The Best Type of Doctor to See for TMJ Pain

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are complicated medical diseases that can be brought on by a variety of different ailments and underlying causes, and they can also exacerbate each other. TMJ issues can cause a variety of symptoms, such as the jaw, tooth, cheek, neck, ear, and headache pain. As a result, many patients are perplexed as to where they should seek TMJ pain treatment from.

Should you merely consult your family physician? Visiting the dentist? What about a musculoskeletal expert? Actually, your best option is usually a dentist who focuses on TMJ issues. TMJ dysfunction treatment comes in a variety of formats. Through therapy and other non-invasive treatments, many of these methods can totally eradicate your TMJ symptoms. It can be challenging to diagnose and treat TMJ issues, which frequently result in referred pain.

TMD: What is it?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder (TMD) is a condition that causes pain in the orofacial region and TMJ dysfunction. The percentage of people who have TMD varies between 5 and 12%, according to statistics. However, temporomandibular joint diseases can occur at any age, including in adolescents and young adults. Most chronic pain-causing disorders affect middle-aged and older persons.

Men and women get TMJ pain at about a 2:1 ratio. One particular group that frequently seeks therapy from a specialist who handles TMJ disorders is women who are using hormonal medicines, such as oral contraceptives or supplementary estrogen.

TMJ disorders can cause a variety of symptoms in addition to jaw pain, which is the most noticeable and frequent one.

• Jaw locking, popping, clicking, grating, and other symptoms
• Headaches
• Toothaches
• Enlargement of the face, generally on one cheek
• referred shoulders and neck aches
• Orofacial muscles spasm, feel worn out, and are painful.
• A sore neck
• Ear discomfort or fullness
• Tinnitus, another name for ringing in the ears, vertigo

What occurs when TMD is left untreated?

A person runs the danger of suffering from ongoing pain, discomfort, and muscular tension if they do not get prompt treatment from a professional who handles TMJ dysfunction treatment

Anxiety and sadness are only two examples of the bodily and even emotional pain that can result from this. In addition, if TMJ symptoms aren’t treated, they might worsen with time.

It is best to seek therapy from a skilled specialist if you are struggling with the signs of a TMJ condition. Numerous medical professionals, some of whom you may already be familiar with, treat TMJ depending on the exact issues you are having. This is the most effective method for preventing the long-term impacts of TMD from having a detrimental impact on how you live.

How Do I Find the Right Doctor for TMJ Pain?

You might be unsure of where to seek care if you have discomfort in your temporomandibular joint. Do you begin by visiting your primary care physician? Should you visit a doctor who specializes in ears, nose, and throat if your ears are bothering you? Do you need to consult a neurologist if you also have migraines along with your TMJ pain? In fact, there is a more effective TMJ treatment alternative that you might not have considered.

How is TMJ Syndrome diagnosed?

When TMJ syndrome is properly diagnosed and treated, the prognosis is typically favorable. A primary care physician or, more usually, a dentist, will identify TMJ syndrome. Prior to further discussing your symptoms and having your jaw examined, your doctor or dentist for TMJ may first rule out any other diseases. Your doctor will likely: during the examination

As you open and close your mouth, pay attention to how your jaw feels.

Make sure your jaw can move freely.

To locate any areas of pain or discomfort, press on your face near your jaw.

To confirm the diagnosis, more testing might be advised. X-rays from the mouth, a CT scan to obtain more precise imaging of the joint, or an MRI may be used.

The Most Effective Kind of Doctor to See for TMJ Pain

You should visit a dentist if you’re suffering from TMJ pain. Dentists are medical professionals with advanced training in the anatomy of the jaw and the diagnosis of bite dysfunction. They do more than just fix your teeth. A knowledgeable dentist can help you identify the underlying factors causing your condition and any symptoms that may be brought on by jaw misalignment but that you may not even be aware of. TMJ pain is complex.

The most essential and specialized expertise in relation to TMD is frequently held by dentists who are board-certified in orofacial pain and concentrate on TMJ issues. To better diagnose and treat TMJ difficulties, it’s crucial to consult with a dentist who focuses exclusively on this area of dentistry. This is due to the fact that general and cosmetic dentists frequently lack the in-depth understanding necessary to suggest appropriate treatment alternatives.

Follow these instructions to choose a TMJ expert who is well-versed in treating TMJ disorders and has extensive experience in the field:

• Examine certificates. Your TMJ specialist can have further education beyond a dentistry degree in orofacial discomfort.
• Look at their experience. You should be able to learn how long your doctor has been in practice and whether they commonly handle situations like yours.
• Look at their reviews. Patients who take the time to share glowing testimonials and information on their own care can be valuable resources for potential patients.
• As you get ready to call the office, gather your medical records. It would be useful to find a resolution if you could provide any records of your attempts to treat your TMD
• Set up your initial appointment by calling the office. Inquire with the medical secretary whether there is anything else you need to bring with you.

If you have been diagnosed with TMJ condition or are looking for a TMJ expert nearby to relieve bothersome jaw pain, surgery might not be necessary. A dentist who has received advanced training in TMJ therapy or a TMJ specialist can help.