What must i do if i think i have tmj disorder?

See your Dentist: Your Dentist will do initial screening examination. Your Dentist may treat you or refer you to another Generalist with expertise in treating joint dysfunction, or a specialist Oral Surgeon or Orthodontist, There is no specialty in Dentistry labeled "TMJ", just as there is no specialty in Medicine tabled "knee." Let your Dentist guide you along the correct path.

If you have some or all of the symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD or TMJ), e.g., clicking, popping.., causing pain, head and neck muscle aches, headaches, limitation of opening & chewing, vertigo, headaches, ringing of the ears..,it’s time to go to the search engine and look for a dentist who is trained to treat TMJ, Airway, and Malocclusion to start.

An orofacial pain specialist seems to be the new specialty that aims to help TMJ patients. Be careful to avoid certain dentists who claim to be specialists from a ‘prestigious’ institution and rely on a TENS unit to predict the ‘perfect bite’. A full mouth of crowns is typically recommended by certain dentists as a ‘phase 2’ treatment but it is considered over-treatment by many experts.

The muscles and ligaments that cause your jaw to move are not working smoothly. If you chew gum 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 help.