Can a General Dentist Treat TMJ?

If your jaw clicks, aches or locks, you may wonder who to see about it. Many people start by looking for a specialist.

 

The short answer is yes, a general dentist can treat TMJ problems. Here is what we can do for your jaw, and when another doctor makes sense.

 

What TMJ means

 

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. You have one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears, and they connect your lower jaw to your skull.

 

When people say they have TMJ, they usually mean a problem with that joint or the muscles around it. Dentists often call this a TMD, short for temporomandibular disorder.

 

Signs your jaw needs a check

 

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, the face or around the ear.
• A click or pop when you open or close your mouth.
• A jaw that locks or feels stuck.
• Frequent headaches, often in the morning.
• Worn, flat or sensitive teeth from grinding.

 

Who our dentists are

 

Dr. Rand Luka and Dr. Aly Kohlmeier are both general dentists, and neither is a registered specialist.

 

Many jaw problems are linked to the teeth. Grinding, clenching, worn teeth and a bite that does not line up can all strain the joint.

 

What a general dentist can do for TMJ

 

We start with an exam. We ask about your symptoms, check the joint and the muscles around it, and listen for clicks or pops when you open and close.

 

We also look at how your teeth come together. If we need a closer look at the joint, our cone beam CT takes a 3D scan.

 

From there, we build a plan that fits the cause. It can include any of these:

 

• A custom night guard, made in our own lab to fit your bite.
• A bite adjustment, where we reshape small high spots so your teeth meet evenly.
• Repair of worn or missing teeth that change how your jaw rests.
• Home care, like softer foods, jaw rest and gentle heat on sore muscles.

 

For most patients, a custom night guard is the core of treatment. It stops the teeth from grinding and takes pressure off the joint while you sleep.

 

Who counts as a specialist for the jaw

 

In Canada, the federation of dental regulators recognizes ten dental specialties. None of them is named TMJ.

 

Jaw joint problems are part of a specialty called oral medicine and pathology. Dentists in that specialty diagnose these problems and treat them mostly without surgery.

 

So when people look for a TMJ specialist, the closest match is a dentist in oral medicine and pathology. Jaw surgery belongs to another specialty, oral and maxillofacial surgery.

 

When we refer you

 

A general dentist is a good first stop for jaw pain. A referral makes sense in a few cases:

 

• Your jaw locks open or closed and does not free up.
• Pain grows over weeks of treatment instead of easing.
• The pain started after an injury to your face or jaw.
• You have swelling at the joint, or numbness in your face.
• The pain seems to come from somewhere other than the jaw or teeth.

 

In those cases, we explain why and help you find the right next step. That can be a dental specialist, your family doctor or another health professional.

 

What you can do at home

 

A few habits can ease jaw pain while you wait for your visit. During the day, rest your teeth slightly apart with your lips together.

 

Take a break from gum and chewy food. Warmth on sore muscles before bed can help them relax.

 

Start with a jaw check

 

If your jaw hurts, do not wait for it to fade. An exam tells us if the cause is in your teeth, your bite or the joint.

 

Read more about TMJ treatment in London, Ontario. Our page on mouth guards in London, Ontario shows the night guards we make in our lab. Call 519-472-4460 to book a visit.

 

We are on Aldersbrook Road and open until 7pm on Monday and Tuesday.