Health

When to See a TMJ Specialist in Orlando

A TMJ syndrome is no joke and it can sometimes lead to a lot of pain. While there are home remedies that can ease the pain, there are cases when these are not enough. Know when you should see a specialist and when you would need surgery.

When do you need to see a TMJ specialist? And what are they? 

A TMJ specialist specializes in the treatment of the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Once your doctor has assessed the cause for your TMJ pain, they can send you to a specialist that can treat your pain based on the cause. For example, your doctor will recommend you to a dentist if the cause of your TMD comes from teeth grinding. Depending on the pain, dentistry may be the right solution or it is just one of the many treatments. Sometimes, a TMJ therapy requires a dental implant for worse cases. 

There are a number of TMJ specialists in Orlando Florida. Most of which can be found in Downtown Orlando. Downtown Orlando is home to a number of tourist sites and businesses which makes it an ideal place to look for a TMJ specialist. 

To know when you should look for a TMJ Specialist Orlando, notice how long you have had the pain or whether if it uncomfortable or not. If the pain in your lower jaw persists up to a week or more, then it’s time to go see a doctor. If the pain is intolerable, then you should also see a doctor immediately. There’s no need to wait for a week if it’s the latter. It would also help to check if you are experiencing the symptoms constantly and painfully. If you do, then this is a reason to see a specialist as well. 

TMJ Surgery

When does a person result in surgery? 

Most of the time, TMJ can be treated with home remedies. When this does not apply, or when the pain in your jaw does not subside after home remedies, then your doctor can recommend certain surgeries.

The common treatment is arthroscopy. This surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that treats joint problems. This includes swelling, pain, and misalignment. Your doctor may also suggest orthognathic surgery which is another term for jaw correction. This only applies to those who have a proven misalignment in their jaw.

Again, based on the symptoms you are experiencing, you might not need medical surgery after all. Instead, your doctor can recommend that you go through dental surgery. Dental surgeries deal with fixing the overbite and the underbite. 

Fortunately, there are a number of possible solutions to treat your TMD. Aside from home remedies, you can also try non-invasive solutions like acupuncture and exercises. These solutions can be helpful when done correctly. They are also more affordable. However, always remember to discuss these options with your doctor or TMJ specialist. At the end of the day, they will know if these options are valid and effective in treating your pain.