Should I go to the doctor or the dentist?

Question

I'm pretty sure that I have TMJ. I have many of the symptoms: popping jaw, headaches, and just recently I could not close my jaw without having strong fits of pain run through my jaw. Should I go to the doctor, or is he going to tell me what I pretty much already know and the refer me to a dentist -- or should I go straight to a dentist?

Answer 1

The dentist and the oral surgeon are the OFFICIAL specialists of the tempromandibular joint. Common treatment dentists use for TMD include:

1. medications (muscle relaxer, NSAID's, steroids)
2. TMJ splint
3. orthopedic appliances
4. steroid injection into the joint proper
5. physical therapy
6. orthodontics
7. arthroscopic surgery
8. open joint surgery

Please see your dentist--not physician.

Note: NOT all dentists and dental practices provide a full range of TMJ treatment. Ask your dentist if he or she treats TMJ and to what extent. Some dentists only provide non-surgical TMJ treatment.

Best wishes,
Minh Nguyen, DDS
http://www.softdental.com

Answer 2

I was referred to an Ears, Nose, Throat specialist when I thought I had TMJ by my general doc, and then discovered that a ENT specialist can't do anything for TMJ disorder. Go to a dentist, preferably one with experience with TMJ disorder. I understand how painful it can be! An experienced dentist can be a life saver in this situation. A doctor, will, at best do a few x-rays and then refer you to a dentist

Answer 3

go to the dentist it takes away from the referral process and not only that but dentist know much more about TMJ than a doctor... most doctors offices don't have the ability to do xrays like the dentist can while being in the same place. i would suggest dentist.

Answer 4

Unfortunatly it all depends on your health insurance. Some count TMJ as a medical issue others as a dental. YOu are best off finding out who will cover it. Most often it's easier with a dentist and the most comman fix is a bite guard/grinding plate and pain meds. It really kinda sucks.

Answer 5

I believe the dentist. you could call your dentist's office firstand ask if he/she treats TMJ or if he/she refers those cases to someone else. Just saw some of the other answers ...do NOT go to an orthpedist (bone doctor) or a chiropractor. And yes dentists do specialize in treating TMJ.

Answer 6

On a "practical" note, unless you have really good dental insurance, I would start with a doctor. Most dentists require that you pay them everything up front (and if you don't have decent dental insurance that can be quite expensive) A doctor might be able to confirm your diagnosis before you spend money at the dentist.

Answer 7

I have this problem. The dentist is going to refer to to a specialist. You can try to find one on your own or you can go to the dentist and ask them. Either way insurance doesn't cover it, so be prepared to pay a lot of money. A splint cost about $1500 or more. Surgery costs a lot more.

Answer 8

A lot of Ear Nose Throat doctors cover this as well as a dentist. The plus of using an ENT is that your medical insurance will frequently cover it.

Answer 9

Doctor

Hopefully the doctor will refer you to an ENT specialist (Otorhinolaryngologist) or an oromaxillofacial specialist or something.

Hmmmm

Interesting results - seems like there are some dentists out there who deal with TMJ! How about you RING your local dentist and ask the receptionist. :-)

Answer 10

Start with the dentist. Sometimes he/she can adjust your bite, which can allieviate TMJ. Sometimes the dentist and doctor have to work together to find relief.