“I suffered with pain in my face, jaws and mouth for years. I have seen several physicians and dentists without any relief. A friend told me about Dr. James Lajevic. He diagnosed my condition (TMJ) and treated it. Finally my pain is gone. Dr. James Lajevic was God sent.” ..Mary
TMJ is an acronym used by many patients to refer to the painful symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Symptoms may include pain in the jaw joint itself, pain in the muscles of the face, headaches, earache, clicking sounds in the joint, limited and painful opening of the jaw, and even pain in the neck, arms and spine.
TMJ may be caused by trauma, slipped disc, arthritis, stress and muscle disorders in the head and neck region. In a large number of patients, TMJ is caused by changes in form and function of teeth and joints (bad bite or malocclusion).
Treatment of TMJ is carried out in two phases. Phase i consists of non-invasive and reversible procedures to alleviate the symptoms and signs of dysfunction, while phase ii allows the initial treatment to be planned for long term stabilization of the joints and jaws. The procedures employed in phase ii are definitive and non-reversible, and are based on the outcomes of the initial treatment. The procedures employed in phase ii are definitive and non-reversible, and are based on the outcomes of the initial treatment.
TMJ treatment procedures provided at the institute include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning
- Appliance therapy (splints, orthotics, or jaw repositioning splints)
- Physical therapy procedures
- Medication
- Behavioral modification
- Definitive restorative procedures for long term stabilization of the joints and jaw, as well as referral to other specialists if needed
- Maintenance of the stabilized teeth and joints
