A TMJ Doctor - Helps Ease the Pain

To properly treat temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome patients who are experiencing this, are advised to seek out a neuromuscular dentist. He is a specialized person that has undergone extensive training in order to understand and work with the entire jaw system and not just the teeth. A dentist trained in neuromuscular dentistry will understand the importance of the entire system working in harmony in order to function properly. The relationship between hard and soft tissues and the complexity of muscles, nerves and movement of the jaw require a trained person with a complete understanding of the system to be effective. 

By understanding how the entire system works a trained person can help to ease the pain that TMJ can create. It is a painful condition that is still not fully understood by research. It can last for weeks or months and then disappear on its own in some patients. While for others it can become a chromic condition that lasts for years. 

In addition to the wide spectrum of pain that patients experience, there is also a wide variety of symptoms. Since it is a complex condition it can have a complex array of symptoms including some that may not be associated with dental problems. 

Many patients who suffer from chronic headaches including migraines, earaches, ringing in the ears, neck/shoulder pain and facial pain will understandably not associate these symptoms with their jaw. It can easily be mistaken for other medical conditions and it is generally diagnosed by the process of eliminating these other conditions. Patients may have only a few or multiple symptoms and as a result many sufferers of TMJ end up seeing a general practitioner before they consult a dentist.

It is diagnosed by a family doctor through the process of elimination. In order to satisfy a diagnose of TMJ, doctors will usually do a thorough medical background check and performing a complete physical before referring patients to a dentist to explore diagnoses of TMJ. For some patients the diagnose is made easier by the fact that they are experiencing conditions more closely associated with the mouth such as limited jaw movements, teeth grinding and jaw clenching. 

When a diagnose is made a professional will work with the patient to establish a conservative treatment plan. A treatment plan will generally include short term options to stabilize the bite such as the use of a mouth guard. This should be used under the care of a dentist to ensure it is beneficial and does not make the condition worse.

Long term treatment in a conservative treatment plan will include pain management and self care options that should be overseen by an expert. Most patients will find relief from it under the guidance and care of a trained neuromuscular dentist and be free of the pain that is associated with TMJ once and for all.