TMJ Dentist

TMJ or temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder is one of the ailments that have not been really studied just yet. It is important that you find a good TMJ dentist who comes well recommended in his field, and always get a second opinion before undergoing any form or treatment. This disorder that involves pain when using the jaw joints for eating, talking, swallowing, and yawning may be due to inflammation on the jaw joints and if not diagnosed and treated properly, this can be a real serious medical condition that can be a real threat to someone's health and overall well-being.

Just like any other joints, the jaw joints can also suffer from conditions such as arthritis and ankylosis. The jaw may also suffer due to injury, the sleeping disorder teeth-grinding, severe stress that can weaken the muscles of the face and other unhealthy habits such as frequent clenching of the mouth and nail biting. Symptoms of this disorder include pain when one or both of the jaws are moved. The pain at first can still be bearable but may eventually lead the sufferer from extreme pain and discomfort of not remedied and treated immediately. The pain and discomfort will also eventually spread to the ears, neck, the head and even the shoulders. In severe cases, the simple pain accompanied by clicking or popping noise when the mouth is opened or the jaws are moved can eventually lead to jaw lock and muscle spasms.

Since there is still no board or medical professional organization that designates specific medical experts as TMJ specialists, TMJ treatment and medication is normally received through a dentist. To determine the extent and gravity of the TMJ disorder symptoms that you might have, a dentist might recommend X-rays, MRI and CT scans. Simple techniques to treat and alleviate the pain will be exhausted first if not serious. Dentists will normally advise surgery only when all simple techniques have been tried and condition still not improving.

A TMJ dentist will normally recommend ample rest of the jaw joint and the prescription of analgesic pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the pain and swelling. Ibuprofen is most commonly used in mid to high dosages. However, stronger medication may become necessary as the body builds up a resistance to Ibuprofen for TMJ. Moist heated compresses will also ease the pain the areas. Hard and chewy foods should also be avoided. In place of the conventional use of mouth guards, a splint will be used to temporarily reduce teeth grinding. If disorder is caused by dental neglect or disease or even injury, your TMJ dentist will also help you in restoring the proper occlusion. During the observation and treatment period, a TMJ dentist will also postpone any other dental work such as crowns and bridges.

At the very start of any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult your TMJ dentist so that a thorough orthodontic evaluation can be performed and find out the cause to avoid further aggravation of the disorder as well as determine the immediate remedies to ease the initial pain and discomfort. The right diagnosis and treatment of TMJ by your specialist dentist will help you find relief and remedies before any risky and costly surgical procedures.