When to see a doctor

Seek medical attention if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, or if you can't open or close your jaw completely. Your TMJ specialist can discuss possible causes and treatments for your problem.

In most cases, the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders is temporary and can be relieved with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments. Although some people with TMJ disorders may benefit from surgical treatments , I believe that surgery is typically a last resort after conservative measures have failed.