Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (Oral Surgeons) are trained not only as Dentists, but also do 4 years of intense face, mouth and jaw surgery in a hospital environment. Oftentimes Oral Surgeons are also trained as Medical Doctors. They are truly the specialists of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Oral Surgeons are uniquely positioned to understand the whole disease process from the problems ill fitting teeth and grinding to the intricate anatomy of the TMJ. Oral Surgeons usually work with dentists as a team approach to help you manage your pain.
Dentists
Dentists have the degree of DDS or DMD (they're the same thing). Dentists are uniquely qualified to manage your TMJ problems along with Oral Surgeons. Dentists are the experts in making splints to treat teeth grinding and help alleviate symptoms associated with TMJ disorder.
Physical Therapy
A good physical therapist is an integral part of the TMJ management team. Physical therapy can be often overlooked in managing the TMJ. Physical therapists are important in the management of muscle pain and recovery after surgery.
Pain Management Specialist
Pain has probably become a way of life for you. The goal of any TMJ treatment team is to decrease your pain as much as possible. Pain is a complicated thing, however. Long standing pain usually doesn't go away overnight and you should expect to go into your treatment with a pain management specialist, especially if you have been relying heavily on prescription medication to manage your pain to this point.
Psychiatry
Long standing pain can do a number on your psyche. Psychiatrists are an important part of the TMJ treatment team and several drugs that Psychiatrists are expert in have shown fantastic benefit in TMJ treatment.
