TMJ/TMD

TMJ/TMD refers to diseases and disorders of the temporomandibular joints, but let's call them jaw joints to simplify things. The significance of this disorder is that it can affect different things, so that makes it difficult to diagnose. Dr. Koepsel had suffered from this problem following his own orthodontic treatment. So he made it a quest to become knowledgeable about it and learn how to diagnose and treat it in a way that gets results, not just treating the symptoms.

The most common symptom of TMJ/TMD is headaches that a lot of doctors will incorrectly label as migraines. There are true migraines, but headaches caused by TMJ are not migraines and can be eliminated by treating the TMJ problem, not just taking more medications forever.

Here are some of the symptoms associated with, and may indicate that you have a TMJ/TMD problem:

• Popping or clicking noises in the joints, perhaps following an injury.
• Deviation of the lower jaw on opening.
• Clenching or grinding of the teeth, usually during sleep.
• Jaw or muscle pain when chewing, biting or yawing.
• Sensitive teeth when no decay or pulp infection is obvious.
• Cracked, severely worn teeth or loose teeth with no gum infection.
• Difficulty opening and/or closing the mouth, especially as a recent occurrence.
• Stiff jaw, jaw locks or catches when opening or closing.
• Limited ability to open or close without pain.
• Chronic headaches with pain on the front, top, sides or back of the head.
• Neck or shoulder pain.
• Earaches without infection present. May have taken antibiotics with no result.
• Loud popping of the joints which can be heard by others.
• Open bite at the front teeth. Teeth only touch way at the back.
• Back teeth that are worn flat or all of the teeth are flat.
• Slanted smile. One side of the face is longer than the other.

If you, or someone you know, has any or several of these symptoms, they may benefit from treatment of the problem at our clinic. We will do a thorough examination and diagnostic work up if you have this problem. But, just to find out if this is what you are suffering from, call our office at (316) 215-7152 for a no cost consultation. If this is your problem, we will schedule you for the full examination.

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