Seattle TMJ

Dr. Bret Shupack is a dentist and has answered some of the most common questions Bizymoms visitors have about TMJ.


Q. What is TMJ?

A. TMJ is an acronym for the "temporo-mandibular joint." This is the anatomical location where the mandible, or lower jaw, articulates with the skull and around which moves and functions. TMJ is commonly used as a description of symptoms and behaviors that include teeth clenching or grinding, jaw muscle pain or tightness. 

Q. How do I know if I have TMJ?

A. TMJ is primarily a symptoms based diagnosis. Often peolple are inaccurately and inappropriately diagnosed by dentists, based on tooth wear.   

Q. Can painkillers help in treating TMJ syndrome?

A. Analgesics and muscle relaxants can be helpful in attending to symptoms and are not curative. Along with this, massage and light, controlled stretching of the face and jaw muscles is very helpful and relieving. 

Q. What causes TMD and who can treat it?

A. In both the lay and professional communities, TMD, Temporo-Mandibular Disorder, another name for TMJ, is commonly believed to be caused by stress. Though stress can exacerbate the situation, it is not the root cause. There is a critical difference between someone who clenches and "grits" their teeth, as opposed to a "tooth grinder," in both diagnosis and treatment.

Research has shown that up to 95% of the people who present with TMD complaints, are clenchers as opposed to grinders. This includes those who are primarily aware of jaw muscle pain. This tendency to clench/grit is due to an intrinsic imbalance or disharmony in the bite. There have been numerous theories over time and the one that I have trained in and adhere to, with tremendous positive results, is based on the work and understandings of Dr. John Kois. Based on his insights and acumen, a trained dentist will be able to identify where this bite imbalance is and help eliminate it, for the stable, comfortable and proper functioning of the mouth.

Q. What should you expect from a TMD doctor?

A. Again, with the proper training and skill, that dentist will be able to diagnose the cause of the disharmony and provide a treatment that results in the ideal orthopedic placement and functioning of the mandible in the joint space, for improved comfort and the reduction of excessive stresses on the teeth.

Q. What results can I expect from surgery?

A. Though I have treated hundreds of people with Dr. Kois’ protocol, I have yet to send someone in for surgery. Surgery would be necessitated more by an arthritic or otherwise degenerative joint issue.

Q. Is TMJ/TMD covered by insurance?

A. It depends on one’s specific insurance policy

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

A.
Address:
1331 Harbor Ave SW, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98116
Phone: 206.933.9300
Email: Drb@alkidental.com
Website: http://www.alkidental.com/