Dr. Phillip Durden, Fellow, AACP

Dr. Durden craniofacial pain fellowshipDr. Phillip Durden has achieved the status of Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain  (FAACP).

The term ‘craniofacial’ refers to the skull and bones in the face.  The study of craniofacial pain includes the assessment and management of symptoms and conditions that cause pain in facial structures.

As a comprehensive dentist, Dr. Durden’s treatment philosophy and training includes the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint (jaw joint or TMJ) disorders (dysfunction or TMD), as well as  collaboration with medical professions in the management of orofacial pain, sleep disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea.

TMJ and TMD

Each of the jaw joints works like a ‘hinge’ to move the lower jaw to speak, chew and open/close the mouth.  When one or both joints becomes inflamed or damaged, jaw joint pain can occur.   Patients that suffer with TMD often have a long list of related symptoms, including headaches, migraines, back, neck and shoulder pain, just to name a few.

Diagnosis of TMD

Like many physical conditions, the symptoms of TMD can take some time before the cause is identified.  Dr. Durden often meets patients that have been referred by medical doctors that are evaluating the patient’s chronic headaches.   After a completed oral health assessment using diagnostic imaging and jaw movement tests to confirm a diagnosis of TMD,  Dr. Durden will assist the patient with managing TMJ pain using non-surgical treatment.

Treatment of TMD

Treatment of TMJ dysfunction can include a combination of a special bite guard that helps relax the jaw joint(s), muscle stimulation, cold therapies, medications, pain trigger treatments, a soft diet and exercises to relieve discomfort.

What causes TMD?

The underlying cause of the TMD can be difficult to pinpoint.  It may be related to teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching habits that the patient may be unaware of, or, it could be the result of trauma or injury to the jaw.  There are also known connections between TMJ dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnea.

Watch Dr. Phillip Durden’s Introduction to TMJ & Obstructive Sleep Apnea Video

 

If you or loved one struggles with persistent jaw joint pain, migraine headaches, teeth clenching and teeth grinding, or other facial, head or neck pain, Please Contact Winterville Dental to schedule a TMJ health assessment with Dr. Phillip Durden.    We know that chronic head and neck pain is not ‘normal’ and will help you get the answers you need.

#wintervilledental  #tmjrelief  #tmddentist #sleepapneadentistry

 

Dr Durden dances with Dancing with Athens Stars

We are so proud of our boss!  Dr. Phillip Durden has been selected by Project-Safe of Athens to compete in the local fundraiser, Dancing with the Athens Stars with Natalie Cox as his partner.  Each year, this event is a major fundraiser for Project-Safe, an Athens-based non-profit organization that assists victims of domestic violence with safe shelter and support needs.

The main event occurs on April 21st, and there will be rehearsals, yard sales and fundraising efforts beforehand.  Votes are submitted by donation, please visit the Project-Safe web site and VOTE TEAM 4!  Link below, scroll down and click on TEAM 4.  We will also be accepting in-office donations.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE TEAM 4 DANCING WITH THE ATHENS STARS  PHIL & NATALIE

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Dancing with the Athens Stars TEAM 4  Phillip Durden and Natalie Cox

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Meet Dr. Brandon Whitworth

Winterville Dental is proud to Welcome Dr. Brandon Whitworth

dentist brandon whitworth

Dr. Whitworth grew up in Athens. He is the grandson of Dr. Clyde Whitworth who was a Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Georgia and his dad was part of the last graduating class of Athens High. Dr. Whitworth earned his B.S. in Biology at Samford University and completed his dental degree at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in Augusta in 2012. His continuing education includes advanced training in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry and Invisalign® clear orthodontics.

Dr. Whitworth’s goal is to help patients of all ages enjoy the benefits of proper oral health. He has participated in mission trips all over the world to help patients living in challenging situations with their dental needs. He is excited to return home to serve the Winterville-Athens community!

Dr. Whitworth is Now Accepting New Patients
Call Today! 706.742.7000

#wintervilledental

#brandonwhitworthdmd

Winterville Dental Team at Georgia Mission of Mercy 2015

winterville dental athens dentist

The 2015 Georgia Mission of Mercy was held in Perry, Georgia this summer.  Known as ‘GMOM’, this event is organized by hundreds of Georgia dentists and their team members.  Winterville Dental Team members proudly represented our practice at this charity event in which thousands of adult patients in need were provided with free dental care.

Athens dentist 2015 GMOM

Want to help?  Learn more about GMOM and donate at

http://www.georgiamissionofmercy.org

Dr. Durden Appointed for Second Term as President of the GA Academy of General Dentistry

Congratulations Dr. Durden!

Please join the Winterville Dental Team in celebration of Dr. Durden’s appointment for his second term as President of the Georgia Academy of General Dentistry.  We are so proud of his accomplishment!  The GAGD serves its membership by providing quality continuing education to general dentists throughout the State of Georgia.  Dr. Durden will continue his efforts to help this highly respected organization continue to grow and support Georgia dentists.

Dr. Phillip Durden GA Academy of General Dentistry President

Dr. Phillip Durden of Winterville Dental addresses GA Academy of General Dentistry membership as President-Elect

Dr Phillip Durden president of georgia academy of general dentistry

Athens dentist Dr. Phillip Durden being sworn in as incoming President of the GA Academy of General Dentistry for a second term

 

Dr. Durden announces OsteoReady Dental Implants

Athens area dentist Dr. Phillip Durden is now offering OsteoReady™ dental implants.

Research indicates that 69% of 35 to 44 year old adults have lost at least one permanent tooth to decay, trauma, periodontal (gum) disease or a failed root canal.  And, by the age of 74, nearly 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth.

OsteoReady dental implants are designed to be placed using a  minimally-invasive technique that can usually be completed in less appointments, resulting in reduced healing times. Dental implants can be used to secure a dental crown, fixed bridge, or to stabilize a loose denture.

If you are interested in learning about the benefits of dental implant care, please don’t hesitate to call the Winterville Dental team, 706.742.7000.  Our privately-owned dental office is conveniently located 7 minutes east of Athens.

athens dental implants