What is the temporomandibular joint?
The jaw joint between the mandible and the articular surface of the temporal bone. This joint allows opening and closing of the jaw, as well as numerous other movements.
What symptoms should I be concerned about?
There are many symptoms related to TMJ disorders. Everyone is different, therefore the disorder can present itself in a variety of ways. Some of the most common symptoms are: headaches, eye pain, bruxism, clicking or popping of the jaw, and ringing of the ears.
Why do TMJ disorders happen?
Many TMJ related symptoms are caused by the effects of physical and emotional stress on the structures around the joint. Daily stress can lead you to clench and grind your teeth, poor posture can also be an important factor, as well as poor diet and lack of sleep.
When should I contact a medical professional?
If you are having trouble eating or opening your mouth, have jaw pain, facial pain, headaches and jaw clicking, you should consult with a health care professional immediately. Our doctor is specially trained in TMJ disorders and craniofacial pain and can help diagnose and treat your condition.
Will treatment be covered by Insurance?
Medical and dental insurance is intended to cover a portion of your treatment. The amount of your coverage depends on the individual contract your employer or union has with the insurance company.Please note that it is a requirement for medical insurance companies to offer coverage in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders in the State of Georgia. Effective July 1, 1994, Georgia law prohibited health insurance policies from excluding medically necessary nonsurgical or surgical treatment for the correction of temporomandibular disorders by physicians or dentists. View § 33-30-14: Georgia Law for Insurance Coverage
How do I pay for services?
Charges are due at the time you are provided treatment. If treatment requires multiple visits, a mutually satisfactory payment schedule can be arranged. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover for payment. We can also provide 12 month interest free financing from a third party source for your convenience.
How long will it take to get better?
This is all based on what the underlying reason is. In many instances a significant reduction of symptoms occurs within 24-48 hours of appliance delivery. Typically, complete healing and restoration of proper function takes three months or greater depending on your capacity to heal and how chronic the problem is. Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, high stress levels and individual secondary situations may delay the healing process. Please read and watch some of the patient testimonials to get a better feel of other patients’ experiences.
What makes your splints any different?
A previous splint may not have completely addressed the root of your problem. Then there is the great debate between hard and soft, upper and lower, keeping the appliance in to eat with or removing it, etc. The basis of fabrication of our appliance is to position the jaw in a correct physiologic position. This is done by careful review of TMJ Tomogram x-rays, a mounted model of your existing occlusion (bite) and by reviewing other parameters before an appliance is fabricated. On average, we see patients that have worn 4-7 appliances before being treated by our team.
How often would I need to be seen?
Directly after treatment begins we will want to see you for follow-up care every 3 to 4 weeks for a duration of 3-6 months.
Does everyone need to wear a splint?
This will be based on your diagnosis. Not everyone needs to wear an appliance at all times.
Will I need TMJ surgery?
In our practice, we periodically do depend on conservative surgical procedures to accelerate healing and reduce pain. However, only 3% of patients under our care need to be seen by an oral surgeon for such procedures. Our practice focuses on nonsurgical treatment for the correction of temporomandibular disorders.
What is a diplomate?
A diplomate is a doctor who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of a specific healthcare field and who is certified by the respective board.
Earning a diplomate involves a rigorous process which includes a prerequisite of advanced study and training or taking a specified number of continuing education hours and courses, case presentations and a thorough written examination.
What does this mean to you?
Earning a diplomate status is an important professional achievement that signifies to patients plus dental, medical and other healthcare professionals that the dentist has met the highest standards of care as set forth by the respective board
Dr. Maggan is dual-board certified in craniofacial pain and dental sleep medicine.