TMJ Therapy
Dr. Grapevine has special training and experience working with patients suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, commonly known as TMJ. Very few medical professionals have experience working with this complex disorder, often characterized by pain and limited mobility in the jaw and surrounding tissue. Dr. Grapevine has devoted some of his post graduate training to the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ symptoms, offering patients relief from chronic pain and discomfort.
What is causing my pain?
When your teeth do not fit together correctly and/or your jaw joints – (TMJ joints) – do not work properly, pain, pressure, and limitations to chewing can occur. Some issues that can occur are migraine headaches, frequent headaches, unexplained facial, neck, shoulder, jaw pain or popping and clicking of the TMJ joints. Also, tooth wear, teeth grinding, and chronic earaches can be caused by an incorrect bite or TMJ problems.
What can I do about my pain?
These issues can be very complex and create limitations in quality of life. Arriving at a proper diagnosis is critical for the success of treatment and relief of symptoms. A thorough and complete examination of the TMJ joints and bite along with some of the latest technology if necessary, such as Cone Beam Computerized Tomography, are used to analyze your bite and joint. Once a diagnosis is achieved, we will recommend the most conservative approach to solving your problem. This can range from a small correction to the bite, a guard, or more involved and complex cases can require precise and expert treatment to identify, correct, and maintain the issues causing stress to the joints.
An evaluation of your TMJ joint is performed as part of the new patient comprehensive evaluation or as needed for existing clients. If a problem is discovered, options for treatment or management will be discussed. The intent is to keep your TMJ healthy as this is one joint none of us can live without.
Headaches
One out of every 10 Americans suffers from chronic headaches, and they spend over half a billion dollars every year for over-the-counter medications to relieve their pain. They never imagine that their headaches may be caused by TMJ, and that their pain is the result of a bad bite.
If you, or someone you love, suffer from the symptoms of TMJ, set up an appointment with Dr. Grapevine. You may find that TMJ is the missing piece in the puzzle – and, that the treatment works!
We have helped many patients with jaw and bite problems and greatly improved their quality of life. Let us help you if you are experiencing any of these issues.
