mydentalflorida@gmail.com
Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM
Weekends by Appointment
mydentalflorida@gmail.com
Weekends by Appointment
Hinge and sliding joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull involved in chewing, speaking and any other function requiring jaw movement.
TMJ problems are often explained badly, or not at all. You will be told what is causing your symptoms, what the treatment is intended to do, and roughly how long it takes to know whether it is working.
If you are in pain, that is where we start.
We treat TMJ Disorders through the use of appliances only. No surgery. We found that the worst symptoms are in patients who underwent surgical procedures. Additionally there is no need for drugs with so many bad side effects.
There are 2 phases of treatment.
The focus of this phase is stabilization of the patient by guiding their jaw in the correct “symptom free” position.
Two appliances are used: a daytime splint which is an orthopedic repositioning appliance (ORA) and a muscle relaxation/night appliance.
ORA is a specialized TMJ treatment device designed to guide the lower jaw into a more stable and physiologic position. This appliance repositions the mandible anteriorly, vertically, and horizontally to help reduce stress on the temporomandibular joints and surrounding muscles. CBCT 3D imaging is used to verify jaw positioning and evaluate joint anatomy, airway space, and bite relationships during treatment planning. Patients in Lutz and Tampa, FL may benefit from ORA therapy when experiencing jaw pain, clicking, locking, muscle tension, headaches, clenching, bruxism, or airway-related sleep concerns. Proper jaw positioning may also improve airway support, muscle function, and bite stability. Each appliance is customized based on the patient’s anatomy, symptoms, and functional evaluation.
APPOINTMENT #1
APPOINTMENT #2
FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT (number of visits varies depending on individual patient)
If you have a medical insurance and would like to know if there is any coverage prior to treatment, you can come in for an APPOINTMENT 1 so we can establish a proper diagnosis and provide you with medical codes and all paperwork necessary to submit for an insurance pre-authorization to help you plan your treatment. The patient is responsible for all communications with their insurance and getting reimbursement if any.
For self-payers, APPOINTMENT 1 is $200 for the consultation. Any x-rays or imaging necessary are extra.
Phase 2 involves getting the teeth to match the correct “symptoms free” position of the jaw without the appliance so patients won’t have to wear appliances for the rest of their life.
“It makes no difference if you believe in Creationism (the literal interpretation of the Bible that God created man) or you believe in Evolution (natural selection/survival of the fittest), either way we have 32 teeth, a tongue, two arches and an airway. Deciding to remove 4 bicuspids to “make room” for teeth that are too crowded causes the arches of the mouth to become smaller. You now have no room for your tongue causing it to now constrict your airway leading to apnea causing less oxygen to get to the brain and more stress on the heart”. Dr. Garcia
Great option for patients who wish to not undergo orthodontic treatment with fixed brackets. Instead the bite can be restored with full mouth porcelain crowns. Recommended for patients with preexisting crowns, multiple cavities and aesthetic concerns.
Dr. Garcia is the founder and director of the Bay Area Center for Craniomandibular Disorders in Tampa, Florida…
Please, provide your details in the form to the right to proceed with booking. Let us know what your appointment needs are such as date, time, and other details.