“What kind of doctor should I see for TMJ?”
I think my son has TMJ because he keeps cracking his jaw at the oddest of times and he tells me that it feels like his jaw is sliding. He's 15 years old. What kind of doctor should we see?
8 Answers
TMJ (or TMD) problems are best dealt with by a dentist with experience and training. Most general dentists do not do TMJ work and the best specialist to see is a Prosthodontist (Crown and Bridge Specialist)
There are dentists who have taken courses of study about PROBLEMS WITH THE Temporal Mandibular Jaw Joint. This jaw joint is in front of the ear on both sides of the head. Because many nerves and blood vessels are in, around, pass through muscles and bones located near this joint, pain problems can difficult to identify the cause. There are various types of treatment modalities that can be used. Being 15 years of age, and your son's growth pattern, the teeth in your son's mouth and his jaw joint may not be able to move as smoothly as it should. Your son needs to be evaluated. Making movements to deliberately "crack" his joint, should be avoided.
Just as we are told that cracking our knuckles can lead to arthritis, cracking one's jaw can be become painful. Opening your mouth to bite into large sandwiches, places excessive force on the TMJ joint. Supporting your lower jaw with your fists. one fist under each side of your jaw when yawning. If your son has no problems i.e. pain on opening his mouth. Jaw/ jaw joint soreness when talking or eating- especially when he wakes up, your son doesn't want to create any habits that may set off pain.
Just as we are told that cracking our knuckles can lead to arthritis, cracking one's jaw can be become painful. Opening your mouth to bite into large sandwiches, places excessive force on the TMJ joint. Supporting your lower jaw with your fists. one fist under each side of your jaw when yawning. If your son has no problems i.e. pain on opening his mouth. Jaw/ jaw joint soreness when talking or eating- especially when he wakes up, your son doesn't want to create any habits that may set off pain.
A dentist who is very well trained to treat TMJ disorders. A dental TMJ specialist.
Warmest regards,
Joseph J. Lee, DDS
Warmest regards,
Joseph J. Lee, DDS
There are TMJ specialists, but if you cannot find one, you can consult an oral surgeon.
You should see a dentist that sub-specializes in TMD, or commonly referred to as TMJ. You can find appropriate doctors online, and read about their philosophy and credentials. Try to read some patient reviews if possible. Good luck in your search.
My recommendation for TMJ is to see an orthodontist who treats this and who should evaluate with a CBCT scan.
Oral surgeons, or dentists who may have an interest in treating TMJ problems.
For clicking or sliding jaw and potential TMJ issues, your son is best served by a dentist who treats TMJ/orthodontic problems.....not all of us do, so make sure you ask them what their experience is in treating teenagers!!
