TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders can have numerous causes and affect multiple areas of the body, including jaw pain, teeth, mouth, facial muscles, neck and head. Often, these symptoms are difficult to identify and treat on your own or without the help of a specialist. A tmj specialist will be able to determine the cause of your jaw pain and recommend treatments that will both cure the pain and prevent it from returning or worsening.
TMD can be caused by a wide range of factors, so a specialist will first need to assess your pain and discomfort to identify the root cause. This will include an in-depth physical examination of your jaw, joints and face. The specialist may also order X-rays or tomographic imaging of your jaw to get a better look at the bones around the joints, the disk inside the joint, and the surrounding tissue. They may also request dental impressions to provide a record of your bite and chewing patterns.
Depending on the cause of your pain, your tmj specialist will prescribe a treatment plan that will usually start with conservative options. These can include a self-care regimen of soft foods, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and warm compresses. They may also give you a mouthguard to wear at night if your TMD is due to grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. If your TMD is caused by a misalignment of your jaw, they might recommend myofunctional therapy or physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and increase the movement of the jaw.
Other treatments a TMJ specialist might recommend may include trigger point injections and Botox, which are both effective in relieving pain from overactive muscle groups. In severe cases, the specialist might advise open-joint surgery, which involves making small incisions and using surgical tools to remove scar tissue or reshape a joint.
In addition to a tmj specialist, other health care professionals who can help with TMD include otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat doctors) who specialize in sinus and ear problems; physical therapists who specialize in treating jaw problems and facial muscles; and neuromuscular dentists, who understand the complex relationship between the skeletal and muscular systems. Many patients with TMD also benefit from counseling, as stress and anxiety can contribute to the condition.
Choosing the right TMJ specialist can be intimidating, but if you follow these tips, you should be able to find a qualified doctor who will be able to diagnose your TMD and prescribe a treatment plan that will relieve your jaw pain, clicking, popping and locking. When searching for a tmj specialist, be sure to check their credentials and training. It is also a good idea to make sure that they are board certified in orofacial pain management. If possible, try to choose a specialist who is within close proximity to your home or office and has experience with TMD. You should also consider your preferences, such as if you want a specialist who is a certain gender, has a specific hospital affiliation or speaks a particular language.