Dr. 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.

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