Do I see a doctor or a dentist?!

Do I see a doctor or a dentist?

I had braces 4 years ago and my jaw started popping ever since then. Then it really started getting painful. It started locking up and getting stuck. I took Ibprofien so I could try to force it open without it being to painful and it made an aweful crunch feeling. Now it's stuck and I cant open it wide enough to eat a sandwich. It hurts when I try to open it. My dentist said it was suppose to go away after 2 years and if not then I would need surgery. So Do I talk to the dentist about that or a doctor?

Sorry to hear you are having such a problem, but know that you aren't alone. I suspect you have TMJ otherwise known as Temperomandibular Joint disorder. Basically you need to be kind to yourself right now. You might consider taking some anti-inflammatory medicine (advil) and apply some heat to the area. You should cut your food into small pieces and try to stick with softer foods, obviously no gum chewing. You should not be opening your jaw wide, not that you would probably want to right now. That is typically how TMJ is treated unless it is a severe case, then a surgical procedure may be warranted. Between the upper jaw and lower jaw there is a donut shaped disc that acts as cushion and its possible that your's slipped out of place for a bit and that is the cause of your pain. Often TMJ is linked to a jaw injury or trauma. You may also end up wearing a mouthguard while you sleep (a nightguard) to help keep the space between your upper and lower teeth to give your jaw muscles a break if you grind or clench your teeth at night.
I would recommend seeing your dentist or the orthodontist that treated you. If necessary they will refer you to an oral surgeon or TMJ specialist for care.
Good luck!
JAMRDH - a dental hygienist