TMJ Treatment in Dallas, GA
At LifeSmiles of New Hope
What is TMJ?
TMJ is the short name for the temporomandibular joint, which joins the skull to the jaw. TMJ disorder can cause pain in the jaw joint as well as a host of other symptoms.
Aching or clicking jaw making it hard to eat and sleep comfortably? You may have TMD - Temporomandibular Dysfunction – a common condition that affects as many as 10 million Americans. At LifeSmiles of New Hope, we offer several different treatments for TMJ disorders that help reduce pain, realign the jaw, and protect the delicate functioning of the temporomandibular joint.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Originating in the joint where the skull attaches to the jaw, TMJ disorder can cause a long list of symptoms in addition to jaw pain. People with Temporomandibular Dysfunction often suffer with associated problems such as:
- Pain and tenderness of the jaw
- Pain and tenderness in one or both temporomandibular joints
- Aching pain around the ear
- Locking of the jaw joint that makes it difficult or impossible to open the mouth
- Uneven movement of the jaw
- Clicking or grinding sensation when chewing
- Difficulty sleeping because of jaw discomfort
- A clicking sound when chewing
Causes of TMJ disorders
Cartilage in the temporomandibular joint keeps the hinge-and-slide action of the joint moving smoothly. A disc in between the bones of the joint acts as a shock absorber to also assist with movement. When that cartilage or disc becomes damaged or inflamed, TMJ symptoms can result.
Common causes of TMJ Disorders/Temporomandibular Dysfunction include:
- Erosion of the shock-absorbing disc
- The disc moves out of alignment
- The cartilage is damaged by arthritis
- The joint is damaged by impact or trauma
- Chronic grinding or clenching of teeth
- Connective tissues disorders that damage tissues in the joint
your Initial Exam
Our initial consultation consists of 2 hours with each patient. The doctor spends a good deal of time listening to the patient in order to obtain a thorough history of the problem. He will examine the patient’s head and neck, recording their sensitivity level to jaw pain and facial pain. The doctor will listen to the patient’s TMJ on opening and closing to evaluate a popping jaw, measure the range of motion, and test the muscles in the head and neck for sensitivity. The doctor will also check the patient’s neck for tenderness and possible problems. He will thoroughly explain to the patient how the TMJ works, how it can be damaged, and the ramifications of such damage.
The doctor treats his patients in the most conservative possible way that will help them to become pain-free and functioning. Our goal is to help the patient figure out exactly what is wrong and to render them a correct diagnosis. It takes time to do that. It will also take commitment on the patient’s part, as well as a desire to get better in order to achieve a more comfortable balance with their head and neck.
Fees & Insurance
We base our fees for TMJ therapy on the diagnosis and the time and materials necessary to bring about a resolution. The fees may include a bite splint and the bi-weekly adjustment appointments for a specified therapeutic interval. In general, the therapeutic intervals will fall into one of three categories: 6-10 weeks, 12-16 weeks, and 4-6 months.
Depending on the complexity of the case, further diagnostic imaging may be necessary (MRI and/or CT scan X-ray) for TMD therapy. Every patient receives a CBCT scan during their consultation phase. Since a CBCT scan shows all your bones, nerves, and soft tissues in high detail, this allows us to diagnose your health and plan our treatment approach before we even begin a procedure.
Generally speaking, unless there has been a traumatic event, dental and medical insurance do not cover Phase I and Phase II TMJ treatment. Fees vary per patient and the severity of the case. LifeSmiles of New Hope’s goal, in Dallas, GA, is always to help you receive whatever insurance benefits are available; however, all financial arrangements are made with you, our patient.