Getting to Know Temporomandibular (TMJ) Disorders (Part VI)
The treatment of orofacial pain related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders is more often would involve consultants assist with diagnosis of the chronic oral and facial pain.
This is often seen as a multidisciplinary approach with close clinical collaboration with specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, headache neurology, oral dermatology, psychology, pain rehabilitation, physical medicine, and pain medicine.
A triage is being made in patients according to complexity and referred either to the pain specialist or to the dental specialists when considering TMJ problems. These patients may be considered for surgery and evaluated by consultants in oral and maxillofacial surgery as well as orofacial pain specialists. The patients may also be given pain management education.
Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics compose the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial problems.
These specialists may design corrective appliances, which may include braces, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment.
The orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics specialists will be working together with craniofacial to provide for and coordinate with orthodontics care for complex craniofacial problems.
Periodontists are dentists who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of problems involving the gums and bone surrounding the teeth, the mucosal tissues of the mouth. They are also involved in the placement and maintenance of dental implants, bone regeneration, and aesthetic soft tissue management of teeth and implants.
Prosthodontics involves, in the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients who may have problems linked with missing teeth or maxillofacial tissues, or both.
Prosthodontists teams up with a multi specialty team when needed.
When treating TMJ problems, patient care will involve doctors from other specialties especially surgeons when the problem is linked with surgery.