Temporomandibular (TM) Disorders: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Call your dentist or other health professional immediately if you have had an injury to your jaw or face and:

• Your jaw is very painful.
• Your jaw is locked open or shut, or you are unable to move your jaw easily or smoothly (a sign of disc displacement, dislocation, or fracture).
• Your jaw appears to be deformed or swollen.
• There is swelling in the sides of your face.
• Your teeth no longer fit together normally when biting down (malocclusion).
• A severe headache or neck ache strikes suddenly, without apparent cause, or is different from previous headaches.

Call your dentist or other health professional if you:

• Have pain when moving your jaw (biting, chewing, swallowing, talking, or yawning) that is not getting better after 2 weeks of home treatment.
• Have had jaw pain for a long time (chronic).
• Have anxiety, stress, or work-related problems caused by your jaw discomfort and pain.
• Continue to have symptoms (such as pain with clicking or cracking sounds or your jaw locks) after 2 weeks of home treatment.
• Notice a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth.

Watchful Waiting

Mild symptoms of TM disorders usually respond to home treatment. Try home treatment for at least 2 to 4 weeks before considering other types of treatment. For most people, TM disorder discomfort will eventually go away whether it is treated or not. About 65% to 95% of people who see a health professional for initial TM disorder symptoms will get better regardless of the treatment prescribed.¹

Because few health and dental insurance plans cover TM disorder treatment, home treatment is usually a wise first step.

Who To See

Your treatment for temporomandibular (TM) disorder may involve several different health professionals.

Initial evaluation can be done by a:

• Dentist.
• Family medicine doctor or other primary care health professional.

Further diagnosis and treatment may be done by a:

• Dentist who specializes in treating TM disorders.
• Physical therapist.
• Facial pain expert.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Additional treatment may be provided by:

• A mental health professional for stress management.
• A specialist in a chronic pain clinic (often located in a dental school or hospital setting).
• A physical therapist.
• A registered dietitian or nutritionist, particularly if you are unable to eat solid foods.

If a health professional suggests that you try a treatment that might make permanent changes to your jaw, confirm this recommendation with a second opinion.

Most health and dental insurance plans do not cover TM disorder diagnosis and treatment. Because some tests and treatments are quite expensive, you may want to verify your insurance coverage before incurring expenses.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	January 24, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC