Non Surgical TMJ / TMD Care
(headache pain, clenching, grinding)
Head, neck and facial pain affects a significant percentage of the
population. We provide non surgical, conservative treatment often as a 3
phase plan. Initially treatment addresses any pain and symptoms. Secondly,
function can be restored. Thirdly, long term stabilization is achieved.
Patient Testimonial:
Finding a dentist who knew how to
repair my broken teeth and who was willing to work on the problems my bite
was causing had been a long- term struggle. Through a friend I learned about
the restoration work Dr. Alan Singleton was doing. Since I had been a dental
lab technician I probably came into the search for a qualified person with
more knowledge than most dental patients. I wanted my teeth fixed not
replaced with dentures. I knew the importance the root of the tooth plays in
the health of the bone structure of my mouth and would not settle for midi
occur work.
Before beginning Dr. Alan asked a lot
of questions and took an impressive set of pictures of my teeth. Seeing them
on the computer screen gave me a bird’s eye view of my mouth. At that moment
I wasn’t sure the damage could be successfully repaired. I had no idea how
much he would be able to help me. First to be repaired was the most recent
broken tooth, a molar on my lower jaw. When I left his office following the
seating of the new crown I had a small booklet to read. My instructions were
to read the information and let him know if any thing seemed familiar. My
teeth were badly worn from the many years of night grinding and teeth
clinching. Shortly after reading the handout I called Dr.Singleton to tell
him I was waking up with severe earaches that I believed was caused from
clinching my teeth while I was sleeping. A new set of appointments was made.
The tens unit electrodes were attached to my head and neck. I could not
fathom that this strange mechanical device connected to a computer would be
able to do anything for me. I was wrong. What I learned was that my worn
teeth were allowing my jaw to close too much and that caused pressure at the
joint near my ear.
Dr.Singleton recommended an appliance
on my lower teeth. The acrylic would create space between my jaws making a
more natural position for my lower jaw. It all sounded great but I still was
not convinced that it would work. The distance between the upper and lower
teeth the new appliance would create was small. A couple of weeks later I
came home with the new addition to my mouth. I was to wear it all the time.
Eat with it and sleep with it. I followed the instructions even though it
meant I had to clean the thing after every meal and snack. My tongue treated
it like a new toy. The first benefit I noticed was that my mouth was no
longer dry all the time. By the time I came in for the check up to see that
it was correctly fit I was no longer waking up with earaches and it seemed
the constant ringing in my ears was not as loud as it had been. About a
month later as I watched television I realized the sound was too loud. After
turning the sound down I put a finger on first one ear then the other.
For the first time in many years the
sound was coming into both ears nearly equal. Could the appliance have made
the difference? Gradually my sinus drainage diminished and I began to wonder
if this little piece of acrylic was a miracle in disguise. I can’t remember
a time when my sinuses have been so clear. Sure, when I get a cold my nose
runs. But, now it doesn’t run all the time. I no longer dread the airplane
flight to see my grandchildren. As the plane lands the pressure in my ears
equalizes naturally now. Today the ringing in my ears is so slight I don’t
even notice it. How many of these benefits can be attributed to the
appliance I can not say. I just know I do not want to be without it, even if
I have to wash it after every meal. That is a small price to pay for the
comfort I now have.
Edna Siniff
