If you are experiencing jaw pain, headaches, and related symptoms, you might be thinking about visiting your primary care practitioner. Certainly, they can evaluate your symptoms, and they might provide a tentative diagnosis of TMJ disorder (TMD), but they may be limited in how much help they can provide. In fact, they might refer you to a local dentist. Why should you turn to a dentist for TMJ treatment? This blog post provides some helpful insight.
Dentists Understand Orofacial Anatomy
Although dental care is most often associated with treatment for the teeth and gums, it actually goes beyond that. Dentists must have an in-depth understanding of the airway and facial anatomy. Plus, since the jaw joint (the TMJ) has a direct bearing on how the teeth function, dentists need to know more than the basics about how it works.
Many Dentists Undergo Extra Training
While dentists in general have some knowledge of the TMJ and how it works, many of them choose to expand their skillset through extra training. They may devote many hours to learning about the intricacies of the joint, the different factors that cause TMD, and how to provide conservative but effective treatment.
TMD Is Not Always Easy to Diagnose
In some cases, it is fairly easy for a dentist, primary care physician, or even a chiropractor to diagnose TMD. However, this condition can be quite complex at times. In fact, it may cause dozens of different symptoms, which could easily be misdiagnosed if a care provider is not well-educated in how the TMJ works and the different bodily systems that it can affect.
Because dentists often work with patients who have risk factors for TMD, they are very aware of what to look for and how to recognize this condition.
TMD May Not Go Away on Its Own
Some people feel a little uneasy about visiting the dentist, so they choose to power through their jaw discomfort, headaches, and other symptoms. Eventually, they may return to a pain-free life without professional care. However, the underlying cause of the TMD may still be present, meaning that flare-ups are likely to happen again in the future. A dentist’s goal is to determine the cause of the problem and present a solution that provides long-term relief.
Dentists Provide Multiple Treatment Options
There are a number of different ways to address TMD. After a thorough evaluation, a dentist can recommend a treatment based on your unique circumstances. Often, home remedies, combined with bite adjustments or an occlusal splint (a small device meant to relax the jaw and prevent teeth grinding), can provide relatively fast and very noticeable results.
Seek Treatment to Find Relief
Not all dentists provide TMJ treatment, so you might have to research a few different practices to find one that can help you. Soon, though, you may be on your way to a healthier smile!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Nicholas Rowley is a native of Brevard County who is proud to serve his fellow Floridians. If you are struggling with jaw pain and other symptoms of TMD, he can evaluate your condition and recommend your next steps. He and our team want to help you get out of pain so you can go back to enjoying your life! Get in touch with Rowley Family Dentistry at 321-723-1772.