THERE IS NO SINGLE "BEST TREATMENT" FOR TMJ BECAUSE TMJ IS NO A SINGLE DISEASE OR PROBLEM. TMJ actually stands for TemporoMandibular Joint and it is a joint not a disease. Everyone has two TM Joints. TMD stands for TemporoMandibular Dysfunction but it is also a general term.
The following should help guide patients in finding the "right " doctor.
To receive the "Best TMJ Treatment" it is first necessary to have the "Best TMJ Diagnosis".
The diagnosis is actually the most complex part of treating this group of disorders.
The medical SOAP model is an essential part of arriving at the right diagnosis and treatment and is frequently not followed.
The "S" in SOAP is the subjective findings. These come from the patients history. Many dentists and physicians short change patients by not getting a thorough and complete history. Often, relevant facts about a patient's history are missed or revealed later by patients. I usually set aside a minimum of one hour for a first visit with a patient with chronic pain. My team will often schedule much longer appointments when a case appears complicated. The tentative diagnosis or diagnostic tree (differential diagnosis) is made from the patient's history and interview. It is the confirmed or reevaluated based on Objective findings.
The "O" in SOAP is the objective findings. Before objective testing is done the subjective history helps determine the proper testing that is appropriate for each patient. Objective testing includes Radiographs or x-rays. These may be plain film, cone beam, CT scans, MRI's. These are used to diagnose bony changes and soft tissue changes to the joints.
There are specific objective testing that helps determine the "Best TMJ Treatment" and confirms details of the working diagnosis. Neuromuscular Dentists use the following diagnostic tools to elucidate the complete nature of this disorder.
THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVE DEVICES ARE USED BY NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTS TO AID IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CRANIOMANDIBULAR DISORDERS (TMJ, MPD, MPD,ETC)
EMG or Electromyography that is used to determine starting levels of muscle activity, symmetry of muscle activity, funCtional activity as it relates to posture and function. Spectral Analysis of EMG help to determine underlying physiologic sTatus of the muscles. EMG can also be used to fine tune bite corrections and to measure efficacy of treatment.
Sonography and/or JVA (joint vibration analysis) Can be used to measure the health of the joint and determine thru spectral analysis the amount of joint damage or changes.
MKG (mandibular kinesiograph) , CMS (computerized Mandibular Scans) are used to evaluate function and movement and in conjunction with ULF TENS to measure rest position.
ULF TENS is used diagnostically and as a treatment tool. The the dimensional position of the jaw is evaluated before and after muscle relaxation (as confirmed by EMG)
Blood Tests, urine chemistry, thyroid function are all objective tests that are used when appropriate. Sleep studies are an often under utilized diagnostic tool in finding the "BEST TMJ TREATMENT". Patients with morning headaches, snoring, high blood pressure and excessive daytime sleepiness should always be evaluated with polysomnography. The NHLBI (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute) of the NIH (National Institute of Health) considers Sleep Apnea to be a TMJ disorder.
Psychometric tests are also objective tests that are used in diagnosis. Unfortunately, many doctors believe that there are no real physical ailments and the TMJ is a "psychco-social" disease to be treated with drugs and psychotherapy. There are frequently psycho-social overlays to TMJ problems. Being in chronic pain changes patients in many ways. Psychometric testing often reveals the results of chronic pain rather than the cause.
The "A" in SOAP is the assessment, where all of the subjective and objective information allows the doctor to have a "working diagnosis" and to lay out an initial treatment plan.
The "P" in Soap is the PLAN or methods determined by the Physician or Dentist to be used to treat the patient. This may include use of medications, therapy or diagnostic orthopedic appliances. Many patients need numerous methods of treatment to address the disorders and problems diagnosed and revealed in Subjective and Objective examination. Frequently more than one practitioner will be involved in treatment.
DIAGNOSIS DOES NOT END WHEN A NEUROMUSCULAR DIAGNOSTIC ORTHOTIC IS PLACED IN A PATIENTS MOUTH!
It is essential to understand that diagnosis and treatment is an ongoing procedure and that a SOAP approach is used at subsequent appointments. The "BEST TMJ TREATMENT" is ongoing and as the patients improve it is frequently appropriate for the focus of treatment to change. It is important for the patient and doctor to be open and honest to achieve the best results.
I strongly believe that the Neuromuscular Dentistry approach is the best "TMJ" treatment but it is only a part of the total diagnosis.
