Do you go to the doctor or dentist for jaw?

If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, you should see a dentist. Dentists don’t just treat your teeth—they’re specialists who are trained in the anatomy of the jaw and diagnosing dysfunction in the bite.

When should I see a dentist about jaw pain?

If you notice tenderness in your jaw, pain when you bite or endure frequent headaches, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Although some causes of jaw pain are temporary and go away on their own, you may be experiencing the first symptoms of a serious dental problem.

What can a dentist do for jaw pain?

Treatment form an orthodontist can alleviate TMJ symptoms in many cases. If your TMJ comes from teeth grinding or clenching, your dentist may recommend that you wear a custom dental appliance. Often called a bite plate or a splint, this appliance will keep your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth.

How do you know if jaw pain is tooth related?

If one or more of your teeth is suddenly overly sensitive to heat, cold, or sugar, you probably have a cavity. Finally, try resting your face for a time and/or massaging the temporomandibular joint. If the pain seems to lessen or dissipate, it may be TMJ pain.

Should I go to the ER for jaw pain?

In most cases, jaw pain does not require immediate medical attention. However, it is good to know that if the pain persists, is too much to handle, or spreads to other areas of the body, that you can seek counsel from a professional. The cause may be something more urgent than a cavity or tooth grinding.

When should I go to the ER for TMJ pain?

Additionally, you should always go to the emergency room if your jaw remains locked in an open or closed position. The emergency room doctor can manually place the jaw back into position. This is not something to attempt at home. If the jaw is closed and in a locked position, sedation is usually necessary.

Should I go to the ER for TMJ pain?

It is always more effective if treatment begins at the onset of signs and symptoms of TMJ. Additionally, you should always go to the emergency room if your jaw remains locked in an open or closed position. The emergency room doctor can manually place the jaw back into position. This is not something to attempt at home.

How can a dentist tell if you have TMJ?

Touch – your dentist will use their fingers to apply a bit of pressure to the jaw and TMJ to test for tenderness and pain. Sight – your dentist will look inside your mouth for signs of teeth grinding, clenching and alignment issues. They’ll also use X-Rays, if they’ve found evidence of a TMJ disorder.

What doctor treats jaw issues?

You may get referred to an oral surgeon (also called an oral and maxillofacial surgeon) for further care and treatment. This doctor specializes in surgery in and around the entire face, mouth, and jaw area. You may also see an orthodontist to ensure your teeth, muscles, and joints work like they should.

Can an infected tooth cause jaw pain?

A cavity can result in jaw pain when the tooth deteriorates to a point where the tooth root becomes infected. This infection can spread to tissues in the jawbone which can cause severe pain if left untreated.

Can a bad tooth make your jaw hurt?

An infected or abscessed tooth is a leading cause of jaw pain. If you have any type of tooth or gum infection, the infection and pain can quickly travel into the jaw area. This is especially true for abscessed teeth, regardless of where they are located in the jaw.

When should I see a dentist for jaw pain?

Otherwise see your dentist for proper diagnosis if this is a fractured tooth, a tooth abscess, TMJ problems, saliva gland problems or a gum infection that can cause sudden pain. Neorologic problems are rare, but can cause sudden jaw pain.

What kind of doctor should I See for TMJ symptoms?

If you have had symptoms only for a couple of weeks, consult your dentist or pcp. Start with dentist: I would start first by seeing your dentist. The jaw pain may not be related to a tmj/tmd problem. It could be an infected tooth or some other cause. Facial pain dentist: Either orofacial or craniofacial pain specialist .

What causes jaw pain that radiates down the arm?

Jaw pain that radiates down your arm or to your chest can be signs of heart problems. Go to er at hospital! if so. Otherwise see your dentist for proper diagnosis if this is a fractured tooth, a tooth abscess, TMJ problems, saliva gland problems or a gum infection that can cause sudden pain.

Why does my jaw hurt when I eat?

The pain from cavities and abscessed teeth can also spread to the jaw muscles, making it hard for you to determine where the pain is coming from. But one of the more common causes of jaw pain is a condition called Temporomandibular Disorder, usually referred to as TMJ, or more accurately, TMD.

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