Bhanu Garg in Health

What Doctor to See for Jaw Pain 2023 Updated

Most of the time we get confused about whether we should go to see a primary care doctor or dentist. There are many issues for which your family dentist can help you, particularly with your jaw pain. Jaw pain can interfere with your eating style as fast as an infected tooth. It can bring many dentistry problems and other serious health conditions. Jaw pain can appear because of TMJ nerve damage symptoms.

What can be the reason for jaw pain?

Several issues can result in throbbing, sore and painful jaw. The pain becomes intense when you have constant teeth grinding. It further strains the jaw muscles and becomes the primary cause of the ache. Moreover, there can be chances that the pain may spread because of the cavities and abscessed teeth to the jaw muscles. In rare cases, it becomes difficult to determine the source of pain, especially in the matter of teeth.

Jaw pain is the specific type of medical condition that is known by the name Temporomandibular Disorder, usually referred to as TMJ or sometimes TMD.

What are TMJ nerve damage symptoms?

TMJ is a medical issue that concerns your facial muscles and jaw muscles. It can appear on one side of the face or even both sides and may last till years. However, there is no significant cause of TMJ pain, it is the type of jaw disorder that appears because of teeth clenching, arthritis, and stress. It is the particular type of medical condition that makes it hard to eat, affecting the overall health and the quality of life.

Symptoms that are associated with it include:

A sudden click or pop while moving the jaw
Migraines and headaches
The jaw locking in place
Pain in the neck, face, and shoulders
Muscle spasms
Teeth grinding

How can you diagnose the TMJ nerve damage symptoms?

Although there can be many other issues, your dentist may conduct a physical exam. This may help your doctor to determine the cause of jaw pain. You may likely go to your dentist, who will examine your bite and will check for pops and clicks. He/she may also take a digital x-ray of your dental area or MRI to see if there is something different than causing TMJ pain in your jaw.

How can you treat your TMJ pain or jaw pain?

There are several possible causes of TMJ pain. It can be the cause of simple tooth decay or can also be part of expensive complicated surgery. Some patients opt for surgery for orthodontic treatment of TMJ. But you should avoid it because scientifically no evidence can support the study of the safety and effectiveness of surgical treatment of TMJ disorders.

Some patients go for jaw implants but scientifically you should also avoid this because of a similar reason. There are many over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications can reduce swelling and can reduce pain for temporary periods. It is advisable not to use these anti-inflammatory drugs as part of a permanent fix. You can use oral appliances called a stabilization splint or bite guard. This is one of the common treatments for TMJ.

How do Bite Guards work?

Bite guards are the set of mouthpieces. They fit your upper and lower teeth. You can have the use of a bite guard while sleeping or while doing your normal routine work depending on what your dentist determines you. The purpose of the bite guard is to reduce the effect of tooth grinding. It allows your teeth to be placed in the right position.

You can get customized bite guards or splints by giving your mouth impression to your dentist. This can help your joints to relax and helps to address the symptoms of TMJ.

Which doctor to consult for jaw pain or TMJ nerve damage symptoms?

If you have jaw pain, you may get confused about where to go for treatment. You may start with the primary doctor who looks for general therapies. You may also go to your ENT doctor as the pain in your ears may confuse you with jaw pain. Also, there can be chances that you may develop the symptoms because of migraine. So, you may land to see a neurologist. There is a better option. Without having any kind of second thought, you should go to your dentist.

The best type of doctor to see

If you are having jaw pain, you should go to your dentist. Dentists not only treat your teeth, but they also specialize in treating the anatomy of the jaw and diagnosing the abnormality with the bites. Also, TMJ is a special kind of pain for which you can seek the help of a skilled doctor. He/she helps to determine the underlying disorders and symptoms that you may not be able to detect yourself.

There can be chances that your dentist may not be sure about the symptoms of TMJ pain or the appropriate prior experience of the field. While others may give you the kind of suggestion that fits all. They only give one solution to all types of patients like giving bruxism appliances and sending them back to their ways. This method works for some people while others may feel hopeless or may turn to invasive surgical treatments.

Dentists possess the primary relevant experience and specialized knowledge for TMJ pain. You must work with your dentist. A dentist dedicates his practices to the understanding and treatment of TMJ and general or cosmetic dentistry. Only a dentist can provide you with in-depth knowledge for effectively treating your jaw pain.
TMJ pain is one of the complex medical disorders that may appear because of multifactorial issues. Only an experienced TMJ doctor or dentist can help you manage the pain, problems, and jaw-related conditions.
There can be chances that you may have headaches, so you can go to a neurologist for the severe headache and the related treatment. A TMJ disorder can also accompany other issues like sleep apnea. So, it may appear to have the consideration of a sleep physician to seek comprehensive care.

Other doctors who specialize in the field

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS)

They specialize in treating the diseases associated with the head and neck. The primary concern of such specialists is the muscles, joints, and ligaments of the maxillofacial region. They may approach surgery for the treatment of TMJ disorders.

General Practitioners

Pain is the general cause of recommending a general practitioner. But, they do not possess any relevant knowledge of the field. A general practitioner may give you pain relief medications that can provide you temporary relief.

General and Cosmetic Dentists

They are the first options for any kind of jaw or tooth-related symptoms. They can also recommend the sole treatment for TMJ.

Rheumatologists

They are doctors who focus on rheumatism and arthritis. They possess the special knowledge of ligaments, muscles, and joints.

Pain management specialists

They are the specialists who focus on pain management, not on the complete prevention of the disease.

Physical Therapists

A physical therapist may help you with the motion and reduction of pain. He/she is highly beneficial for TMJ treatment because they often combine the treatment with splint therapy.

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