity of care is amazing, and our kids actually look forward to their appointments. The whole team treats every patient like family, and the clinical expertise is evident in every interaction.”
Research-Reported Outcomes for TMJ and TMD Treatment
Patients Reporting Immediate Pain Improvement After TMJ Arthrocentesis
95%
Patients Rating Motion, Diet, Comfort, and Overall Surgical Improvement Favorably
90%
Patients Finding Arthrocentesis With Intra-Articular Medication Beneficial
90%
Patients Reporting No Pain or Much Less Pain After Long-Term TMD Treatment
86%
Overall Success of TMJ Disc Repositioning Surgery
86%
Patients Rating Splint Treatment Good or Excellent for Jaw Pain
81%
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| TMJ/TMD Treatment Outcome | Percentage | What the Research Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Pain Improvement After TMJ Arthrocentesis | 95% improved | Ninety-five percent of patients reported an immediate resolution or reduction of TMJ pain within the first week after arthrocentesis. |
| Favorable Results for Motion, Diet, Comfort, and Overall Improvement | More than 90% favorable | More than 90% of patients undergoing the evaluated TMJ disc repositioning procedure rated their motion, diet, comfort, and overall improvement as good or excellent. |
| Patients Finding Arthrocentesis Beneficial | 90% benefited | Approximately 90% of patients receiving arthrocentesis followed by intra-articular medication found the procedure beneficial, with pain often remaining reduced after one year. |
| No Pain or Much Less Pain After Long-Term TMD Treatment | 86% improved | In a long-term JADA study, 85.5% of patients reported having no pain or much less pain two to eight-and-a-half years after treatment. |
| Overall Success of TMJ Disc Repositioning Surgery | 86% success | A retrospective evaluation of 117 patients reported an 86% overall success rate for the evaluated surgical treatment of internal TMJ derangement. |
| Good or Excellent Jaw Pain Improvement With Splint Treatment | 81% favorable | At the one-year evaluation, 81% of patients rated their TMD splint treatment as good or excellent for reducing jaw pain. |
Sources: Mehra P and Arya V, “Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis: Outcomes Under Intravenous Sedation Versus General Anesthesia,” Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2015; Griffitts TM et al., “Walker Repair of the Temporomandibular Joint: A Retrospective Evaluation of 117 Patients,” Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2007; Brennan PA and Ilankovan V, “Arthrocentesis for Temporomandibular Joint Pain Dysfunction Syndrome,” Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2006; Okeson JP and Hayes DK, “Long-Term Results of Treatment for Temporomandibular Disorders: An Evaluation by Patients,” Journal of the American Dental Association, 1986; Wassell RW, Adams N, and Kelly PJ, “The Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders With Stabilizing Splints in General Dental Practice: One-Year Follow-Up,” Journal of the American Dental Association, 2006; National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)”
The research includes different TMD diagnoses, treatments, patient populations, and follow-up periods. Some outcomes describe surgical procedures that may not be offered by the practice. Individual treatment recommendations and results depend on the diagnosis, symptom severity, health history, and response to care.
Six Key Findings About Retainers
TMD Includes Multiple Conditions
Temporomandibular disorders can involve the jaw joints, chewing muscles, or a combination of both. Different causes may produce similar symptoms
Diagnosis Guides Treatment
A thorough evaluation helps distinguish joint-related discomfort from muscle pain, dental concerns, headaches, injuries, or other conditions.
Painless Clicking May Not Need Treatment
Jaw sounds are common. Clicking or popping without pain or limited movement does not always require intervention.
Conservative Care Is Often Considered First
Reversible approaches may be recommended before invasive treatment, depending on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms.
Oral Appliances Require Individual Evaluation
A custom appliance may help selected patients, particularly when clenching or grinding contributes to symptoms, but it is not appropriate for every TMD condition.
Referral May Be Appropriate
Persistent, complex, or worsening symptoms may require coordinated care with an orthodontist, physician, physical therapist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Schedule a Retainer Appointment in Apex
TMJ/TMD consultations at Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Apex are available by appointment only. Dr. Michael Kim will review the patient’s symptoms, examine jaw movement and surrounding structures, and discuss conservative care or referral options based on the findings.
Questions Apex Dental Patients Ask About TMJ/TMD Treatment
What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull. TMD refers to a group of disorders affecting that joint, the surrounding muscles, or both.
What symptoms can be associated with TMD?
Possible symptoms include jaw pain, facial discomfort, stiffness, restricted opening, jaw locking, painful clicking, headaches, and difficulty chewing. Because these symptoms can have different causes, an evaluation is needed for diagnosis.
Does jaw clicking always require treatment?
No. Painless clicking or popping is common and may not require treatment. Evaluation is more important when joint sounds occur with pain, locking, restricted movement, or changes in jaw function.
Can a nightguard help with TMD symptoms?
A custom appliance may help selected patients, particularly when clenching or grinding contributes to muscle discomfort or tooth wear. It does not treat every cause of TMD, so an examination is needed before an appliance is recommended.
How is TMJ/TMD treated?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include self-care guidance, temporary dietary changes, habit modification, an oral appliance, or coordinated care with another healthcare provider. Conservative and reversible options are generally considered before invasive treatment.
When should jaw pain be evaluated?
An evaluation should be scheduled when jaw pain persists, worsens, interferes with eating, or occurs with locking or limited opening. Sudden severe symptoms, significant swelling, fever, or recent facial trauma may require more urgent care.