In a recent episode of the Tooth Be Told Podcast, Dr. Priya Mistry, known as the TMJ Doc, shared her expertise on TMJ disorders. This blog post highlights key points from the podcast, aiming to educate readers about TMJ disorders, their symptoms, and treatment options, and to promote Dr. Mistry’s specialized practice.
Introduction to Dr. Priya Mistry
Dr. Priya Mistry, based in Vancouver, Washington, is a dedicated specialist in TMJ disorders. Her journey into this niche began unexpectedly when she met her mentor, Dr. Arthur Parker, in 2018. Intrigued by Dr. Parker’s exclusive focus on TMJ disorders, Dr. Mistry decided to shadow him and learn about his practice. This experience led her to purchase Dr. Parker’s practice in 2021 and continue his legacy of providing specialized care for TMJ disorders.
Understanding TMJ and TMD
Dr. Mistry explained the difference between TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and TMD (temporomandibular disorder). TMJ refers to the jaw joints, and issues in these joints can manifest as clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw. TMD, on the other hand, involves the muscles that control jaw movement. When these muscles become dysfunctional, they can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, ear pain, neck pain, jaw pain, and even tooth pain.
Common Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of TMD can be quite varied, often mimicking other conditions. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Ear-related concerns such as pain, stuffiness, or dizziness
- Jaw pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Tooth pain without dental cause
- Numbness or tingling in the face or fingers
Dr. Mistry conducts a thorough history and examination to determine whether the symptoms are muscle-related, joint-related, or a combination of both. This comprehensive approach helps her create a tailored treatment plan for each patient.
Treatment Approaches
Dr. Mistry employs a combination of TMJ orthotics and craniofacial therapy to treat TMD. She distinguishes between night guards, splints, and TMJ orthotics:
- Night Guard: Protects the teeth but does not address muscle or joint issues.
- Splint: A term often used interchangeably with night guard or orthotic, which can be confusing.
- TMJ Orthotic: Specifically designed to position the jaw in a way that relaxes the muscles and alleviates joint stress.
Dr. Mistry uses neuromuscular dentistry principles and the Myotronics K7 machine to find the optimal resting position for the jaw. She then creates a daytime and a nighttime orthotic, aiming to taper patients off the daytime orthotic within three to four months while often recommending indefinite use of the nighttime orthotic for maintenance.
In addition to orthotics, Dr. Mistry performs craniofacial therapy every few weeks. This hands-on therapy involves soft tissue work, intraoral muscle release, and jaw manipulation to reduce muscle tension and improve joint function.
Addressing Compliance and Challenges
One challenge Dr. Mistry faces is ensuring patient compliance, especially with the daytime orthotic. She stresses the importance of wearing the orthotic to see progress and encourages patients by explaining the benefits they will experience. The nighttime orthotic is usually easier for patients to comply with, as it often provides immediate relief from symptoms like headaches.
Integrating Other Specialties
Dr. Mistry occasionally refers patients to upper cervical chiropractors, who can address misalignments in the cervical spine that may affect jaw function. She is cautious about using Botox for TMJ treatment due to its potential impact on airway function and prefers to rely on orthotics and craniofacial therapy. However, she is open to using Botox in specific cases if requested by the patient.
Causes and Prevention of TMJ Disorders
Dr. Mistry identified several common causes of TMJ disorders:
- Stress: Leads to increased clenching and grinding of teeth.
- Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Conditions like sleep apnea can exacerbate clenching and grinding.
- Hypermobility: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can lead to joint instability.
- Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, can affect TMJ function.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Both during and after orthodontic treatment, changes in bite alignment can impact TMJ function.
She 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.
Conclusion
Dr. Priya Mistry’s expertise and comprehensive approach to TMJ disorders provide valuable insights for both patients and dental professionals. Her commitment to patient education and personalized treatment plans underscores the importance of specialized care for TMJ disorders. For those experiencing symptoms, Dr. Mistry’s methods offer hope for effective relief and improved quality of life.
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.
