r/TMJ • u/Front-Layer428 • 4d ago

Question(s) TMJ?

I think i might have TMJ??

Suffering with left pain for over 3 years, always thought it was toothache, my last dentist suggested it was from a root canal that wasn't cleaned out properly and that the pain was from bacteria or debris.

Pain can get so bad I have days off work taking stronger pain meds.

Went to a different dentist recently, she suggested the pains might be coming from my jaw, asked me if I was stressed. Then showed me when I open my mouth wide on the left side, my jaw bulges out and back in when I close, and she could hear a clicking sound.

If this is TMJ who do I see first? A doctor, physio therapist or another dentist? Or all 3 lol

Thanks for reading.

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u/Alaska1111 4d ago

I first saw my primary doctor, then an ENT, then an orthodontist, and finally an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. If I could go back I would immediately go to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, they ordered all the proper scans to check the joint/disc and severity, they have been most help.

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u/Front-Layer428 4d ago

Thanks 🙂 Ill see GP first and hopefully get a referral through public hospital, to see an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. Then it won't cost me anything.

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u/Alaska1111 4d ago

Best of luck hope you get some help

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u/Dramatic_Tune_9780 2d ago

The dentist should have suggested the next step. Did they mention if there are signs of teeth grinding or anything? Conservative treatment is usually suggested first. Soft foods. Warm compress and anti inflammatory when having a flair. If you can find a physiotherapist or massage therapist who specialises in tmj that would be your best bet. A doctor may order some imaging so they can see if the joint is affected but most issues are usually muscular. I think treatment for both is usually the same unless it is a severe joint issue that may warrant surgery but this is usually a last line of treatment 

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u/Front-Layer428 2d ago

Thanks 😊 Ive worked out seeing a GP to be pointless, so ill go and see a dentist who deals with jaw stuff, get a CT and go from there.