Jaw pain dentist or doctor

What kind of doctor should I see for jaw pain?

Your doctor may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial specialist, an otolaryngologist (also called an ear, nose, and throat doctor or ENT specialist), or a dentist specializing in jaw disorders (prosthodontist, also called a prosthetic dentist) for further treatment.

Should I see a doctor or dentist for jaw pain?

Although jaw pain isn’t always serious, pain accompanied by certain symptoms could point to a more serious condition that requires treatment. You may want to consider seeing your healthcare provider or dentist if the pain sticks around for more than a few days or seems to clear up and come back.

Is TMJ treated by a doctor or dentist?

Your doctor or dentist may be able to treat your symptoms, or you could be referred to a TMJ specialist for advanced management. The following treatments may be helpful: Applying ice or heat to the jaw. Anti-inflammatory or pain medications.

What will happen if TMJ is not treated?

Without treatment , TMJ can worsen the pain, leading to excruciating levels that may require medical intervention. Other Medical Conditions: Patients with untreated TMJ may experience debilitating neck or jaw pain, depression, malnutrition, or even resulting to eating disorders as a result of their pain.

When should I be concerned about jaw pain?

If the pain lingers for more than a few days or becomes worse, see your dentist or your doctor as soon as you can, says Snyder. However, in some cases, jaw pain can signal a heart attack, especially in women, says cardiologist Dr.

What does cardiac jaw pain feel like?

When a heart attack strikes, it often feels like a pressure, cramping or squeezing pain in your chest. You may also feel the pain spread through your neck to your jaw , as well as your shoulder, back or arm.

Will jaw pain go away?

Keep in mind that for most people, discomfort from TMJ will eventually go away on its own. Simple self-care practices, such as exercising to reduce teeth-clenching caused by stress, can be effective in easing TMJ symptoms . You can visit your dentist for conservative TMJ treatment.

What will a dentist do for TMJ?

Treatment form an orthodontist can alleviate TMJ symptoms in many cases. If your TMJ comes from teeth grinding or clenching, your dentist may recommend that you wear a custom dental appliance. Often called a bite plate or a splint, this appliance will keep your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth.

What does TMJ pain feel like?

Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include: Pain or tenderness of your jaw. Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints. Aching pain in and around your ear.

What causes TMJ to flare up?

That said, the main causes of TMJ flare ups are stress, which can lead to jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) while you’re asleep or awake; hormonal changes, such as those brought on by birth control or supplements; hard and chewy foods, which can strain the already stressed TMJ and includes foods such as apples,

Is TMJ disorder serious?

Internal TMJ derangement – Internal derangement is the most serious category of TMJ disorders . Trauma or a displaced jaw, among other causes, can precipitate it.

How should I sleep if I have TMJ?

Sleeping on your back is going to be the best position if you suffer from TMJ , another TMD or orofacial pain. Lying on your back has a number of benefits: It won’t put pressure on the jaw . It will offer proper support to the head, neck and shoulders.

Does TMJ require surgery?

You may not need surgery if nonsurgical therapies, medications, or lifestyle changes relieves your TMJ pain. Surgery is often a last resort for the most severe cases, and it doesn’t guarantee a cure. Let your healthcare provider know if more conservative treatments aren’t helping or if your symptoms are getting worse.

Can TMJ heal naturally?

Relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and exercise can be very helpful home remedies as well, notes Chandwani. They can reduce your heart rate and blood pressure, relax muscles, and calm the autonomic nervous system.