TMJ specialists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD), also known as TMJ after the temporomandibular joint. Many dentists are trained in TMJ disorders, and some doctors who work with pain management in the head, neck, and face are also trained in TMJ disorders, but a TMJ specialist focuses on the joint’s function and its relationship to dental problems and related body pains. General and neuromuscular dentistry, orofacial and maxillofacial pain treatment, and orthodontics and restoration techniques are all part of a specialist’s education.
A TMJ specialist’s job entails performing diagnostic tests and speaking with patients about their symptoms. Headaches and back pain are common symptoms of TMJ disorders, as are radiating leg pain and numbness in the fingers and toes. Teeth grinding, broken teeth, and chronic jaw pain are common problems for some people. Isolating symptoms leads to the discovery of issues with the teeth and bite of the jaw, which may or may not be TMJ dysfunction; it could be a dentistry issue, such as a dental crown sitting too high in the mouth and causing the bite to be off.
Similarly, aches and pains in the body frequently lead people to the doctor or chiropractor before visiting the dentist, and in many cases, a lengthy process of elimination helps to pinpoint jaw dysfunction. A TMJ specialist will usually know what to look for and will be able to narrow down the problem using imaging diagnostics and questions and answers. Taking measurements around the face and jaw can help isolate problem areas and provide clues for treatment planning.
A TMJ specialist can begin treatment to relieve pain and correct jaw dysfunction once a definitive diagnosis has been made. Some specialists use general and cosmetic dental procedures to build up and level teeth, which can help to improve the jaw’s position during use. Others use a combination of orthodontic splints and other corrective orthotics to allow the jaw joints to reposition themselves. Many times, a patient’s jaw joints will be in spasm, with muscles clenched and tightened as a result of overuse and poor positioning, and the TMJ specialist will use massage, needle injections, electrical nerve stimulation therapy, or a combination of these techniques to physically manipulate the muscles.
Being a TMJ specialist necessitates a multidisciplinary education as well as considerable listening skills and the ability to record medical and dental history. While the temporomandibular joint may appear to be a minor component of overall jaw function, its misalignment can cause problems throughout the body. A TMJ specialist’s job is to be part detective, part counselor, and part cosmetic builder in order to isolate and correct what can be a real pain in the neck for many people.