Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Maily Ramirez on TMJ
Dr. Maily Ramirez is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about TMJ.
Q. What is TMJ?
A. TMJ is the bilateral Temporomandibular Joint or jaw joint. TMD or Temporomandibular disorder is the name I have been trained to use because it refers to the actual problem with jaw pain, clicking noises and discomfort some of our patients experience prior to treatment.
Q. How do I know if I have TMJ?
A. Some signs are headaches, clenching, grinding, clicking and popping of the jaw joint and jaw pain. This can happen from misalignment of the jaw, from missing teeth, dental work that doesn't fit properly, stress on the joint from clenching or grinding. Trauma is also a culprit.
Q. Can pain killers help in treating TMJ syndrome?
A. We believe in our practice that long term use of pain killers is not an ideal modality for treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications with muscle relaxers can provide a short term benefit for such a complex syndrome. Some mouth appliances can alleviate pain and provide relief. In our practice we try to find the best solution for every individual that suffers from TMD.
Q. What should you expect from a TMD doctor?
A. There are several types of doctors who may be able to help with TMD symptoms; Dentists trained in this area, Oral Surgeons, Chiropractors, Neurologists and Physical Therapists. Comprehensive treatment planning is therefore a must if a patient is to expect results. Most TMD doctors will due a complete work up which includes a questionare for the patient with TMD. In our practice we refer some of our patients for a complete computed tomography analysis of their jaw joint prior to any treatment. This gives us valuable information about our patient's jaw joint and opens up doors that can lead to relief of pain. A TMD Doctor typically has a team of professionals they work with to offer the best care possible and you should expect them to be open to the other professionals rather than antagonistic. Patience, empathy and experience are the best virtues of patient and doctors during TMD care.
Q. What results can I expect from surgery?
A. The surgical option may be a viable option to repair damaged jaw joints, just like it might be for a knee or a hip. However, this option should be one of the very last solutions considered.
Q. Is TMJ/TMD covered by insurance?
A. Unfortunately, not usually. Some will cover the medical aspect of the treatment. If bite alignment is needed, meaning restorative dentistry performed to help align the bite, this is usually not covered by insurance. Most of our patients that have been treated for TMD go through a second financing company to help with expenses.
Q. How to contact Dr. Ramirez if we have further questions?
