Dear Colleagues,
One of the most concerning situations for many patients with TMJ disorder is when their joint “locks” and they cannot open fully. While many cases of joint clicking or intermittent catching can improve once clenching-related muscle pain is managed, a true closed-lock that persists beyond a month often requires a different clinical approach. The good news is that closed- locking can often be reframed as a positive:
- Once locked, the troublesome popping that so many patients find embarrassing is gone.
- Limited opening can usually be restored to a comfortable range (42 mm) with a straightforward mobilization protocol.
- With effective splint therapy, joint remodeling often occurs, replacing an unstable disc with a stable “pseudodisc” that functions generally well.
In short, what begins as a worrisome problem for patients can, with proper management, lead to lasting relief and stability.
If you encounter a patient with persistent closed-locking and limited opening, I’d be glad to evaluate and discuss options for turning this into a successful long-term outcome.
Warm regards,
Jeff Doneskey
WatchPAT One
Dr. Doneskey is happy to announce that a new home sleep test (HST) is now being offered in his office. The WatchPAT One disposable sleep test offers patients convenience and efficiency in getting their results. The WatchPAT device technology not only records true sleep time but also stages of sleep (light/deep/REM). It is also the simplest home sleep test for patients to use as it does not require an abdominal or nasal monitor. The results of the study determine if future investigation is needed (full PSG). For more information, please give our office a call at any time.
The SilentPartner Oral Appliance
is a patented, FDA-approved oral sleep appliance that was developed by Dr. Doneskey and partners to effectively manage snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. In addition to this, the SilentPartner™ can also manage many TMD-related issues, including TMJ popping, locking, and grinding. Healthy jaw-friendly function, patient comfort, single-point balance, and fast complete adjustability are at the heart of its design. The appliance is customized for each individual patient while its patented mechanism makes ongoing clinical adjustments simpler and much more convenient than other oral sleep appliances on the market today. The SilentPartner™ provides patients with a convenient and comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy with the additional important benefit of effectively preventing clenching and grinding on back teeth, both of which can be secondary sleep disorders seen in most sleep apnea patients.