Who Treats TMJ?

When it comes to treating TMJ disorder, dentists who focus on the temporomandibular joint often possess the most relevant and specialized knowledge. However, as general or cosmetic dentistry often does not provide the in-depth knowledge needed to effectively provide successful treatment, it is imperative to work with a dentist who dedicates their practice to understanding and treating TMJ disorders.

TMJ disorders can be complex, multifactorial issues. Because of this, an experienced TMJ dentist may also refer patients to other related specialists who may be able to provide valuable insight on complex problems and comorbid conditions.
If TMJ disorder is comorbid with another condition, such as sleep apnea, TMJ dentists can work in conjunction with a sleep doctor in order to provide a more complete picture of care. However, some TMJ dentists also specialize in reconstructive dental surgery, which greatly broadens their scope of treatable patients.

TMJ flare ups occur when symptoms of pain, soreness and tension are most prominent. Flare ups typically last a few hours, although they can persist for much longer, lingering for days. Common causes that trigger TMJ flare ups include:

High levels of stress — People with TMJ disorder are more likely to experience symptoms when they have high levels of stress in their lives. When we are stressed, we naturally clench our jaws, drastically increasing the amount of pressure on it.

Eating hard or chewy foods — Food that can be tough to chew can lead to TMJ flaring up, such as pretzels or bagels, hard candy or even gum.

Injury to the jaw — For people with TMJ, symptoms of pain can flare up due to an injury or distress to the jaw. When performing any activity that can result in a jaw injury, it is vital to exercise extreme caution. This does not mean that any activity with the potential for injury should be avoided, but to be aware of the potential risks and take the precautionary measures to minimize injury.

TMJ specialists treat temporomandibular joint disorders using a variety of different therapies. The cause of the TMJ disorder will determine which treatment is utilized. In many cases, the main treatment option is an oral device, which stabilizes the jaw joints and allows the airways to remain unobstructed overnight. Another common treatment for TMD is corrective dentistry treatments, including the replacement of missing teeth, or the use of crowns, bridges, or braces to balance and correct the biting surfaces of the teeth.

If you or someone you love is looking for a TMJ specialist, come to Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders! With a focus specifically on TMJ disorders, we are experienced in a number of different therapies and qualified to provide the highest level of care. Call us today for more information on our TMJ treatments, or schedule an appointment online with one of our professionals. We look forward to serving you!