Searching for TMJ Specialist
Does anyone have a recommendation for a TMJ specialist? I've had TMJ for over a decade now and have seen a couple of chiropractors and a physical therapist but no one has been able to actually fix the problem. It's been getting worse recently, to the point where my jaw will audibly click every time I open my mouth more than an inch and sometimes it even gets stuck and won't open past an inch. It makes eating quite hard and I'm worried that my condition will only deteriorate further. Please only send me recommendations of people you know to have treated TMJ specifically. I've spent a couple thousand dollars at this point seeing generalists who have made no difference. Or if you've also experienced this, I'd welcome words of advice or support. Thanks in advance!
Parent Replies
I highly recommend Dr Jennings in Alameda. My son just graduated to a nighttime only appliance after wearing an appliance 24/7 that successfully brought his jaw forward so he has room for his tongue which allows him to breathe through his nose (he’s been a mouth breather his whole life). Dr Jennings specializes in treating TMJ.
Unfortunately I don't have a good answer but a lot of empathy! I also have had TMJ for years, sometimes it gets better but sometimes much worse, and nothing has provided any long-term relief or change. I hope someone has a better answer and will be watching this space and rooting for you!
Years ago I had a wonderful dentist,Dr.Stephen Broderson who treated my TMJ problem successfully.He retired but there are other dentists in that same office.What worked for me was a May Splint and then a crozat which was like an othodontic appliance that widened my jaw.I would suggest calling Dr.Kurtz on Gilman in Berkeley and ask which dentists specialize in treating TMJ like Dr.Broderson and Dr.Fredrickson did.I saw several dentists before that who did not help me .
Dr. Jennifer Buchanan in San Rafael, excellent in diagnosing and treatment.
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! I've had some form of TMJ since I was a teenager, with periods of time during college and my early twenties where I would wake up and not be able to fully unlock my mouth. Even now, I have clicking and sticking regularly. It's not painful, but, like you, i've always worried about it getting worse as I age. The thing that has made the biggest difference is a retainer/night guard. I clench and grind my teeth at night which exacerbates the condition, and, at the recommendation of my dentist, had a clear retainer made that I wear every night. I expect that I will always have TMJ, and just hope to manage it. Best of luck to you!