Do you ever hear a clicking sound in your jaw when you open and close your mouth? Do you ever experience jaw discomfort, stiffness, or pain? You may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Often just called TMJ, disorders of this joint can be inconvenient as well as uncomfortable. Getting help from a professional can improve your quality of life while preventing the problem from getting worse. Whether you’re just now noticing this problem or have been struggling with TMJ for years, it’s important to get help.
One common question that people ask when they’re dealing with TMJ is whether to get help from a dentist or a doctor. Both are medical professionals that can play a role in helping patients with this problem. If you’re wondering whether the doctor or dentist is more appropriate, we can help.
What Is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint disorders affect the joints that connect your skull and jaw. TMJ disorders can lead to problems with bruxism (teeth grinding), arthritis, and even dental injury.
Common symptoms of TMJ include:
- Difficulty chewing
- Clicking sounds when opening and closing your mouth
- Jaw pain
- Jaw stiffness
- Limited range of motion in the jaw
Roles of Doctors and Dentists
If you suffer from TMJ, your doctor will play a role in diagnosing your condition and prescribing medication for pain. If you need help from a specialist, your doctor may be the person who refers you to that specialist.
If TMJ is caused by problems relating to your teeth and jaw alignment, your dentist can help. There are a range of oral appliances that can help with jaw alignment and TMJ management, such as braces or nightguards.
Treatment Approaches
Doctors provide a range of pain management options for patients. These treatment options may include muscle relaxants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). These medications can help with pain – however, they do not stop the problem from occurring. If you need a physical therapist or an oral surgeon, your doctor can refer you to a trusted professional.
Dentists provide oral appliance therapy and orthodontic treatments. If you’ve recently lost teeth and are experiencing the symptoms of TMJ as a result, your dentist can recommend dental restorations (such as dental implants and bridges) to help. Your dentist can also install braces to correct tooth alignment problems that contribute to TMJ.
Considerations for Choosing a Provider
There are many things to consider when choosing between a doctor or dentist to treat TMJ.
- Severity: Mild cases may be managed by a doctor; severe or dental-related issues are better addressed by a dentist.
- Existing dental issues: Misaligned teeth or jaw problems may require a dentist’s expertise.
- Convenience: Consider the availability and accessibility of providers in your area, along with insurance coverage, as you seek treatment for TMJ.
Do you suffer from TMJ disorder? Weninger Dentistry provides TMJ therapy and various services that can help treat TMJ. To get started with TMJ therapy in Tampa, FL, call to make an appointment.