Redding TMJ

Dr. John Van der Werff is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about TMJ.


Q. What is TMJ?

A. TMJ is a group of conditions related to the temporomandibular joint. This may include pain coming from muscles, ligaments, or tendons or the dysfunction of the jaw joint. The key to proper treatment is the proper diagnosis.

Q. How do I know if I have TMJ?

A. Symptoms can include jaw pain, jaw dysfunction, facial pain, orofacial pain, craniofacial pain, headaches, clenching of teeth, difficulty or pain  with chewing, and ear pain not related to the ear.

Q. Can pain killers help in treating TMJ syndrome?

A. The key to proper treatment is determining where the pain is coming from.  Medications including pain killers can be helpful in treating TMJ syndrome.  There are many other nonsurgical treatment options that may be just as or more effective than painkillers.  For example, there are self-help treatments, physical therapy, mouth pieces, other medications besides painkillers, and injections.

Q. Who should treat TMD?

A. Currently, the American Dental Association does not recognize TMD as a specialty.  However, there are two organizations that help advance the education and treatment of temporomandibular disorders or TMD, the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and the American Academy of Orofacial pain. A dentist who is a member of one or both of these organizations has made a commitment towards improving the treatment of patients with TMD.  Furthermore, a dentist who is a fellow in either of these organizations has demonstrated his or her knowledge in this field by oral and written examination.   More information can be found about T MD and their respective organizations on the Internet.  www.aaop.org and www.aacfp.org.

Q. What should you expect from a TMD doctor?

A. At the first visit, a patient should expect an interview, an examination, maybe diagnostic testing including  x-rays.  There should be time for discussion of the doctor’s findings, treatment options, and costs involved in further treatment.

Q. What results can I expect from surgery?

A. Surgical treatment of TMD is usually the last option. There are a number of surgical options depending on each persons symptoms and conditions so it is difficult to make generalized statements about what to expect from surgery without knowing a person’s condition and what type of surgery is planned.  If you are considering surgery, you should ask your surgeon about what to expect after the surgery and whether there are there any nonsurgical options.

Q. Is TMJ/TMD covered by insurance?

A. Coverage by insurance depends upon the type of insurance plan a person has.  Usually medical insurance has some coverage.

Q. How to contact Dr. Werff if we have further questions?    

A.
Address:
2315 Bechelli Lane
Suite D
Redding, CA
Phone: 530.242.6017
Fax: 530.242.6037
Email:jv.dds@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://www.tmjcare.us/