I'm curious as to what type of doctor you see for tmj. I was advised last week by my ent doctor to go see a tmj specialists because I have classic syptoms of tmj. But i'm not sure who to go to. Also can anyone tell me what is it they do for tmj? I mean are they going to have to break my jaw or something? ( someone told me that's what they would have to do.)Thanks so much for any info. I plan on making an appointmen Monday morning i'm just not quite sure who to make an appointment with.
Hi:
Most likely you will want to make your appointment with a dentist who specializes in TMJ. Most general dentists don't know enough about TMJ to treat it properly. There are several ways TMJ can be treated and if it were me I would not consider surgery until I had exhausted all other options. Usually the best treatment to begin with is splint therapy. Most likely the dentist will order some x-rays and tests to make sure they are treating you properly. Good luck.
Tiffany
You have to find yourself a person that specializes in tmj therapy. Doctors use conservative forms of therapy such as splints, muscle relaxers, physical therapy, heat and ice on the jaw, and so forth. They usually exhaust all possibilities before they'll do surgery. You'll find out some helpful information on this board. Good Luck to you,
I'm in the minority on this board, because my general dentist is treating my TMJ pain. My problem is primarily muscular, and we are using NTI to treat it. I am not pain free, but the pain I have is almost always controllable without drugs now.
Your general dentist could be a good resource to get you started on your treatment. If s/he doesn't take your problem seriously, you can search for someone who does.
Hello!!!!
If you don't know where to get a specialist from sometimes your dentists will be able to find one for you. You could also look in the phone book under dentist and call the ones that do tmj (very few).
When you get a specialist make sure he gives you x-rays, or any other tests that you might need. This will help you on your own state of mind. What I am trying to say is get CONCRETE EVIDENCE, don't just go by what they said.
The specialist might send you to a physical therapist, in this case you have to make sure they know how to treat tmj and not just say they do. This has happened to me. When I go to pt these are the things they do:
heat (jaw, neck, and shoulders) when I walk in
ultrasound my jaw and under my ears (this feels GOOD)
When my jaw is being ultrasounded I am giving tongue depressers that I stack on top of each other and while my jaw becomes more relaked my jaw opens and I stick more t.depressers in. I stick them wher emy wisdom teeth would be.
E-Stem - Sends electronic waves (twitches your muscles) I also think this feels good - Maybe I am just weird
My pt also goes inside my mouth and massages my joints - this hurts when I am there- but it does loosen them up
She also stretches my mouth
Massages my knots out of my neck/ jaw/ shoulders.
When I get stronger she will put me on arm exercises
and also a foam roll - helps with your posture.
You should NOT leave MORE SORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And yes you will probably be gooey from all the gel and lotions. I go in with no hairspray or make up.
I hope this helps you out on your quest.
Heather
You can located a tmj dentist or Dr. in your area at a website of American Academy of Craniofacial Pain at [url="http://www.aacfp.org."]www.aacfp.org.[/url] You can also access reliable information regarding this disorder.
Thank you all so much for all the great information. First thing tommorrow morning I will locate a dentist that specializes in this. Again thanks so much. It is greatly appreciated.
Where do you go for tmj treatment..... 
