When should i see my dentist about tmj? i've had a bit of pain and popping in my jaw for several months now, but it's nothing i can't stand. i don't want to have surgery, and don't know if there are any other treatments. is it possible that this could go

I : I totally agree with neil and also would like to ad that not only can the bite effect the joint but maybe you have something else going on. You may be clenching your teeth in your sleep or may have hit your mouth in a funny way and never noticed that this was trauma to one or both joints. Definitely seek advice from your dentist and if they have a hard time figuring it out seek the advice of an oral surgeon. In the mean time you can go out an but an upper mouth guard to wear while you sleep and see if that helps out any. Good luck!

Talk : Talk to your general dentist about it. The dentist might recommend a nightguard and exercises which help the symptoms. You would want to check out all conservative nonsergical treatments

Pain : Pain and popping of the jaw joints is not normal and is an indication that something is wrong.. It does not however mean you need to have surgery. May i suggest that you visit a dentist who understands how the joints and the jaws work, and have an evaluation made. It is possible that you have a premature contact on one side, a place where you teeth hit first before all the other teeth come together, and that you then have to shift your jaw into an abnormal position to be able to get the teeth to come together. - sometimes these premature contacts can be adjusted and the patient feels a lot better. Often time we will give a patient a protective guard to wear to hold the jaw in its more relaxed position. Such a "bite guard" when worn will allow the jaw and the joint to recover. The teeth can then be adjusted when every thing has settled down. We have also found that certain jaw exercises can improve the overall strength of the muscles moving the jaw and this can establish a balance that can greatly relieve symptoms like yours. These are just the beginning of some alternatives you should consider. Good luck dr. Neil mcleod dds dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.

See dentist: Most TMJ symptoms subside or go away on their own. If you have a limited opening or your symptoms do not go away in a month i would suggest seeing a dentist. There are many non surgical treatment options but the key is finding the correct diagnosis before starting treatment. Rarely does treatment involve complex dental are or surgery.

Mild TMJ disorder : Can be treated without surgery . The muscles and ligaments that cause your jaw to move are not working smoothly. If you chew gum have stop. Eat softer foods next 2-3 weeks. Apply moist heat to the joint area. Stress plays a big role in triggering TMJ problems. Find activities to help reduce your stress level. See your dentist for more detailed non-surgical help.

See TMJ expert: Can become more serious without treatment See A TMJ specialist. Any dentist can be a TMJ expert with the proper training and experience. Most commonly, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. Ask your MD, your dentist and your dental society for referrals.

TMJ medical disorder: Any TMJ must be viewed as a valid medical disorder and the TMJ assessment must be comprehensive. See Orofacial Pain specialist for evaluation, tests, imaging and treatment options.