What to do about tmj syndrome?

See a specialist : Your question is too general to answer with any specifics.

Consultation 1st: See a dentist who has experience and training in this area. Based upon the intensity, frequency and specific symptoms, your dentist can discuss treatment options. Usually we prefer reversible conservative treatment to start such as nsaids, warm compresses, soft diet, and perhaps a night guard. Each case is different and so are the recommendations.

TMJ Syndrome: Find a qualified TMJ dentist...Not a regular dentist or oral surgeon of the garden variety. Look for someone with an advanced certification like mastership, fellowship or diplomatestatusin the american academy of craniofacial pain or the international college of craniomandibular orthopedics.

See your dentist: Start with seeing your dentist. The history and exam are imperative to help determine if you indeed haver tmj/tmd. Then they can hopefully take care of your problem or refer to someone who can.

TMJ syndrome: Temporo-mandibular syndrome is the second most frequent cause of orofacial pain after dental pain. Headache, earache, sinus pain, neck pain and jaw pain are the common symptoms. Proper diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. See Orofacial Pain practitioner for a consultation and treatment options.

TMJ syndrome: Most...but not all...TMJ pain is due to bruxism (chronic teeth grinding and/or clenching) or a bad bite. See a dentist who is experienced in treating TMJ dysfunction. Conservative treatment is usually a bite guard and behavior modification ( bruxism is often due to stress). If it is a bite problem, an orthodontist should also be consulted. If there is joint damage, a referral to an oral surgeon.

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.