A member asked:

I have a missing tooth since childhood, my upper teeth shifted and malocclusion + burxism chronic stress and tmd pain and clicking any advice for home?

14 doctors weighed in across 9 answers

Night guard: If you have clenching /grinding habits you will need an occlusal guard made by your dentist for a better fit or one from your local pharmacy so you can use it every night in conjuction with moist heat applied on the side of the face, if the pain is too much may need antiinflamatory meds plus muscle relaxants.

Answered 5/29/2016

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Orthodontics: Depending on the severity of your malocclusion, you may ask you dentist for a referral to an orthodontist. Sometimes correcting the bite will help with tmd issues.

Answered 4/5/2015

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Dr. Gary Sandler answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Team Captain: You have several issues. Depending upon which tooth was lost, the amount of drifting and the rest of your bite, you may need orthodontics or an implant replaced tooth, or both. For the tmd, you need to see someone who has enough experience and training to properly advise and possibly treat you. I suggest that you start with a general dentist to coordinate things & refer you as\if necessary.

Answered 4/4/2015

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Go to the Pros: Shame it's progressed this far. You need professional help, not just a bandaid. Analgesics, night guard, compresses, relaxation exercises may reduce the severity of you symptoms, but will not fix your problem. You need to have your malocclusion treated. Please ask your dentist for referral to an orthodontist. You'll really like the results.

Answered 4/4/2015

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Need help: Missing teeth without replacement often creates a cascading effect on the rest of the bite, leading to bite collapse, shifting and splaying upper anterior teeth, and jaw joint symptoms due to the adverse loads placed upon the joints. You need professional assistance to remedy your situation, as these symptoms can worsen. Consult a dental professional with experience with tmd.

Answered 4/4/2015

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Dr. Jeffrey Bassman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Don't mess around: I would not try any home remedies for your apparent issues. You may actually exacerbate the problems by trying home solutions without professional advice. I would see a tmj/tmd specialist, who can diagnose, treat and advise on home therapies, if indicated.

Answered 4/4/2015

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Dr. Louis Gallia answered

Specializes in Surgery - Oral & Maxillofacial

Complex problem: Very complicated case. See a TMJ expert to manage your overall care. 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.

Answered 4/5/2015

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Dr. John Thaler answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

See specialists: You are in desperate need of specialty treatment, likely by a team. Start with the Prosthodontist for full examination and assessment of your myriad problems. Any referrals would then follow -- likely to an Oral Surgeon, TMD specialist if needed (Prostho and O.S. often do this), Therapist (stress management), and Orthodontist. Together, the team should be able to get you all fixed up. Best of Luck

Answered 4/29/2015

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Dr. Paul Grin answered

Specializes in Pain Management

See an orthodontist: Some conditions like malocclusion, bruxism, TMJ require further assessment, tests, imaging and your orthodontist may schedule a follow-up appointment or refer you to Orofacial Pain specialist to determine a diagnosis and treatment.

Answered 4/12/2015

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