What kind of specialist do i see for jaw pain, swelling, and difficulty using jaw? i have had extensive dental work, recent abcesses, crowns, and injections setting off the nerve in my jaw. is it tmj?, infection? inflammation? or reaction to the recent de

Without : Without getting into a long discussion about possible causes for your problem, schedule an appointment with a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. They will be able to do the necessary exam and propose management of your problems.

There : There could be a myriad of reasons for the pain in your jaws. Recent dental work can cause soreness in the tm joint area because of opening your mouth for perhaps a prolonged period of time. Multiple injections can cause a condition called trismus which essentially is a spasm of the muscles that open and close the jaw. Infections from dental abscesses will definately cause pain and can often cause jaw pain. Typically if you have been seeing your dentist for treatment and he or she is monitoring and treating your problems systematically (you are not just going in for emergency treatment) TMJ disorders are the likely cause. However, you must see you dentist or be referred to a periodontist, oral surgeon or endodontist who can further evaluate the pain. Please do this tomorrow! no more guessing, this is serious and you need serious answers. My best to you and to your continued health. Dr. Smith.

Oral Surgeon: Start with the oral surgeon. You may need to see the prosthodontist and endodontist as well. Might simply be soreness from muscle strain, fatigue and trauma to teeth, tissues and joint components. Soft diet, hot compresses to face and warm soaks in mouth may help if it is tissue / muscle. Also, Ibuprofen 400 - 600 mg 4 times/day x 5 -7 days may also help.

Treatment Plan: My best advise with the limited information provided is to see a prosthodontist before seeing an oral surgeon. It is of vital importance to have your bite (occlusion) evaluated and a prosthodontist can do that for you. If you have spent many hours with your mouth open in the dental chair, you may have your TMJ in spasm. Exhaust all other options before going a surgical route. Best of luck!

Complex problem: Could have TMJ component. See an oral surgeon, have him involved with your case along with your dentist. If it ends up TMJ, see a TMJ expert. 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.