Dentistry For Woodstock at Fountain View Offering Treatment for Chronic Jaw Pain By Cyndi Braun The symptoms seem unrelated. You have a headache, your face feels tired in the morning, your ear aches a bit, and your neck is tight. You decide to consult a medical specialist: an ENT for the ear pain, a chiropractor for the neck, a neurologist for the headaches, and you have no idea who to call about the facial fatigue. Turns out, these aches and pains are all symptoms of Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ), also known as Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD). The good news is you figured out the problem. Now its time to relieve that pain.Dentistry for Woodstock treats the dysfunction of the joint that causes pain and a variety of other symptoms. Rather than multiple doctor appointments, you can simply call Dentistry for Woodstock and start your journey to pain-free living.For more than two decades, I have helped patients with their dental needs. I find it especially rewarding to help people who are suffering from TMD because the results are life-changing, said W. Bruce Fink, D.D.S., who has extensive training in the treatment of TMD. My continuing education in oral surgery, sleep apnea, and full-mouth reconstruction enables me to provide the most effective treatments for patients. One Patients Journey to Pain FreeSamantha Treadway suffered from chronic jaw pain for many years and recently sought treatment at Dentistry for Woodstock. When Samantha came to the office, she mentioned she had tightness in her facial muscles upon waking, tension headaches multiple times each month, and crooked teeth. When staff members asked her for more information, they realized her vertigo and neck pain were also due to the displacement of the temporal joint. Symptoms of TMD Facial fatigue upon waking Ear pain Jaw pain Vertigo Nausea with headache Tension headaches Neck pain and tightness Sore and sensitive spots in the head Migraine headaches Numbness and tingling in the fingertips Chest tightness Sleeplessness IBS Treatment StepsEducation - The first step in treating patients is proper education on TMD symptoms and treatment as well as the financial options the practice offers. From the front desk to the dental hygienist, all staff members take time to ask questions and educate patients on what can be done to help them. Staff members asked Samantha to describe what she was experiencing, so they could determine the best treatment options for her.Data Collection - The dental team conducts a twenty-minute data collection process to fully understand the extent of the TMD. For Samantha, the process was simple and painless. In addition to a CT scan of her head and neck, staff members took a series of photographs at different angles to see the position of her head to her spine. Then, Dr. Fink conducted a full exam of the facial muscles and reviewed her health history.Financial Options - At the time of the consultation, the dental team presents treatment options and explains financial responsibilities. Medical plans have coverage for the treatment of TMD, and most health plans can contribute the financial cost of the treatment. Orthotics - Many TMD patients benefit from orthotics as a treatment method. A special orthotic holds the jaw in position to keep the muscles and nerves in proper alignment and to decompress the area of pain. Since Samantha decided to move forward with treatment, the dental team took impressions for an orthotic, which was then sent to the lab for fabrication. After Samantha received her orthotic, she embarked on a twelve-week process of upper and lower appliance therapy and laser treatment to heal the joint. Just as a knee brace keeps the knee aligned after a sprain, the orthotic stabilizes the jaw until it heals.Results - Treatment results vary from patient to patient. Some see immediate results, while others take longer for the body to accept the position and the pain to subside. Some patients suffer for decades and, through this treatment, have relief for the first time from headaches and facial pain. For Samantha, after a couple of weeks, the vertigo subsided. Now, yoga is a relaxing and enjoyable experience; days waking with a headache are far and few; and the neck pain is now all but related to her fabulous heavy handbag.Whether you suffer from TMD or have other dental needs, Dentistry for Woodstock is ready to help. Call now to schedule your appointment. The practice offers a full range of general and cosmetic dental treatments including teeth whitening, crowns and bridges, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, preventative care, family dentistry, veneers, endodontics, periodontal services, dental implants, and treatment for TMD and sleep issues. Dentistry For Woodstock1816 Eagle Drive, Building 200-A, Woodstock, GA770-926-0000DentistryForWoodstock.comConsultations are FREE, and Dentistry for Woodstock is available to educate you on the path to pain FREE.
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