In a special episode of the Expect Miracles Podcast, Dr. Priya Mistry, affectionately known as the TMJ Doc, shared her insights and expertise on TMJ disorders. Based in Vancouver, Washington, Dr. Mistry has dedicated her practice to diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, providing much-needed relief to countless patients. This blog post delves into the highlights of her discussion on the podcast, aiming to educate readers about TMJ disorders and promote Dr. Mistry’s specialized practice.
From General Dentistry to TMJ Specialist
Dr. Mistry’s journey into TMJ specialization began in 2018 when she met Dr. Arthur Parker, a renowned TMJ specialist in Portland, Oregon. Intrigued by his focus solely on TMJ, Dr. Mistry decided to shadow him, leading to a profound interest in the field. She eventually purchased Dr. Parker’s practice in 2021, moving it to Vancouver, Washington, where she continues to build on his legacy.
Understanding TMJ and TMD
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, commonly referred to as TMD (temporomandibular disorder), involve issues with the jaw joints and the muscles controlling jaw movement. Symptoms can range from jaw pain and headaches to ear pain, neck pain, and even tooth pain. Dr. Mistry emphasizes the importance of a thorough history and examination to identify whether the symptoms are muscle-related, joint-related, or both.
The Examination Process
Dr. Mistry’s examination process is comprehensive, starting with a detailed history of the patient’s head, neck, and jaw injuries, bite patterns, and habits like clenching and grinding. She performs muscle palpation, joint evaluation, postural assessments, and even leg length checks to identify potential causes of TMJ issues. This holistic approach allows her to pinpoint the root causes and create an effective treatment plan.
Treatment Approaches
Dr. Mistry distinguishes between night guards and TMJ orthotics:
- Night Guard: A device to protect teeth from clenching and grinding but does not address muscle or joint issues.
- TMJ Orthotic: A custom-made device designed to position the jaw in an optimal position, treating both muscle and joint issues.
She utilizes neuromuscular dentistry techniques and sophisticated technology, such as the Myotronics K7 machine, to determine the correct jaw position. Her treatment regimen often includes both daytime and nighttime orthotics, combined with craniofacial therapy to relax and realign the muscles and joints.
Addressing Compliance and Challenges
Ensuring patient compliance, particularly with daytime orthotics, can be challenging. Dr. Mistry educates her patients on the importance of wearing the orthotic to achieve progress. The nighttime orthotic is generally easier for patients to comply with, as it often provides immediate relief from symptoms like headaches.
Integrating Other Specialties
Dr. Mistry collaborates with upper cervical chiropractors to address neck misalignments that may affect jaw function. She rarely uses Botox due to its potential impact on airway function but remains open to it in specific cases. Her holistic approach sometimes includes referrals for sleep studies, as sleep-disordered breathing can exacerbate TMJ issues.
Causes and Prevention of TMJ Disorders
Common causes of TMJ disorders include:
- Stress: Leads to increased clenching and grinding.
- Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Conditions like sleep apnea can worsen clenching and grinding.
- Hypermobility: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can cause joint instability.
- Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, can impact TMJ function.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Changes in bite alignment during or after treatment can affect TMJ function.
Dr. Mistry advises patients to avoid habits and foods that strain the jaw, such as chewing gum, eating tough or chewy foods, and clenching or grinding teeth.
Success Stories and Patient Outcomes
Dr. Mistry shared success stories of patients experiencing significant relief from TMJ symptoms through her treatments. For example, one patient with chronic headaches found relief within a week of using the nighttime orthotic. While treatment duration varies, most patients see improvement within four to eight months, depending on the severity of their condition.
Conclusion
Dr. Priya Mistry’s dedication to TMJ disorders offers hope and effective treatment to patients suffering from these often-debilitating conditions. Her comprehensive, personalized approach underscores the importance of specialized care. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Dr. Mistry’s website or follow her on social media for the latest updates and educational content.
Explore more about TMJ disorders and find valuable resources on Dr. Mistry’s social media platforms:
- Instagram: The TMJ Doc
- YouTube: The TMJ Doc Channel
- TikTok: The TMJ Doc
Don’t lose hope—there is help available for TMJ disorders, and Dr. Priya Mistry is here to guide you on your journey to relief and improved quality of life.
