What kind of Doctor Should You See for TMJ Pain?
Temporomandibular joint disorders are complicated medical conditions caused and compounded by different reasons and underlying conditions. TMJ disorders result in pain in your jaw, teeth, facial muscles, headaches, earaches, neck pain, et cetera. If you suffer from this condition, you may find it confusing who to consult to find a solution for the problem.
You might think about whether you must visit your family physician, a musculoskeletal specialist, or the dentist in Suffern specializing in TMJ therapy. You can find help from dentists because these professionals are trained to deal with such conditions and are the best choice when suffering from TMJ disorders.
Jaw pain is the most apparent symptom of TMJ disorders which includes other symptoms such as neck pain, ear fullness, vertigo, et cetera. However, the underlying source of the issue is often the temporomandibular joint.
Are There TMJ Specialists Dealing Exclusively with These Disorders?
Dentists focusing on the TMJ joint have the most relevant and specialized knowledge about TMJ disorders. However, it is crucial that you consult a dentist dedicating their practice to understanding and treating TMJ disorders. General and cosmetic dentists often do not have the in-depth knowledge necessary to provide TMJ dentist near me.
TMJ disorders are complex and challenging to diagnose. Therefore an experienced TMJ specialist in your locality should manage your referrals to other associates who might also provide an insight into specific conditions and comorbidities that you might have. For example, if you experience headaches from TMJ disorders, you might require a referral to a neurologist. However, if the condition is associated with comorbidities like sleep apnea, you can receive TMJ therapy in Suffern from the dentist mentioned earlier.
General dentists and doctors specializing in some medical fields can also provide an insight into TMJ disorders. For example, oral and maxillofacial surgeons specializing in treating conditions associated with the head and neck by focusing specifically on the muscles, joints, and ligaments in the maxillofacial region can also provide TMJ therapy. However, surgery is often considered a last resort. This disorder generally responds to self-care and counter painkillers or usually disappears by itself.
If you visit a general or cosmetic dentist without adequate knowledge about treating jaw pain, they might prescribe some painkillers for temporary relief and suggest you find a TMJ specialist within the area to get yourself diagnosed.
You might require help from specialists like rheumatologists, physical therapists, and pain management specialists besides the Suffern dentist when trying to find relief from the discomfort you experience.
Dealing with a Specialist Essential When Finding Relief from TMJ Disorders
As mentioned earlier, TMJ disorders are complicated, making it essential for you to search for a professional specializing in TMJ issues and focusing their practice on this specific disorder. In addition, dentists specializing in TMJ disorders use effective research-based techniques for treatment when treating patients with these conditions.
When searching for a TMJ specialist, you must realize there are no shortcuts to effective treatment. Therefore you must research specifically for TMJ specialists who you can find practicing in the area. You can arrange a consultation with the specialist to determine whether they are board-certified while explaining your symptoms to determine the professionals you must begin working with to diagnose the disorder and its underlying causes and provide appropriate treatments as required.
Treatment for TMJ Disorders
Your treatment for the condition affecting you starts only after the specialists diagnose your problem to determine treatments best suited for you. You might be fortunate if your symptoms disappear without treatment which happens in many cases. However, if you have persistent pain, your specialist might recommend multiple treatments, often combined simultaneously.
You might receive medications as nonsurgical options to help relieve the pain from TMJ disorders. The medicines include over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, tricyclic antidepressants, and muscle relaxants. They might also recommend soft and firm occlusal splints devices beneficial for TMJ relief. Physical therapy and counseling can also help relieve TMJ disorders to improve your quality of life.
If you experience persistent jaw pain and don’t respond to nonsurgical treatments, you might require surgery as a last resort. However, if the specialist recommends surgical procedures, ensure that you discuss the potential risks and benefits with the professionals and inquire about alternatives to deal with your condition. However, do not ignore TMJ disorders because they can disrupt your quality of life.
Dental Wellness of Suffern provides treatment for patients affected by temporomandibular joint pain. If you experience symptoms of TMJ disorders, kindly schedule an appointment with them to find relief from your condition.