Debilitating migraines and tension headaches are experienced by 38 million Americans. Yet, for many sufferers their treatment completely ignores the root cause of their symptoms — TMD.
TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is a condition in which the upper and lower jaw are misaligned, a physical ailment that is not obvious to the layman and often goes undetected by most dentists.
“For years, dentists had to use a good deal of guesswork in diagnosing problems associated with bite or how we chew. Misalignment of the jaws was treated with imprecise tools. Most of the methods were not sensitive enough to measure both biting and force – critical components in diagnosing TMD. ” explains Dr. Martin Gorman, DDS, a pioneer in bioesthetic dentistry.
“Today, we have a new generation of advanced diagnostic tools to assess and balance the forces of the bite with the muscles and joints of the head and neck,” he says.
Among the latest in technology in the treatment of TMD-migraines is Tekscan Imaging, a tool that aids in the diagnostic process of analyzing a patient’s bite and showing what is and what is not functioning properly. Another tool in the diagnosis process is JVA, or Joint Vibration Analysis, which provides a fast, non-invasive and repeatable measurement of TMJ function. As well, the Cone Beam/ CT Scan allows for excellent visualization of TMJ anatomy but at significantly lower radiation dosages that medical-grade CT scanner.
Unfortunately, most dentists continue to treat TMD as a chronic condition rather than a curable disorder. The standard treatment protocol is over-the-counter painkillers, heat or cold packs, and a change of diet, i.e. “eat soft foods”(!). In contrast, Dr. Gorman treats the root causes of TMD-migraines rather than just the symptoms.
“The reality is that most migraine sufferers who experience TMD no longer have to just ‘grin and bear it.’ There’s no need to continue to live with migraine headache pain when you can get relief from these symptoms naturally and without potentially dangerous prescription drugs,” says Dr. Gorman.
Learn more at: www.mgormandental.com
