Why You Should See a TMJ Specialist

Many dentists are trained in conservative therapies for TMJ, such as bite plates and splints. But an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can provide more extensive treatment options.

They will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. They will also do a physical exam. They may order X-rays or an MRI.

Experience

Many healthcare providers treat TMJ symptoms, but it’s important to find a specialist who’s board certified in orofacial pain and TMJ. He should have plenty of experience treating TMD and a good track record of success.

TMD is an acronym for temporomandibular disorder, which refers to problems with the jaw joint and muscles in the face. Symptoms include pain in the mouth and jaw, limited opening of the jaw, a clicking or popping sound when you open your jaw, and headaches.

Health care providers may use medications to help ease the pain. These may be nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen, muscle relaxants (especially helpful for people who grind or clench their teeth), or antidepressants that change how the brain interprets pain signals. If these treatments don’t work, a TMJ specialist Bowling Green KY might need to perform surgery. This might involve a procedure called a modified condylotomy, which involves cutting into the bone behind the jaw to make more space for the joint to move.

Certifications

If you’re seeking treatment for TMD, it’s important to look for a specialist with the proper certifications. The best ones have a master degree in orofacial pain and oral medicine from an accredited institution. They also have a good understanding of TMJ physiology and anatomy, biomechanics, and occlusion.

Your TMJ specialist will diagnose the cause of your discomfort and determine effective treatments. He or she will order dental X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to examine the jaw bone and teeth, the jaw joint disk, and the soft tissues. In some cases, the doctor will use an arthroscopy to view the inside of the joint and make an accurate diagnosis.

Your doctor will then recommend medication, such as NSAIDs and muscle relaxers (to reduce inflammation and ease the discomfort). They may also suggest a mouthguard for patients who clench or grind their teeth, and recommend physical therapy to help alleviate your symptoms.

Patient Reviews

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders develop for many reasons. You can clench or grind your teeth, tighten the jaw muscles, damage the joint itself, or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. This can cause a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, grating or popping noises when you chew or open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.

Glenn was a patient who was suffering from TMJ symptoms. He had pain on the left side of his face, neck and torso. He also had tingling sensations from his ear to his neck and lower chest. He was having difficulty sleeping and was unable to swallow or speak.

Using baby steps, Dr. Bakhtiari rehabilitated Glenn’s TMJ. He treated him for a few months and then reduced treatment to only at night. In a few weeks, he was completely pain free. He knows TMJ like few others do and is determined to help you get a fixed bite. He will also refer you to the specialist that is best suited for your needs.

Location

TMJ is a complicated disorder, and the symptoms can impact multiple systems of the body. That’s why a comprehensive approach to treatment is necessary. A TMJ specialist Bowling Green KY will work with specialists in other fields to provide effective care and management.

For example, if TMJ is caused by teeth grinding or misalignment of the jaw, an orthodontist will help alleviate the symptoms. Similarly, a sleep physician will be involved in the case of sleep apnea, which can be a contributing factor to TMJ pain.

TMJ pain can also cause ear and sinus issues, so an otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor) may be needed. Finally, a pain management specialist can make chronic pain more manageable, which can improve the patient’s quality of life while undergoing treatment for TMD. TMJ pain is complex and can be caused by many factors, so it’s important to seek professional advice early on to prevent permanent damage. A TMJ specialist is your best option for addressing and treating the condition.