TJM Specialist Needed In MA???

Q: My daughter was injured in an auto accident 8/31/98. She has since been diagnosed as having a traumatic TMJ injury, BUT has been shunted from doctor to dentist to doctor, with NO treatment. A referal was made to a pain clinic, their focus is to teach her to deal with the pain. They do not even have a TMJ specialist on their team, but are generalists, and seemed actually to have little knowledge of the treatment of the condition. My daughter does not abuse pain meds, and has had only her initial script of 12 vicodin issued on 8/31. which has several left. If one of you could direct us to a TMJ specialist in eastern Massachusetts, preferably the North Shore area, I would be forever in your debt. We are at wits end, everyone telling us we need more than they can provide, and so therefore providing nothing. She has health insurance, dental insurance and since this was an auto accident car insurance; she can not afford however to make big up front cash payments. I mention this because several suppossed specialists, have demanded this or they would not see her. Please help if you can, she has not eaten solid food since 8/31.

A: I am from New Jersey and have successfully treated a number of patients with TMJ disorders related to auto accidents. I do not know any TMJ specialists in your area. I would, however suggest that you contact the Harvard University Dental School. They should be able to direct you to a reputable specialist. I strongly advise you to find a good personal injury attorney since the costs of such injury would most likely be completely covered under your auto insurance policy. Personal injury attorneys often work with TMJ specialists who are experienced in dealing with insurance companies ( I can tell you battle stories of how insurance companies use intimidation in attempts to get off the hook on TMJ claims and

how my colleagues and I have been able to turn their own tactics against them). One last bit of advice. The earlier treatment is instituted , the better the prognosis for successful treatment. An accurate diagnosis of the nature of the damage is critical . Presence of neurological involvement and cervical vertebrae displacement must be evaluated or ruled out.. Diagnosis will determine the specific treatment used by the dentist. as well as which specialists might participate in both diagnosis and treatment. Please remember that, ultimately, the dental TMJ specialist is always the one responsible for coordinating any team effort which may be required.