Boca Raton TMJ Specialist
TMJ stands for temporo-mandibular joint, and when it is giving you trouble, it is consuming. When it is out of alignment or has muscle spasms, it can cause headaches. difficulty eating, sleeping, and other problems.
Dr. David Kagan is experienced in treating temporo-mandibular disorders. A graduate of the world-renowned Pankey Institute, he is qualified to treat TMJ and other occlusal problems. The Pankey Institute is a center of postgraduate dental education that teaches dentists excellence in dentistry in general, and the treatment of TMJ disorders in particular.
Is Dr. Kagan a TMJ Specialist?
There is no official designation in dentistry of TMJ specialist. So while Dr. Kagan has a special interest in this treatment and has pursued extensive additional education to learn how to treat these disorders, it would not be accurate to call him or any dentist, no matter how expert, a TMJ specialist, because legally, there is no such thing.
What Is the Cause of TMJ Disorder?
There are a number of things that can cause TMJ malfunction, including traumatic injury or bite discrepancy. One of the best ways to insure a healthy temporo-mandibular joint is to have a balanced occlusion. If your teeth all meet harmoniously and your bite is balanced, your jaw will function smoothly and you should not have this kind of trouble. But if you have a missing tooth that has not been replaced, resulting in tipping of the adjacent teeth, or if you have crooked teeth and a crooked bite, or if you have had dental work placed that has not been properly harmonized with the rest of your teeth, it can provoke pain in this joint or in the associated muscles.
Recommended Treatment
Recommended treatment for TMJ disorders covers a wide range. Sometimes all it takes is a simple appliance that you may wear at night to give your jaw rest. Sometimes it can involve what is called a full-mouth reconstruction, where all the teeth have to be restored in order to create a harmonious bite. Dr. Kagan strongly favors the most conservative treatment that will work. This is his approach in all of his dentistry.
If you have jaw pain or headaches, clicking or other noises in your joint, or pain when you try to open your mouth, please come see us. Click here to schedule a complimentary consultation, or call 