Hi there! I'm Dr. Smith, and I'm a dentist. I've been practicing for over 20 years, and I've seen just about everything when it comes to oral health. One area that I've become particularly interested in is TMJ disorders, which can cause a wide range of painful and debilitating symptoms.

You asked what a TMJ specialist is called. That's a great question! There isn't just one straightforward answer, as several different types of healthcare professionals can be involved in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). However, there are some specialists who focus specifically on this area.

Let's break down the different specialists you might see for TMD and what each of them brings to the table.

1. Dentists: The First Line of Defense

Many people start with their general dentist when they experience jaw pain or other TMJ-related symptoms. A dentist can examine your teeth, jaw, and bite to look for signs of problems. They can also:

* Check for problems with your teeth: Sometimes, issues like bruxism (teeth grinding) or malocclusion (a "bad bite") can contribute to TMD. Your dentist can identify these issues.
* Provide initial treatment: For some people, simple treatments like a night guard to prevent teeth grinding or exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles can be helpful.
* Refer you to a specialist: If your dentist suspects a more complex TMJ disorder, they may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: Surgical Expertise

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialized dentists who have undergone extensive training in surgery of the face, mouth, and jaw. They might be involved in your TMJ treatment if:

* You require surgery: While most TMD cases are treated non-surgically, there are instances where surgery might be necessary. An oral surgeon can perform procedures to repair damaged joints, reposition the jaw, or address other underlying issues.
* Your case is complex: If your dentist suspects your TMD might be linked to a structural problem with your jaw, an oral surgeon can provide expert evaluation and determine if surgical intervention is appropriate.

3. Orofacial Pain Specialists: Experts in Pain Management

Orofacial pain is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on pain disorders affecting the face, mouth, head, and neck, including TMD. Orofacial pain specialists have advanced training in:

* Diagnosing complex TMD cases: They use a variety of diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the root cause of your TMJ pain and dysfunction.
* Developing personalized treatment plans: Treatment for TMD is not one-size-fits-all. Orofacial pain specialists can tailor a plan based on your specific needs, which might include therapies like physical therapy, medications, trigger point injections, or counseling for stress management.

4. Other Healthcare Professionals:

In addition to the specialists mentioned above, you might also see other healthcare professionals as part of your TMJ treatment team. These might include:

* Physical Therapists: To help improve jaw mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen jaw muscles.
* Psychologists or Counselors: To address the role stress and anxiety can play in TMD.
* Sleep Specialists: If your TMD is associated with sleep disorders like bruxism.

**The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach**

It's essential to remember that TMJ disorders can be complex and multifactorial. Finding the right specialist for your specific needs is crucial, and a multidisciplinary approach is often the most effective.

Don't hesitate to ask your dentist for a referral to a specialist if you are experiencing jaw pain, clicking or popping in the jaw, headaches, earaches, or other symptoms that you suspect might be related to TMD.

read more >>

There is no specific test to diagnose TMJ syndrome. A doctor may send the patient 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 to confirm the diagnosis.read more >>