I have TMJ. It’s been under control for a while, ever since I had a night guard made. However, recently, the pain has returned in force. I think it is because of how tall this crown is, but my dentist says it isn’t. This crown hits the upper teeth before all my other teeth. He’s adjusted it three times and told me that is as good as it gets. He said this happens to many first time crown wearers and I will get used to how it feels. Fine, but what about the TMJ pain? Should I get a second opinion?

Misty

Dear Misty,

On the contrary of needing a second opinion, I think you need a new dentist. This one is not serving you. In fact, he’s either ignorant or deceptive.

The way your teeth meet both adjacently and with their opposing teeth is extremely important. It’s obvious he hasn’t put much time in studying this, which will lead to disaster for his patients.

Normally, your biting force is spread out over all of your teeth. However, when a dental crown is seated to high, it takes on the full force of your bite. Not only does this cause pain on biting, but you also are causing problems to the rest of your bite.

If you have TMJ Disorder, this will exacerbate it. If you don’t have TMJ disorder, it can lead to it.

Finding a TMJ Dentist

As you look for your new dentist, and I strongly suggest you get one, I want you to look for one who specifically has TMJ training. For instance, Dr. Weiss studied at the renowned Dawson Academy known for its TMJ training.

Additionally, he’s been treating TMJ successfully since the 1990s and has a very high success rate. His advanced TMJ training combined with his cosmetic training and expertise in smile makeovers makes him uniquely qualified for the toughest TMJ treatment, reserved for the most advanced cases, a full-mouth reconstruction.

That’s the type of dentist you want to look for in your area so you can make sure you don’t face exacerbated TMJ problem again.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.