I have TMJ and have been wearing a full mouth guard at night, as my dental specialist recommended. My specialist and my neurologist are coordinating my care to reduce TMJ symptoms and migraines. I’m 70 years old with worn-down molar teeth beyond repair. One molar tooth cracked and needs a crown.
My specialist suggested adjusting my bite with inlays or full crowns on my lower molars to relieve or eliminate my TMJ. I’m wondering if this approach is too aggressive. Have you heard of this treatment for TMJ? Should I proceed with it or just get a standard crown for the cracked tooth? Thanks. Catalina from MI
Catalina,
Dentists commonly use dental crowns to correct your bite, and how your upper and lower teeth meet. Crowns are an acceptable way to treat TMJ disorder. Sometimes, a dentist may recommend full-mouth reconstruction, which places crowns on all your teeth.
Get a second opinion for an uncomfortable dental crown
While “TMJ specialist” is a common term, TMJ treatment isn’t a recognized dental specialty. Dental schools don’t fully prepare dentists to handle most TMJ cases. It requires extra training in complex restorative dentistry. Your jaw’s movements are intricate!
If you are experiencing TIM signs and symptoms, we suggest seeking treatment from a dentist with advanced training from one of these post-graduate institutes:
- Kois Center
- Piper Education and Research Center in Tampa, Florida
- Spear Education in Scottsdale, Arizona
- The Dawson Academy (headquarters in Florida, training centers in various states)
- The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies in Las Vegas, Nevada
- The Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida
These institutes offer comprehensive courses, and dentists who complete the curriculum are best prepared. For the highest level of expertise, look for dentists who graduated from these programs rather than attending a single course.
Your dentist seems knowledgeable, and your mouthguard helping with your symptoms is a good sign. Still, asking questions or getting a second opinion on one dental crown versus multiple crowns can resolve your concerns.
Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how he strives to give patients some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.