TMJ Theropies | Dr. Andrew F. Thompson

DENTAL PHYSICAL THERAPIES
Acupressure Therapy: For long-term pain relief. The patient will feel no pain, however, some patients may experience some temporary minor discomfort. The action is similar to TENS and when this treatment is very effective, the patient can be trained to use this treatment modality at home on an as needed basis.

Energex Therapy: Accelerates soft tissue healing and reduced inflammation and pain using pulsed radio-frequency energy. The patient feels no pain. It is similar to laser and is usually used in conjunction with another treatment modality.

Iontophoresis Therapy: Accelerates soft tissue healing and reduced inflammation and pain. An anti-inflammatory medication is "pushed" through the skin with a small electric current. The patient will feel a tingling sensation.

Laser Therapy: Accelerates tissue healing with no pain. It is used with infrared laser and usually in conjunction with another treatment modality. The patient may experience some minor transient discomfort in the 24-hours following the treatment.

TENS Therapy: Usually long term pain management using a small electric current that "blocks" the pain pathways. The patient will feel a minor tingling sensation. When this treatment is very effective, the patient can be trained to use this modality at home on an as needed basis.

Ultrasound Therapy: This is for the relief of muscle pain. The patient may experience a "buzzing" feeling.

INJECTION THERAPY
BOTOX INJECTIONS FOR TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS - Temporomandibular disorder is condition that encompasses signs and symptoms involving both the jaw joints as well as the chewing muscles. Often chronic in nature, TMD may also form part of a larger complex of headache and neck pain. The musculature of the face is generally believed to be a large contributor to the pain, as well as, the overloading of the jaw joints. Most modalities of treatment of this condition (such as massage therapy, physiotherapy, and oral appliances) aim at relaxing these muscles in an effort to reduce the primary muscular pain and secondary inflammation of the joints. In long standing TMD, the joints themselves may undergo degenerative changes mandating a more specific approach. In many cases, TMD responds very well to Botox injections into the chewing muscles. It provides relaxation and therefore pain reduction that can last 3-6 months or sometimes longer. It is not a cure, but rather a form of control and therefore retreatment may be required intermittently. The side effects of this form of therapy are generally limited to weakness of the chewing muscles.

BOTOX INJECTIONS FOR HEADACHES - Evidence from many treatment centres has shown Botox to be effective for migraines, tension headaches and mixed types of headaches. The mechanism of action is not clear, however, it has been suggested that the toxin may block transmission of nerve impulses which act as a cascade to trigger a headache such as a migraine. Botox is not useful as an acute treatment or rescue medication but works to prevent headaches. As much, it is more useful in individuals who suffer chronic daily headaches or have very frequency headaches. It is not a cure but rather a method of control that has fewer side effects than many of the medications currently available. Botox is injected into the muscles of the head and neck depending on where the pain manifests itself. It has been shown to reduce the intensity and duration of headaches. It does not work for everyone and there are at present no reliable indicators to suggest what patients may benefit from this therapy. The side effects of this therapy are very mild and infrequent. They are usually associated with unexpected temporary weakening of muscles in the area being treatment.

BOTOX INJECTIONS FOR NECK PAIN - Up to 87% of patients with whiplash associated disorder (WAD) or other non degenerative forms of neck pain demonstrate some degree of muscle spasm which is contributory to both pain and dysfunction. Botox produces long prolonged muscle relaxation which is dose dependant and can be easily targeted to affected muscles. An improvement in range of motion and pain can be accomplished even with a single treatment. The aim of therapy is to improve quality of life. Side effects and complications are generally few, although mild neck or shoulder weakness for several weeks after therapy is not uncommon.

Dr. Andrew F. Thompson, Orthodontist D.D.S., D.Ortho., F. R. C. D. (C.), Cert. Oro-Facial Pain "Over 30 years experience in advanced TMJ therapies" (902).422.5454 REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT SEND DR. THOMPSON EMAIL NEW PATIENTS WELCOME FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS
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