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What is TMJ?

Erica Bunting — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Do You Have TMJ?

The word TMJ is an abbreviation of Temporomandibular Joint. It actually describes an anatomical joint of the body. But it has come to mean all the symptoms of a disorder that includes joint pain, jaw locking, types of ear pain, headaches, and facial pain. This joint is an orthopeadic joint like others in the body. It is susceptible to disease like all the joints. The key is to sort out what part on the problem is just the joint, and what part is other contributing or associated problems. Then a plan can be developed to treat each properly in proper order.

For example, the TM Joint problem might be the primary problem and the headaches and other symptoms are secondary. Then the plan would be to treat just the joint and all the other problems would resolve. In this case orthopeadic principles would be used to rehabilitate the joint in order to restore its lubrication and ultimately its pain free movement.

On the other hand, the TM Joint problem might be secondary. In this case the doctor has to figure out what are all the contributing factors that are driving the TMJ problem. These could include muscle tension headache, migraine, sinus, neck aches, stress, sleep apnea and more. A plan would be developed to treat all these contributing factors as the joint issues are addressed. This may entail referrals to other medical specialties. The critical aspect of the treatment is the experience and knowledge of the TMJ doctor. He has to know and identify all the contributing factors to be able to know when to refer and what to do as the patient responds to the treatment.

At the center of most TMJ treatment is splint therapy. A splint or muscle relaxant orthotic is designed only to relax the clenching muscles in order to allow the TM Joint to heal. Then as this happens, the other contributing factors will be addressed in proper order. This is a degenerative condition and the goal of treatment is to return the patient into a state of adaptation. TMJ can not be cured, but one can live a healthy and pain free life with the condition.

For more information visit - www.tmjtexas.com

8-Feb-10 9:00 AM

Are your Headches Normal?

Erica Bunting — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Do you suffer from headaches? Is it normal to have headaches? How many a week is normal, and how severe a headache is normal? What causes these headaches? These are the most common questions people have about their headaches. While the 63 billion dollar painkiller industry is telling you to “kill the pain” of your headache, the reality is that the pain is a sign that something might be wrong!

Rate your headache on a pain scale of 0 to 10, level 10 being the worse pain you could imagine. A “normal” headache is usually pain level of 2 or 3 twice per week. But, if you find that you have a headache every day, or that you are taking pain killers for your headaches more than twice per week or if your headache is greater than a level 5, you need to find out why.

There are many types and causes of headaches. The most common is muscle tension headache. Migraine is another common headache. Sinus, sleep interruption or sleep apnea, TMJ, or even some types of brain tumors and disorders can cause headaches.

While most causes of headaches can be treated conservatively, there are other causes that on the surface may seem mild, but actually can be life threatening if not treated early.

You need not suffer from headaches anymore. Over the counter painkillers can cause ulcers, kidney and liver damage if taken in excess or over a long period of time. Find out what factors are contributing to your headache. We can help!

For more information

Call: 281-296-6797 in The Woodlands or see us on our web site: www.tmjtexas.com

8-Feb-10 9:00 AM

Is Snoring Normal?

Erica Bunting — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:00:00 GMT

Is snoring normal?

Snoring is a normal part of the human sleep experience for most people. But there lurks a hidden danger in thinking it should not be evaluated. This danger is Sleep Apnea. Excessive snoring is a compelling symptom associated with Sleep Apnea and people who regularly snore should definitely be screened for this not so silent disorder.

Snoring has long been thought of as simply an irritant for the bed partner but in recent years much has been learned about the real dangers that snoring indicates. The actual sound known as snoring is caused by the vibration of the walls of the throat. Usually, this vibration occurs when the tongue falls back in the throat, prompted by loose muscle tone and weight gain, and the walls of the throat collapse. This results in a restriction of airflow and triggers the brain to make the chest work harder in order to get more air through the narrow airway. This generates a much greater speed of air than normal and causes the tissues of the throat and the back of the mouth to vibrate.

When a person suffers from Sleep Apnea this process can become deadly by constricting the airway so severely that the individual frequently stops breathing throughout the night. The decrease of oxygen caused by narrowing of the airway and the drop in pressure in the chest cavity caused by the collapsing airway often leads to heart problems, type2 diabetes, strokes and most often daytime fatigue. This fatigue is usually shrugged off by most as “just getting old” or “normal”, but in fact daytime fatigue is a major cause of driving accidents on the road today and it is a huge contributing factor in the obesity epidemic that is overwhelming our society.

The good news is it can and should be treated. Snoring must be evaluated by a Medical or Dental Sleep Specialist and only a qualified practitioner can diagnose a sleep-related health threat, or determine if it is something that just needs to be watched for future changes.

The importance of consulting a doctor can not be overemphasized. It may very well save your life. In the very least, it will improve your quality of life and certainly make for a much happier bed partner!

17-Dec-07 2:00 PM

Upcoming Events

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:40:12 GMT

Ron, you did a great job at the sleep course... you made us dentists proud! - Stephen A. Buehler, D.D.S. Dr. Prehn was a proud participant in the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine's 18th Annual Meeting Seattle, WA Upcoming Events American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine's 19th Annual Meeting Combination Therapy: Advanced Course When: Sunday, October 31, 2010 9:00AM -10:00AM Where: Las Vegas, NV Webinar Series Sleep & TMD ***Additional Dates to be announced

Doctor Resources

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:35:09 GMT

Listen now to Dr. Prehn's Podcast! No Frills TMD for the RDH Check back for updated topics! Check Out this featured article in the TDA Journal! SLEEPLESS IN TEXAS by Ronald S. Prehn, D.D.S Referral Form Articles & Abstracts Forms Register for Seminars i-Cat Information Contact Dr. Prehn Note: Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print the the articles and forms in this section. If you dont have Adobe Acrobat Reader 8, click here to download. _uacct = UA-1861966-1; urchinTracker();

SLEEP DISORDERS

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:27:15 GMT

There are many types of sleep disorders, but the most common known at this time in the ever-growing specialty of sleep medicine are snoring, sleep apnea and insomnia. Snoring is easily diagnosed by a bed partner. Insomnolence is known by the patient and often is the result of pain or anxiety. Sleep apnea is the reduction of oxygen in the blood (due to many possible causes), with the obstruction of the upper airway being the most common. The most common forms of diagnosis are a sleep study with a CPAP machine or an oral mandibular advancement orthotic (fabricated by Dr. Prehn). If the cause is other than upper airway, such as neurological or lower airway, then an oral appliance will not work. Click here to Learn more about Treatment Options The appliance pulls the mandible forward, thereby opening the upper airway and allowing passage of air. It is critical to Dr. Prehn that the appliance allows free lateral movement of the lower jaw in order to keep the TM joints lubricated at...

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea/Snoring

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:38:44 GMT

1. Behavior modification. 2. Medical treatment (CPAP). 3. Oral appliance therapy (OAT). 4. Combination Therapy (CT). 5. Surgery. At the present state of the medical and dental sleep profession, these are the 5 available options for treatment of various forms of sleep disorder breathing. The options within these treatments are ever changing and sometimes too numerous to list. A review of these options follows. Four Options for treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): 1. Behavior modification represents the category that consists of suggestions to help alleviate the collapse of the airway and also to help the patient sleep better. These include a long list of suggestions called “sleep hygiene.” Sleep hygiene are behaviors that promote good sleep. If followed, the result will be better night sleep. Another example of behavior modification will be “positional therapy.” Positional therapy means that if you sleep on your side, then your airway is...

Home Left Column

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:59:36 GMT

Learn about Facial Pain & TMJ treatment options Are your headaches normal? Snoring?? Find out why ARTICLES OF INTEREST Sleep Hygiene AdviceLearn about increasing your sleep drive, keeping a daily rhythm, controlling drug effects and more... More Sleep Hygiene Advice... Why Is Pain A Gift From God?How can pain be a gift from God? Doesn't it seem more appropriate to say that pain is something that the devil brings upon us? When you think of pain, do you actually think that pain comes from God? Pain is something that God has given to us to use and we should be thankful for it... More Dr. Prehn's Weblog Monday's Musings Welcome to my blog. There are two aspects to this blog. One is for patients and one is for medical professionals. Both can benefit from each other, so you take from this what you need or want. The purpose of this blog is to record some insights from my expierence and knowledge into the care of patients with facial pain and...

Articles & Abstracts

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:19:48 GMT

TMJ / Facial Pain Clinical Signs of TMJ Osteoarthrosis and Internal Derangement 30 Years After Nonsurgical Treatment - Reny de Leeuw, D.D.S.;Geert Boering, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Boudewijn Stegenga, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Lambert G.M. de Bont, D.D.S., Ph.D. A Change of Occlusal Conditions After Splint Therapy for Bruxers with and Without Pain in the Masticatory Muscles - Tetsunori Fujii, D.D.S, Ph.D.; Tetsurou Torisu, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Shigeru Nakamura, D.D.S. Relationship Between the TMJ Disc and Condyle Position on MRI and Occlusal Contacts on Lateral Excursions in TMD Patients - N. Taşkaya-ilmaz; M.Öğütcen-Toller; Y.Ş. Saraç Temporomandibular Disorder Treatment Outcomes: Second Report of a Large-Scale Prospective Clinical Study - Donald T. Brown, D.D.S., M.S.; Elmer L. Gaudet, Jr., D.D.S., M.S.D. Effect of a Full-Arch Maxillary Occlusal Splint on Parafunctional Activity During Sleep in Patients with Nocturnal Bruxism and Signs and Symptoms of Craniomandibular...

TMJ DISORDERS

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:00:12 GMT

TMJ is an acronym for the temporomandibular joint. TMJ is an anatomical orthopedic joint, just like any other joint in your body. The key to the health of any joint, including this one, is lubrication. Most disorders of the TMJ are related to the lack of lubrication in the joint space. It is susceptible to the same problems as all your joints. Disorders of the TMJ are medical problems that require mainstream medical orthopedic treatments like orthotics, medications and physical therapy TMJ has been used by many people through the years to actually describe TMD, which is an acronym for temporomandibular disorder. TMD describes many symptoms related to the jaw and supporting structures. TMD can include TMJ problems, as well as muscle pain, headaches and other types of facial pain. This disorder is a subgroup of orofacial pain that include many different types of pain in the head and neck. The TM joint itself is located directly in front of the ear and is commonly called the...

Mission / Vision / Values

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:53:01 GMT

Our Mission We will endeavor to use our God-given talents to serve our patients, referring doctors, dentists and staff. We will strive to identify all of the factors contributing to our patients’ medical pain ans sleep conditions by addressing the total patient, including his or her physical, emotional and spiritual needs, by using state-of-the-art diagnostic and appropriate treatment procedures. Our goal is to serve by maintaining a comfortable, empathetic and loving environment, while pointing all to Christ by our competency, character and compassion. We want to be a light in the dark world of facial pain and sleep medicine in South Texas and beyond. Sleep disorders and pain can affect the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of a person’s life. We are committed to addressing all three when a patient presents to our office in distress. Orofacial pain, sleep disorders and headaches have many contributing factors involving both medical and dental science. We are...

Location/Map

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:04:11 GMT

The Woodlands, Texas 1001 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 200 The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-296-6797 p 281-296-6887 f manager@tmjtexas.com Get Directions to The Woodlands Office Office Hours Mon. –Thu. 8:30a.m. – 4:30p.m. Closed Fri. –Sun. We are about 35 miles north of downtown Houston, TX just off I-45 North. Downtown Houston, Texas 7500 San Felipe, Suite 925 Houston, Texas 77063 281-296-6797 p 281-296-6797 f manager@tmjtexas.com Get Directions to the Downtown Houston Office Office Hours Thursdays 8:30a.m. – 3:30p.m Central Wisconsin 413 Jefferson Street Wausau, Wisconsin 54403 715-845-6419 manager@tmjtexas.com Get Directions to the Central Wisconsin Office

Center for Dental Sleep Medicine - Wausau and Central Wisconsin

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:14:21 GMT

Do You Suffer from Snoring or Daytime Fatigue? We are proud to now serve your sleep concerns in our WI office. Dental Sleep Medicine offers patients advanced treatment options, alternatives to CPAP and enriched quality of life. ...

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noemail@tmjtexas.com — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 20:30:50 GMT

Objectives:

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Release Date: 14-Mar-07 3:30 PM
Expiration Date: 14-Jun-07 3:30 PM

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The TAP nasal pillows and CPAP (TAP-PAP) are a wonderful combination. It is comfortable, quiet and effective. My feeling of well-b

Mon, 19 May 2008 21:30:08 GMT

"The TAP nasal pillows and CPAP (TAP-PAP) are a wonderful combination. It is comfortable, quiet and effective. My feeling of well-being and alertness has vastly improved due to the treatment."

– Sharon

It is such a blessing, the care you have given to my patients and myself. –

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:58:32 GMT

"It is such a blessing, the care you have given to my patients and myself."

– Dr. Hermione A. White

For years I have been experiencing a pounding sound and loss of hearing in my ears. Not all the time but usually in th

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:28:59 GMT

"For years I have been experiencing a pounding sound and loss of hearing in my ears. Not all the time but usually in the evenings. All I could do is go to bedto escaoe it. After using the splint mouth guard for only a couple of months I no longer experience the pounding or hearing loss.

-Sandy

I'm amazed! I have been a Christian all of my life, but I cannot remem

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:24:54 GMT

"I'm amazed! I have been a Christian all of my life, but I cannot remember a time a total stranger gave me something I desperately needed. I wanted to thank you again. Lately, not much has gone my way...God was smiling on me the day I met you. So, thank you so much and may God bless you."

- Ginnie

Thanks for going the extra mile for our patients!

Mon, 07 May 2007 20:07:51 GMT

"Thanks for going the "extra mile" for our patients!"

- Susan at Dr. Jones office

I wanted to drop you this line and tell you thanks for your incredible attention to detail and wonderful att

Mon, 07 May 2007 20:06:26 GMT

"I wanted to drop you this line and tell you "thanks" for your incredible attention to detail and wonderful attitude while we were in your office. We both look forward to seeing you again very soon."

- Rick

I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for the gift you and your wonderful office have given me. Since

Mon, 07 May 2007 20:05:54 GMT

"I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for the gift you and your wonderful office have given me. Since beginning splint therapy on January 7, I have been headache free. This is really something for me to celebrate, because I have not been headache free for the last fifteen years…this is truly a blessing and has improved my life beyond belief. I only hope others like me who have suffered for so many years can find out about the great work you and your staff do at your office."

- Karen

Just had to let you know how much I appreciated the atmosphere of warmth and caring experienced during my rece

Mon, 07 May 2007 20:05:21 GMT

"Just had to let you know how much I appreciated the atmosphere of warmth and caring experienced during my recent visit. The feeling I was your only patient and you had all the time in the world to help me feel better is like the mastercard commercial says, this is priceless. Bless you all"

- Thelma

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2007-03-14T20:30:50Z

Instructor: Instructor

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