Who Treats TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can significantly affect one’s quality of life, causing symptoms ranging from jaw pain and facial discomfort to persistent earaches. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, seeking treatment from a qualified professional is crucial for relief. But who treats TMJ disorders, and what treatment options are available in Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various healthcare providers and treatment options for TMJ disorders in these areas, as well as how to find relief from chronic pain.

Understanding TMJ Disorders

Before delving into treatment options, let’s first understand what TMJ disorders are and their symptoms. The temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.

Common Symptoms Of TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can manifest in various ways, often causing a range of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms. Here are some common symptoms you may experience if you have a TMJ disorder:

1. Jaw Pain or Tenderness: One of the hallmark symptoms of TMJ disorders is pain or tenderness in the jaw joint area. This pain may be localized to the jaw joint itself or radiate to the surrounding muscles and tissues.

2. Difficulty Chewing: TMJ disorders can make simple tasks like chewing food difficult and uncomfortable. You may experience pain or discomfort while eating, particularly when trying to open or close your mouth fully.

3. Facial Pain: The pain associated with TMJ disorders can extend beyond the jaw area and affect other parts of the face, including the cheeks, temples, and around the eyes. This facial pain may be constant or intermittent.

4. Clicking or Popping Sounds in the Jaw Joint: Many people with TMJ disorders notice clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they move their jaw. These sounds can occur with or without pain and are often a result of the jaw joint’s irregular movement.

5. Earaches or Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus): TMJ disorders can cause referred pain to the ears, leading to earaches or a sensation of fullness in the ears. Some individuals may also experience ringing or buzzing sounds in their ears, known as tinnitus.

6. Headaches: Chronic headaches, especially tension headaches, are common in individuals with TMJ disorders. The pain may be felt in the temples, forehead, or back of the head and may worsen with jaw movement or prolonged periods of clenching.

7. Locking of the Jaw Joint: In severe cases of TMJ disorders, the jaw joint may lock or become difficult to open or close fully. This can be accompanied by sudden pain and limited jaw mobility, which can significantly impact daily activities like eating and speaking.

Now that we have an understanding of TMJ disorders and their symptoms, let’s explore who treats them in Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona.

Healthcare Providers For TMJ Disorders

1. Dentists: Many dentists such as Dr. Shreeve at Elite Smiles are trained to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders. They may offer conservative treatments such as mouthguards, dental splints, or occlusal adjustments to alleviate symptoms.

2. Oral Surgeons: For more severe cases of TMJ disorders, oral surgeons may be consulted. They can perform surgical procedures if necessary to correct structural issues contributing to the disorder.

3. Physical Therapists: Physical therapists specializing in orofacial pain can provide exercises and techniques to strengthen jaw muscles, improve mobility, and reduce pain associated with TMJ disorders.

4. Chiropractors: Chiropractors may offer manipulative therapies to alleviate symptoms of TMJ disorders by adjusting the alignment of the spine and neck, which can impact jaw function.

5. Otolaryngologists (ENTs): ENTs specialize in disorders of the ear, nose, and throat and may be consulted for TMJ-related ear pain or issues such as tinnitus.

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders

1. Conservative Treatments: These may include lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and over-the-counter pain medications to manage symptoms.

2. Mouthguards and Splints: Custom-made mouthguards or splints can help reduce teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which often exacerbate TMJ symptoms.

3. Physical Therapy: Therapeutic exercises, massage, and manual therapy techniques can help improve jaw mobility and reduce pain.

4. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and corticosteroids may be prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with TMJ disorders.

5. Surgical Interventions: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical procedures such as arthrocentesis, arthroscopy, or open joint surgery may be recommended.

Finding Relief For TMJ Pain In Mesa And Gilbert, Arizona