| CranioMandibular Rehab, Inc. |
| FAQ | Contact Us | Site Map | |
 |
craniorehab.com |
|
|
| Questions Answered by : | |
Will splint therapy work for me?
Headache,
earache, neck ache, even eye pain improves with bite splint therapy.
How is that possible?
Well,
it turns out that chronic muscle tightness leads to lactic acid buildup and
fatigue within the muscles.
The muscles become tender to the touch.
Also the areas where muscles attach to bone (origins) become inflamed.
Also, ligaments, which are fibrous attachments between bones, become
over-stretched and damaged by chronic muscle contraction.
Muscle spasm pain from the jaw refers to the neck, the ear, the eye and
the sinuses. A
common presenting finding might be headache in the temple areas.
Though not a migraine headache, it can nonetheless be very painful.
Back to Top
Should I consider another surgery?
With
regards to failed surgery, TMJ surgery is similar to knee or back surgery.
There is a degree of unpredictability of healing and a certain failure
rate from surgery – in some cases as high as 25%.
Both patient and surgeon should be reluctant to proceed with a second
surgery unless there is some outstanding finding that suggests a second surgery
will be helpful.
In some individuals a repeat surgery does not help and can worsen the
condition. A
conservative protocol that suggests surgery, almost as a last resort, is
appropriate. For
example very young and very elderly patients should be treated non-invasively if
possible. Having
said all this, when surgery fails, favorable results are possible from a second
surgery, though the prognosis is much more guarded.
Back to Top
How can I find a qualified doctor in my area?
All
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are qualified to perform TMJ surgery.
Some will do more of these procedures than others.
It is always best to get a referral from your dentist or physician as a
start. Another
referral source is the School of Dentistry at the University of Colorado or from
local Dental or Medical Societies; Hospital referral sources are also available.
Consultation
and 2nd opinions are important for the purpose of deciding which
surgeon to choose.
In the end, look for a confident surgeon, some one experienced and
actually doing a considerable number of the type of surgery you need.
Get all the information you can then trust
yourself to make the best choice for your situation.
Back to Top
Where can I find more information about TMJ/TMD?
 |
Press button for links to TMJ/TMD websites. |
Back to Top
I hear clicking and popping in my jaw; what does that mean?
The
jaw joint has cartilage between the bones.
The joint is not exactly a ball and socket joint.
It has a “dislocating” function.
As we open our mouths about half way, the jaw starts to “dislocate”
out of the socket.
In the normal situation, this is a noiseless process, the cartilage in
between the bones providing a smooth gliding surface.
Back to Top
Will surgery stop my headaches?
Surgery frequently improves headaches. Restoration of normal function improves muscle function and decreases headaches.