Dr. Doug Brossoit is a Dentist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about TMJ.
Q. What is TMJ?
A. This actually stands for Temporo Mandibular Joint. It has become a generally common term associated with the pain and noise associated with one or both of the jaw joints.
Q. How do I know if I have TMJ?
A. This disorder is poorly understood by most health professionals. It has been referred to as The Great Imposter, since it is very complex and often mimics many other disorders that involve chronic upper body pain. Most patients seek care for one of more symptoms, of which there are easily two dozen or more. They may feel better for awhile, but then their symptoms either change or return over time. Symptoms that one might typically experience are the obvious pain and noise in the jaw joints, but are often accompanied by chronic headaches, neck aches, ear aches, shoulder pain, postural distortions that are linked to a fall or blow to the upper body, individual tooth pain and many others. Many of these pain patterns are from referred pain patterns and muscle trigger that makes it very hard for the patient to sort out and also makes it very difficult to obtain the proper care.
Q. Can pain killers help in treating TMJ syndrome?
A. They can relieve the symptoms for awhile, but the same or different symptoms often return and the pain medications eventually stop working.
Q. Who should treat TMJ Disorder?
A. In order for all the other health care efforts to stay stable, the patient needs to have a balanced, physiologically sound and stable bite that is so essential to provide the cornerstone or solid reference from which all other muscles of the head and neck take their que. The person treating this disorder should be able to coordinate this multidisciplinary approach, and offer a permanent solution that is not dependent on drugs or surgery. In my opinion, the doctor who should be treating this disorder is a specially trained and experienced Neuromuscular Dentist.
Q. What should you expect from a TMJ doctor?
A. This doctor should be able to gather measureable, objective data, that can be interpreted and developed into a permanent solution. They should also permit the patient to understand the complexity of their disorder and to avoid those activities that can exacerbate their condition, and to work with other health care providers, who understand the problem, and permit them to do their part. These other doctors could include a NUCCA or A/O Chiropractor, ENT Specialist, Neurologist, a PT, and in some cases a neuromuscular massage therapist, all who have some basic understanding of the principles of Neuromuscular Dentistry.
Q. What results can I expect from surgery?
A. In my opinion and experience, surgery is very rarely needed and in those cases where it has been done, the patient may be better for a short time, if at all, but in all the cases I have seen, they end up significantly worse than where they started.
Q. Is TMJ/TMD covered by insurance?
A. There is some limited coverage provided by some of the larger carriers, but most insurances are designed to cover the needs of the many, and not the complex needs of the unfortunate individuals who suffer from TMJ/TMD.
Q. Why would a dentist choose to treat so many TMD patients, when most dentists avoid them, not doing any more than making night guards and prescribing anti-inflammatory meds?
A. We have had amazing success with this approach, which is also why I have immense passion and dedication to help this group of suffering individuals. I have dedicated more of my career in the last 9 years learning how to help them and I will continue to expand that area of my practice for the rest of my career.
Q. How to contact Dr. Brossoit if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
10121N Nevada St. #202 Spokane, WA 99218
Phone: 509-466-6979
Email:drdoug@drbrossoit.com
Website: www.MakingAwesomeSmiles.com
