Dentists are medical professionals who have extensive knowledge of not only the teeth but the jaw and mouth structure as well. Because of this, dentists are the medical professionals primarily responsible for treating patients experiencing TMJ disorder. First, a dentist will need to find the cause of a person’s TMJ disorder to properly treat it. In the case that grinding or clenching of the jaw is the root cause, dentists may take the route of oral appliance therapy and suggest nightguards that prevent and minimize the pressure on the joint from grinding and clenching, or dental splints in the event that there is significant grinding and clenching during the day as well. In some cases, dentists recommend jaw strengthening and relaxation exercises that gradually lead to no pain. Dentists can also prescribe medications to help with a variety of issues such as inflammation and pain, as well as anxiety relief and muscle relaxants. For some people, seeing relief from TMJ disorder requires other measures such as joint surgery, or teeth/jaw alignment. While these may not be the treatment one may hope for, they may be the best option for some people to see relief and prevent further damage. Speaking with a dentist will be greatly beneficial as they will be able to guide you through the treatment process and refer you to any specialists if needed. Le Chic Dentist looks forward to your visit and helps you! We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Santa Monica CA, Beverly Hills CA, Inglewood CA, Marina Del Rey CA, El Segundo CA, and BEYOND!