Can a Prosthodontist Treat My TMD? 

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If you're dealing with frequent temporomandibular joint pain, stiffness, or discomfort, you may wonder which specialist you should see to get some relief. Can your general doctor help you or should you talk to a dentist? 

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A lot of people don't know that a prosthodontist can help diagnose and treat TMJ/TMD conditions. A prosthodontist, such as the ones you can find at Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant, is a dentist who specializes in treating dental and facial problems that can affect the jaw structure. 

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With that in mind, here's how a prosthodontist can help and why you should reach out to one. 

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TMD: Symptoms and Causes 

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TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder refers to dysfunctions that affect the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joints are located on each side of your face and connect your jawbone to your skull. They play an important role in helping you move your jaw and perform routine actions like chewing or speaking. 

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When the temporomandibular joint is affected, you may experience symptoms such as: 

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• Pain or stiffness in the jaw
• Pain when chewing 
• Difficulty and/or pain when opening or closing your jaw
• A popping sound when chewing. 

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Often, an injury can lead to TMD. But, trauma isn't the only reason. A lot of people can develop TMD because of problems such as:

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• Bruxism (constant teeth grinding and clenching) 
• Malocclusions - poorly aligned teeth can affect the temporomandibular joints
• Arthritis 
• Stress that's causing you to clench your teeth throughout the day 

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How a Prosthodontist Can Help with My TMD

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As we said, a prosthodontist is a type of dentist who specializes in jaw structure problems. As such, they have the best knowledge and experience to diagnose your TMD, identify the cause, and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your specific problem. 

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A prosthodontist will also help you find the treatment that will help you in the long term, not just provide quick relief. That's crucial as there is no known cure for TMD, just different types of treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. 

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Some of these treatments may include:

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• Nightguard - If your TMD is triggered by bruxism, then the prosthodontist may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth from grinding. 

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• Braces - Orthodontic treatment can help with TMD caused by malocclusions and misaligned teeth. 

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• Pain Medication - If you are in a lot of pain, the doctor can also prescribe some stronger pain medication to help with the discomfort. 

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• Botox Injections - Botox can help relax your facial muscles and relieve your TMD symptoms. 

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• Surgery - If your condition is caused by your jaw structure and you are in a lot of pain, then surgery may be the best option for your case. 

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Looking for TMD Treatment? We Can Help! 

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If you are looking for a specialist who can help you achieve long-term relief and better manage your TMD, then you can trust the team at Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant to find the right treatment. 

‍Reach out to us online to book your appointment.