Can A Dentist Treat TMJ?
TMJ is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull. When your muscles around the joints get inflamed, it causes sudden, constant pain in your jaw, neck, shoulders which can be unbearable at times.
It can also make it difficult to open and close your mouth. So finding a treatment right away is crucial to deal with the pain. Since it is related to the jaw area, people often wonder if they should approach a general doctor or dentist for treating TMJ. So we had a chat with Dr. Micheal Nussbaum from 360 Dental Care, Austin to know if a dentist can treat TMJ. And here’s what we found out.
Should You See a Dentist for TMJ?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some dentists may be able to treat TMJ, while others may not have the necessary training or experience. It is important to consult with a dentist to find out if they can treat your TMJ symptoms.
A regular dentist will prescribe a mouthguard to help reduce the symptoms. Whereas, a dentist who has studied TMJ in detail will be able to create a customized treatment plan for long-term relief.
So yes, a dentist can indeed treat TMJ. So see a dentist if you have been experiencing any of the symptoms like-
? pain in the jaw, neck, and shoulders
? clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth
? difficulty chewing or swallowing
How Can Dentists Treat TMJ?
A TMJ dentist already knows how the jaw works and can therefore provide patients suffering from TMJ discomfort with a variety of treatment choices.
1. Medication:
A dentist can prescribe you pain-relief drugs and medications to help deal with TMJ pain. They can also prescribe muscle relaxants if you tend to clench your jaw in stress.
2. Mouthguards:
If you tend to grind your teeth during sleep or due to anxiety, your dentist can design a custom orthodontic device like a mouthguard that prevents grinding teeth.
3. Splints:
Splints can take the pressure off your jaws by preventing your upper and lower teeth from meeting.
4. Braces
Wearing braces can align your teeth and straighten your bite to help take away pressure from your jaw joints.
Tip to Deal with TMJ Pain
While you are waiting to see your dentist, here are a few remedies that will help manage your symptoms and provide relief:
? Eat softer foods and avoid moving your jaw too much.
? Take an OTC pain reliever to help ease the pain.
? Avoid yawning or biting into the hard stuff.
? Apply a hot or cold compress to the area to numb the pain sensation.
? Use stress-management techniques to control stress levels and prevent grinding your teeth.
If you are looking for a TMJ dentist in Austin, Tx, you can schedule a visit to 360 Dental Care. Dr. Nussbaum will examine your jaw and evaluate all your symptoms to come up with the best treatment plan to make TMJ pain go away. So call his clinic today to book your appointment.
