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Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) - When To Call a Doctor
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
- Topic Overview
-
Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Call your dentist or doctor immediately if you have had an injury to your jaw or face and:
- Your jaw is very painful.
- Your jaw is locked open or shut, or you are unable to move your jaw easily or smoothly (a sign of disc displacement, dislocation, or fracture).
- Your jaw appears to be deformed or swollen.
- There is swelling in the sides of your face.
- Your teeth no longer fit together normally when biting down (malocclusion).
- A severe headache or neck ache strikes suddenly, without apparent cause, or is different from previous headaches.
Call your dentist or doctor if you:
- Have pain when moving your jaw (biting, chewing, swallowing, talking, or yawning) that is not getting better after 2 weeks of home treatment.
- Have had jaw pain for a long time (chronic).
- Have anxiety, stress, or work-related problems caused by your jaw discomfort and pain.
- Continue to have symptoms (such as pain with clicking or cracking sounds or your jaw locks) after 2 weeks of home treatment.
- Notice a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth.
Watchful Waiting
Mild symptoms of TM disorders usually respond to home treatment. Try home treatment for at least 2 to 4 weeks before considering other types of treatment. For most people, TM disorder discomfort will eventually go away whether it is treated or not.
Who To See
Your treatment for temporomandibular (TM) disorder may involve several different health professionals.
Initial evaluation can be done by a:
- Dentist.
- Family medicine doctor or other primary care health professional.
Further diagnosis and treatment may be done by a:
- Dentist who specializes in treating TM disorders.
- Physical therapist.
- Facial pain expert.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Additional treatment may be provided by:
- A mental health professional for stress management.
- A specialist in a chronic pain clinic (often located in a dental school or hospital setting).
- A physical therapist.
- A registered dietitian or nutritionist, particularly if you are unable to eat solid foods.
If a doctor suggests that you try a treatment that might make permanent changes to your jaw, be sure to get a second opinion.
Most health and dental insurance plans do not cover TM disorder diagnosis and treatment. Because some tests and treatments are quite expensive, you may want to verify your insurance coverage before incurring expenses.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 4, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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