Things you should know

Here is some important information relating to various trauma and whiplash injuries involving the temporomandibular (jaw) joint. Injury to this joint and associated cranial musculature, is frequently overlooked during physician or hospital examinations. Yet, recent evidence suggests that many of these injuries are either a direct result of accidents or as a latent development.

Because it is overlooked, many patients never fully recover. They suffer needlessly with chronic intractable pain which eventually manifests as permanent degenerative changes of the temporomandibular joints. TMJ has been called the "great impostor" because of the wide variety of symptoms that often mimic other disorders - particularly cervical injuries. Any kind of accident to the head and neck area, migraines, physical abuse or sports injuries are also prone to TMJ disorders.

What should I or my Lawyer do?

If you experienced an accident or injury, or if your are a lawyer and your clients experience any of these classic TMJ symptoms, they should have a thorough dental evaluation.

• Clicking or popping of the jaw joint
• Grating sounds of the jaw during opening
• Pain from the jaw joint area upon opening
• Pain on one side of the head
• Inability to open the mouth fully
• Jaw opens with irregular movements

Our office uses the latest in state-of-the-art instrumentation for analysis of TMJ disorders including Electromyography, Electrognathography, and Joint Vibration Analysis. This equipment assists us in documenting cases related to head, neck and temporomandibular joint injuries. Dr. Edderai will furnish you or your lawyer with complete narratives providing verification of injuries, symptoms, accident history, and outline of treatment and fees. You will find Dr. Edderai's opinions are dependable and honest with reports that include extent of injury, causation and suggested treatment.

It is difficult to objectively show damage to soft tissues. However, there are objective tests to identify and measure damage to the temporomandibular joints and associated musculature. Dr. Edderai would be happy to discuss this further with you or your lawyer and explain how these tests and measurements can be done.

To read more about temporomandibular joint disorders read our extensive TMJ section.