TMJ/ TMD
Don’t Wait for Relief
If you suspect you may be experiencing TMD—or if you’ve been told there’s nothing more that can be done—we invite you to schedule a consult. At Graceful Dental Innovations, we’re here to listen, to investigate thoroughly, and to help you rediscover comfort and function through thoughtful, modern care.
TMD Services at
Graceful Dental Innovations
Relief Through Precision, Harmony, and Whole-Health Insight
At Graceful Dental Innovations, we understand that chronic jaw pain, clicking, popping, headaches, facial tension, or bite discomfort may be signs of a more complex issue—Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). Our approach to TMD care is comprehensive and rooted in advanced diagnostics, integrative therapies, and functional dental principles.
Dr. Amy Gentner has undergone extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of TMD, helping patients find lasting relief from symptoms that often go undiagnosed or mismanaged.
What Is TMD?
TMD refers to a group of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), jaw muscles, and the way your teeth fit together. Symptoms may include:
Jaw pain or soreness
Clicking or popping joints
Locking of the jaw
Frequent headaches or migraines
Facial pain or pressure
Difficulty chewing
Muscle tightness or pain in the face or neck
Worn, cracked, or sensitive teeth
TMD is often the result of bite imbalances, muscle strain, joint inflammation, or stress-related clenching and grinding. It can also be linked to airway concerns, postural issues, or muscle dysfunction throughout the head and neck. Though less common, cancer or trauma can directly or indirectly impact the problems as well.
Advanced Diagnostics
for Accurate Insight
At our practice, we believe that precision leads to clarity—and clarity leads to better care. We utilize a suite of advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate your joint, muscles, and bite alignment:
- CBCT (Cone Beam CT): Provides 3D imaging of your jaw joints, airway, and surrounding structures. Dr. Gentner is specially trained to interpret these scans with a focus on TMD diagnosis.
- CR Load Testing: Evaluates how your jaw joints function under pressure and how your bite seats in its most stable position.
- Doppler Auscultation: A ultrasound or stethoscope-like test used to detect joint sounds—such as clicks, crepitus, or disc displacements—helping us pinpoint the source of dysfunction.
- Muscle Palpation Exams: Manual examination of key head, neck, and facial muscles to identify areas of inflammation, tightness, or trigger points.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Rooted in Function and Whole-Body Wellness
Dr. Gentner designs treatment protocols based on your individual diagnosis—never a one-size-fits-all approach. Treatment may include:
Complete Dentistry & Bite Rehabilitation
Your bite is a key piece of the puzzle. We assess how your teeth come together and how that affects your muscles and joints. Through the principles of Complete Dentistry, we address not just the teeth—but the harmony between joints, muscles, airway, and occlusion.
TMD Orthotic Therapy
Custom orthotic appliances designed to balance the bite, relieve joint pressure, and restore optimal function. These may be used short-term or long-term, depending on the complexity of your condition.
Laser Therapy
We utilize gentle, non-invasive laser technology to reduce inflammation, promote blood flow, and support tissue healing around the joints and muscles. Photobiomodulation (PBMT) uses the energy of the laser for healing.
TENS Unit Muscle Therapy
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy helps relax overworked muscles, reduce pain, and improve jaw mobility.
Interdisciplinary, Whole-Health Collaboration
TMD rarely exists in isolation. That’s why we often coordinate your care with trusted providers including:
- Chiropractors
- Occupational Therapists
- Myofunctional Therapists
- Sleep and Airway Specialists
When needed, we’ll work hand-in-hand with your broader healthcare team to ensure every aspect of your condition is addressed—from postural issues to airway obstructions.
Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Amy Gentner is not only a clinician—she’s a Dawson Academy Scholar and the leader of the Dawson Academy Mid-Michigan Study Club, mentoring other dentists in the art and science of TMD and occlusal therapy. She also speaks nationally to dental and healthcare providers about collaborative approaches to TMD, bite dysfunction, and airway health.
When you choose Graceful Dental Innovations, you’re choosing a provider deeply committed to precision, harmony, and whole-health outcomes—not just symptom management.