Should I See A Dentist For My TMJ Issue?

A large majority of TMJ pain sufferers initially present to their dentist. This can be a good place to start.  Your dentist can rule out things that may mimic TMJ pain but aren't actually part of the joint / muscle complex itself.  This would include:

• Cavities
• Erupting Wisdom Teeth
• Lichen Planus
• Abscess 
• Loose or mal-positioned implants or bridges
• Loose or abnormally shaped teeth
• Oral Cancer

All of these things have been shown to cause pain in and about the jaw area, but are not actually a TMJ issue per se. Even though these things don't represent a direct TMJ problem, it would be important to address  these issues for both good oral hygiene as well as to normalize the motion of opening and closing the jaw. 

Not all general dentists treat TMJ issues directly.  The ones that do often start with anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxer medications and suggestions for lifestyle modifications. For many people this is enough to settle an episode down and bring much needed relief. 

Some Dentists Specialize in TMJ Issues

Some Dentists specialize, at least in part, in addressing TMJ Issues. In addition to the treatment outlined above, the most common approach they take is that of using a bite splint. (See the article on splints).  In some cases they will do direct injections around the jaw for trigger points  (see the article on trigger points),  direct injections into the TMJ itself with steroids and injections of botox (see article on botox).  Occasionally you will find some that do icrocurrent, biofeedback or laser (see the article on laser). Oral Surgeons may perform surgery on the TMJ in extreme cases.

A Conservative Approach

A general dentist would be a good place to start if you are suspicious of a problem like a cavity or issue with previous dental work.  If you don't think you have an issue with your teeth, have mild pain and slightly limited mouth opening and it is your first time with jaw pain, a general dentist would likely be able to guide you on some simple approaches like lifestyle management, and perhaps a round of low dose medications.

If you have seen your dentist and they have ruled out a direct issue with your teeth etc. and you are not interested in drugs, surgery or potentially expensive splints, a conservative musculoskeletal approach may be for you.  At its root, the TMJ is a joint composed of ligaments, muscles and a disc. While the architecture is unique, the TMJ acts and can be addressed much like joints of the spine and extremities. Chiropractors and Physical Therapists have a good foundation in treating joints in a non-drug rehabilitation type fashion.  While most Chiropractors and Physical Therapists would have a baseline understanding of the TMJ and it's issues, those that specialize in it have likely spent many more hours in how to best address this special joint.

If you would like to discuss your case from a conservative perspective, contact me and I am happy to talk with you and see what direction might be best for you at this time.

Yours in Health,

Doug Williams, D.C.
TMJ Relief Center at Care Chiropractic
134 Executive Drive #3
Lafayette, Indiana
47905
(765) 448-6489