If you have jaw pain, headaches, or discomfort in your face, you may be suffering from TMJ. Now, you might be wondering, “Who do I see for TMJ?” TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are common but often misunderstood conditions that affect the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement. 

TMJ or temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. This joint acts like a hinge, allowing the jaw to move up and down, side to side, so you can speak, chew, and yawn. When something happens to this joint or the surrounding muscles, it leads to what’s known as a TMJ disorder.

This disorder can cause a lot of symptoms, including jaw pain, face or neck pain, difficulty chewing, and even headaches. In Colorado Springs, finding the right healthcare provider to treat TMJ can make a big difference in managing and alleviating these symptoms. 

Who Do I See for TMJ in Colorado Springs?

If you are suffering from symptoms of TMJ, finding the right healthcare providers who treat TMJ dysfunction with proper diagnosis is essential. In Colorado Springs, several healthcare professionals can help with TMJ disorders.

1. Dentists Specializing in TMJ

One of the first professionals to consult for TMJ issues is a dentist, specifically a TMJ dentist. TMJ dentists at Pinnacle Dentistry specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles. They are well-equipped to evaluate your bite, jaw alignment, and the function of the joint.

Most TMJ dentists near me may offer:

• Custom Mouthguards: If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night, a simple mouthguard can prevent further damage to your TMJ.
• Occlusal Adjustments: These are minor adjustments made to the way your teeth fit together, which can help realign your jaw.
• Physical Therapy Exercises: These exercises strengthen the muscles around the TMJ and reduce strain.

Look for a TMJ specialist in Colorado Springs who has experience in treating TMJ disorders and can offer a number of treatments designed for your needs.

2. Oral Surgeons

In more serious cases where there is massive damage to the TMJ, you may need to see an oral surgeon. These specialists are experts in surgery related to the mouth, jaw, and face, and can help when other treatment options haven’t been effective.

An oral surgeon can help if:

• You have significant jaw damage or misalignment that cannot be corrected with non-surgical treatments.
• Conservative treatments such as dental splints, medications, or physical therapy have not provided relief.
• Your TMJ issues are related to arthritis or other complex conditions that require surgical intervention.

Oral surgeons can perform procedures to repair or replace the TMJ if necessary, though surgery is typically considered a last resort.

3. Physical Therapists

Physical therapists in Colorado Springs can also help with TMJ syndrome, especially if your condition involves muscle tension or dysfunction. They can teach you different exercises and techniques that will help reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and improve the function of your jaw.

Physical therapy for TMJ pain treatment may include:

• Stretching exercises to relax the jaw muscles.
• Strengthening exercises to improve jaw stability.
• Postural correction to alleviate any stress on the neck and jaw muscles.
• Heat or cold therapy to relieve swelling and reduce pain.

A physical TMJ specialist in Colorado Springs can work with you to curate a personalized treatment plan and ensure you’re doing the right exercises for your specific condition.

4. Pain Management Specialists

For those with chronic TMJ pain that doesn’t respond to typical treatments, a pain management specialist can help. These doctors specialize in knowing the causes of TMJ pain and treating it using a combination of methods, including medications, injections, and nerve blocks.

In some cases, pain management specialists may use techniques like:

• Botox injections to loosen the jaw muscles and relieve pain.
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation/swelling in the TMJ.
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for relieving muscle tension.

A pain management specialist in Colorado Springs can help you explore more advanced treatment options if your TMJ ache is affecting your quality of life.

5. Chiropractors

Some individuals with TMJ disorders benefit from seeing a chiropractor, particularly if their TMJ pain is related to neck misalignment or spinal issues. A chiropractor can help address any signs of TMJ disorder in the spine and neck that may be contributing to the aggravation of pain and irritation.

Chiropractors may use:

• Special spinal adjustments to correct any misalignments in the neck or spine that affect the jaw.
• Jaw manipulation techniques to relieve tension and realign the temporomandibular joint.
• Massage therapy to loosen muscles and relieve pain.

Chiropractors can be a great option if you suspect your TMJ pain is linked to neck or posture issues.

6. ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Specialists

TMJ disorders can sometimes cause ear-related symptoms, such as pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness. If your TMJ symptoms are affecting your ears, an ENT specialist may be helpful. They know what is TMJ. And can help you get relief from the pain. They can rule out other causes of ear pain and help with the management of TMJ-related ear issues.

An ENT specialist may work with other professionals to help you manage the full scope of your symptoms.

What Are Other Available TMJ Treatments in Colorado Springs?

Apart from a dentist TMJ specialist, various other treatments are here to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. The suitable treatment plan depends on the severity of the condition and your specific needs. Below are common treatment options offered in Colorado Springs for TMJ disorders:

For many people in Colorado Springs, lifestyle changes can significantly improve TMJ symptoms. Simple changes to your routine may help reduce pain and discomfort.

• Don’t consume hard and crunchy foods, as they can put extra strain on the jaw. Stick to softer foods to minimize pressure on the TMJ.
• Sleeping position adjustments, such as sleeping on your back with a properly supported pillow, can help align your jaw and reduce pain.
• Stop nail-biting, as it can cause stress to the jaw, thereby aggravating TMJ symptoms.
• Stress reduction approaches, such as yoga, meditation, and relaxation exercises, are helpful in reducing muscle tension around the jaw.
• Correcting poor posture and using ergonomically correct workspaces can ease strain on your jaw and neck muscles.
• Applying Heat and ice packs to the painful area can relieve inflammation and tension.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or other painkillers can offer temporary relief for TMJ-related pain.

Bottom Line

TMJ or Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) can be quite painful. Symptoms include pain in the jaw, face, ear, neck, or shoulder; jaw stiffness or locking; difficulty chewing or opening your mouth; and clicking or grinding sounds. Here, knowing who to see for TMJ treatment can help you receive adequate assistance to relieve the pain. A reliable healthcare provider, combined with a slight adjustment in your lifestyle, can help reduce pain and bring peace back to your life. 

If you’re experiencing discomfort or clicking in your jaw, it’s time to take action. Pinnacle Dentistry, a trusted TMJ dentist in Colorado Springs, is here to help you find relief. With personalized treatments and expert care, we’ll work with you to design a plan that fits your unique needs. 

Call 719-590-7100 today to book our dental services in Colorado Springs and start feeling better because your jaw health matters!