Finding a TMJ Specialist

You may be surprised that the best place to find help for TMJ or TMD is in the dental field, not the medical field. This is because TMJ symptoms (specifically TMJ muscular disorder and TMJ joint disorder) is an underlying structural problem in your jaw.

The first type of specialist to see is a TMJ dentist or neuromuscular dental specialist for a proper diagnosis that will focus on stabilizing the jaw and jaw muscles. Your jaw bite position, or occlusion, is how your teeth and jaw sit when they come together. An imperfect bite position leads to these musculoskeletal signs and symptoms:

• Headaches
• Clenching or grinding
• Jaw joint pain
• Facial pain
• Jaw joint noise or clicking
• Sensitive teeth
• Limited mouth opening
• Chewing difficulties
• Ear congestion

• Neck pain
• Dizziness
• Postural problems
• Ringing in the ears
• Tingling of the fingertips
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hot & cold sensitivity of teeth
• Loose teeth
• Nervousness or insomnia

A TMJ dentist plays a significant role in the diagnosis of these problems and in some cases leads to a collective effort to work with other healthcare professionals, which may include your physician, an ear, nose and throat specialist, physical therapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist, to name just a few.

If you are currently going to a chiropractor, physical therapist or other specialist to alleviate or interrupt muscular pain spasms and tension, you may want to contact a TMJ dentist if your pain persists and you possess symptoms mention above in this article. TMJ may be the main source of your pain and may only be cured by having a TMJ specialist conduct a TMJ Evaluation.

For more TMJ or TMD treatment details or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Stefania Caracioni in Topeka, KS at 785-246-6300.

Enchanted Smiles Dentistry
Dr. Stefania Caracioni, DDS
2949 SW Wanamaker Drive
Topeka, KS 66614