TMJ Services

Whether you’re a patient with symptoms of temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), or a doctor who treats patients with the disease, there is a 99% chance you have false fixed ideas regarding the problem.  I have written over 170 articles on this blog and over 250 recordings on my podcast, “TMD Demystified” on this topic.  After over 50 years treating TMD, the first […]

Treating TMD correctly is a process.  It’s not an all or none experience.  It is a gradient process.  When the real cause of TMD is understood, it makes sense why treatment is a gradient process.  It would be nice if the patient could take a pill, receive a “shot”, or be placed on a machine and within 3 minutes all the symptoms were gone.  Practicing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for 50 years, both […]

The truth regarding Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, (TMD) remained hidden for 80 years because there was no one willing to put aside their fixed ideas and biases until I came along.  After treating TMD surgically for 36 years, I decided surgical treatment of the Temporomandibular Joint, (TMJ) was not  the long-term solution.  The dental profession had, at best, made halfhearted attempts to scientifically study the problem.  The profession’s best efforts were founded on the premise that the TMJ is a very […]

Dentistry has a big problem.  Dental schools are expected to prepare young dentists to diagnose and treat all the various diseases in the field of dentistry.  One of those diseases is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, TMD).  TMD was given to dentists to treat almost 100 years ago because the medical doctors thought TMD had something to do with teeth. Medical doctors, M.D.s, know  nothing about teeth.  So, the […]

It stands to reason that education is necessary to solve a problem or achieve an intended outcome.  An automobile is a tool one uses to get from place to place.  But you are not allowed to use that tool without some kind of driver’s education.  A driving test is also required in every state to show you have mastered the basic skills of controlling your vehicle […]

Would it surprise the reader to learn the breakthrough discoveries for treating TMD had been published within the scientific literature for over 50 years? Would it surprise you that mainstream medicine and dentistry resisted and continues to resist applying these discoveries because it invalidates a century of bias toward drugs and surgery? Hopefully, you are […]

I was in my 3rd year of dental school in 1972 when I first heard about night guards.  I found myself in a Clinic called “Oral Medicine” with a young professor who had already earned a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable, innovative, and intellectually honest on the faculty.  That morning, along with a handful of fellow students, I had the opportunity to observe patients being treated for what is […]

I have been treating patients with TMD, (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) for 50 years. In some ways it pains me to say that. It’s difficult to admit I have been practicing for 50 years. That’s a long time. It is also an undisputed testament to my age. On the other hand, I’m very proud to have […]

I have covered this question in previous articles but feel my explanations were inadequate.  First, the explanations were my own opinion.  Everyone has opinions and should be welcomed.  But opinions are not fact and I like to limit the information I share to facts.  What are facts?  There are four definitions according to Miriam-Webster.  something that actually exists or occurs : an actual event, situation, etc.  information or a piece of information presented […]

Orthodontists have a role in treating patients, both adults and children, who suffer the disparate symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, (TMD).  But it is not the role they have traditionally played.  It is widely accepted that moving teeth around can play a part in directing facial growth and development but not in all cases. Stated simply, 1. Timing is everything.  If you move teeth at a time that […]