TMJ Disease is an old term used for temporomandibular joint disorders. The primary symptoms are TMJ headache and neck aches. Most of these patients also suffer from tooth grinding, called bruxism. The grinding causes hot and cold tooth sensitivity and occasionally a tooth can be battered so bad that it dies and needs a root canal. Unfortunately, it is common to see lots of root canals in these patients.

          Many other medical conditions seem to be related to TMJ Disease, such as thyroid problems and mitral valve prolapse. Thyroid disorders cause muscle problems and muscle pain is one of the primary complaints that patients with jaw problems experience. The mitral valve is in the heart and is mostly made of collagen. The jaw joint is also made of collagen so when a patient has a whole body collagen problem, it will affect everything in that patient's whole body. Many patients also have neck and back problems which can force the patient to hold his or her head in an unusual position.

          Patients with TMJ Disease are primarily women from the ages of 14 to about 65. They often do not sleep well and have chronic temporal headaches that are commonly mis-diagnosed as migraines. It is a pity that physicians no longer touch patients very often and tend to miss muscle related problems. It is not uncommon for many patients to have seen half a dozen physicians before being correctly diagnosed. TMJ migraines are not real migraines. They just mimic them.

          The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Because we know that TMJ Disease pain can be terrible and these patients need TMJ pain relief, our Financial Manager will do everything she can to assist you in making financial arrangements to help you obtain your needed dental care. If you are having temporomandibular joint problems and would like to consult with a TMJ Dentist, please call 404-874-7428 and make an appointment at with Dr. Padolsky.