Best treatment for tmj? have pain on left side of face in front of ear. painful when chewing and now speaking. what kind of md or dentist to see?

Prosthodontist: You want to see a dentist that is well trained in treating TMJ problems either a prosthodontist or general dentist with advanced training. They will evaluate your tmj, your teeth and your bite. Most patients can be treated with an occlusal splint, similar to a night guard but more customized to you.

See a dentist: You should see a dentist first to evaluate your jaw, mouth and muscles to determine what is causing the pain. Then treatment can be explained and initiated to help relieve pain. If your condition is beyond your dentist's comfort level of treatment, he may refer you to another dentist for treatment, maybe someone who only treats tmj.

Depends: The best treatment is dependent upon the diagnosis. Tmd is a group of conditions related to the jaw. The problem could be the jaw joint or associated muscles, tendons, or ligaments. It is important to get a diagnosis before starting treatment. A dentist that can diagnose your problem is the best person to see. A listing can be found at www.Aaop.Org and www.Aacfp.Org.

Occlusion: Ideally, you should see a dentist trained heavily in occlusion and TMJ disorders, such as a graduate of the pankey institute, dawson academy, kois center, spear education, or hornbrook group. These are general dentists who have vast knowledge in TMJ and bite or muscle disorders, and know the most conservative, and thorough solutions...

Orthodontist: I refer TMJ patients who do not respond to a short course of treatment with a mouth guard, rest, anti-inflammatories, and soft diet for three weeks to an orthodontist who has additional TMJ training. If you go to a general dentist you are going to get a splint followed by extensive restorative treatment. If you see a surgeon, you are going to get surgery.

Trained\experienced: Many dentists have very little training and understanding of how best to advise patients and treat, especially when and how extensively. Seek a dentist (whether it be an orthodontist, prosthodontist, general dentist, oral surgeon, periodontist, etc.) who has extensive training and experience in this area. Your own dentist probably knows who in your area is best to handle such issues.

Dentist: Most dentists will not be trained in your problem which is probably a dislocation of the joint when you bite your teeth together. You will need to find someone that can address the reasons for the problems, get these controlled and then keep the problems from reoccurring. Finding the right practitioner will be your first important step and then fixing the causes will be next.

Dentist/TMJ Dr.: First consider a dentist who is trained in tmj/tmd cases or a TMJ specialist. Need to be evaluated to make sure that you truly have tmj/tmd or some other ailment, etc. That can mimic TMJ symptoms. Should see a dentist/tmj specialist first to give you more info with a thorough history and exam.

A few things: Depends on symptoms, and cause of symptoms. 3 signs of TMJ dysfunction: joint noises, joint pain & limited oral opening. Self treat with soft diet, jaw exercises, massage, heat/cold, OTC pain meds. A splint or physical therapy would be next. Occasionally muscle relaxants, biofeedback. Xrays are done for diagnosis. Surgery usually reserved for serious symptoms not responsive to other treatments.