|
Orofacial Pain Associates |
|
Frequently Asked Questions about Temporomandibular Joint Disorder |
|
The Temporomandibular Joint is the medical name given to the joint of the jaw. It is the most complex joint in the body, allowing the jaw to open, close, move side to side, backwards or forwards, or any combination of the above. The movement of the TMJ is unique in two ways. First, any movement of one side requires “cooperation” from the paired TMJ on the other side. Secondly, it is the only joint in the body whose function is influenced by the contact of the teeth. Bite related problems can significantly effect TMJ function. It is worth noting that the TMJ is within two or three millimeters of the inner ear canal, which can explain when an “ear ache” is a common symptom of the TMJ disorder. |
|
What is “TMJ” |
|
Much as been written in the lay press during the lat decade relating to pain in general, and to head pain specifically. It is estimated that as many as 65 million people suffer from chronic head pain. Much of the current literature describes the known causes of headache and facial pain, such as migraine, vascular and tension headaches, but often overlooked is another common cause of head pain—Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. Pain such as headache, neck ache, and jaw joint pain is simply a symptom of disease or disorder occurring in some part of the body that is not functioning properly. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is one of the major causes of headache and facial pain. |
|
What Constitutes TMJ Disorder? |
|
The following symptoms are associated with TMJ disorders: · Headache · Dizziness and/or Light-headedness · Ringing, Bussing or stiffness of the ears · Spasm and tightening in the back of the neck, shoulders or face · Clicking or grinding noises on opening or closing the jaw · Inability to open the mouth fully · Pain on opening the jaw or chewing · Locking of the jaw either open or closed · Pain behind the eye · Pain in and around the ear · Change in the bite—the teeth don’t fit together · Bi-temporal Headaches |
|
What kinds of problems are often traced to TMJ Disorders |
|
The vast majority of TMJ pains are caused by muscular dysfunction and can be effectively treated with non-surgical methods. It is often necessary to correct any dental disturbances that might contribute to the patient’s problems. Successful treatment of TMJ disorders can be accomplished with dietary changes (soft died during therapy), muscle exercises, moist heat, muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, the placement of an appliance made of clear acrylic over the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This is known as a “splint”. This appliance must be worn for a period of time usually a few months, with periodic adjustment appointments to monitor the progress. |
|
Treatment |
|
Fees for TMJ treatment vary widely and depend on the extent and complexity of each individual case. We will discuss fees before any treatment or exams commence. Fees are due and payable at the time service is rendered. Although we work with most major insurance carriers, we DO NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid patients. Medicare and Medicaid DO NOT cover TMJ disorders. We suggest you contact your insurance representative to verify your coverage for TMJ disorders prior to the commencement of any service. |
|
The Costs |
|
Initial new patient exam/consultation: ················································································· Please Call Muscle Testing··············································································································· Please Call Range of Motion············································································································ Please Call Panorex························································································································ Please Call Transcrainials················································································································ Please Call Orthopedic Appliance (splint)···························································································· Please Call Replacement Appliance···································································································· Please Call Manipulation················································································································· Please Call Splint Adjustment Appointment························································································· Please Call Trigger Point Injections···································································································· Please Call Infrared Therapy············································································································· Please Call |
|
Fees for TMD Exam and Treatment |
|
Orofacial Pain Associates 7878 West 80th Place Suite 2-D Arvada, CO 80005 Phone: 303-421-2696 Fax: 303-421-2179 E-mail: Jayme@tmjhelp.net |
|
To contact us: |
