In an ideal world, MVA (motor vehicle accident) assessment centers would already be doing this: They promptly address and uncover TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) disorders and have even figured out how to fix TMJ forever. But in reality, this is far from the truth. We are not doing well.
If not addressed and treated, TMJ disorders can cause long-term complications. Millions of adults in the United States suffer from these disorders, and women, particularly those aged 35 to 44, are twice as likely to be affected as men. With a high percentage of the country’s population affected by these conditions, we need to do better. We need to change how care is provided through expert diagnosis and better patient outcomes.
1. Why TMJ Is a High Prevalent Concern
Research indicates a significant rise in TMJ symptoms following traumatic incidents. 75% of patients who sustained a whiplash injury also reported immediate TMJ pain, as documented in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. What’s worse, 96% of them report symptoms of TMJ after two months of the accident.
Charts. Number of patients who sustained a whiplash injury and reported TMJ pain.
| Impact of Traumatic Incidents on TMJ Symptoms After Whiplash | Statistics |
| Patients reporting immediate TMJ pain | 75% |
| Impact of Traumatic Incidents on TMJ Symptoms After Whiplash | Statistics |
| Patients reporting TMJ pain after two months | 96% |
2. Overlooked but Debilitating: The Dangers of Not Addressing TMJ Disorders on Time
Now, how long TMJ flare-ups last will depend on how late the initial assessment is conducted. Flare-ups can be effectively treated if symptoms are discovered in a timely manner, but that’s not always the case.
If left untreated, TMJ disorders can lead to debilitating chronic pain, limited mobility, and a significantly reduced quality of life. Some of the associated symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Headaches: Persistent and severe headaches.
- Earaches: Sharp or dull pain in and around the ear, often followed by a ringing sound.
- Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Involuntary grinding or clenching can damage teeth and exacerbate TMJ pain.
- Sleep Disorders: Disrupted sleep patterns, fatigue, and irritability.
- Insomnia: Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep due to pain and discomfort.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Challenges in swallowing that can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.
All of these symptoms will continue to impact your patient’s quality of life if they are left untreated. That’s why it’s so important for specialists to address TMJ disorders using diagnostics tools effectively. But is it really that easy?
Chart. Causes of TMJ Disorders from Car Accidents
| Causes of TMJ Disorders from Car Accidents |
| 1. Whiplash injuries |
| 2. Airbag deployment |
| 3. Steering wheel impact |
| 4. Side impact collisions |
| 5. Rear-end collisions |
| 6. Seatbelt-related injuries |
| 7. Head-on collisions |
| 8. Car accidents involving jaw trauma |
3. TMJ Disorders Are More Complex Than Experts Originally Thought
TMJ disorders can be complex and multifaceted. You need a specialized set of skills for accurate diagnosis to provide an effective treatment. However, one of the most common problems is that it can be difficult to attribute TMJ to a single cause.
Worse, some TMJ symptoms are related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and let’s not forget that higher levels of depression and stress can contribute to symptom development, as this OPPERA study has demonstrated that psychological factors can worsen the symptoms. It’s like you had a puzzle with a ticking timer. How will you solve it?
Having said that, you can start by identifying what the most common complications of TMJ disorders are:
- Joint Dysfunction: Persistent jaw pain and clicking and popping sounds.
- Muscle Imbalances: Constant tension and soreness in the jaw muscles, often radiating to the neck and shoulders.
- Dental Occlusion Issues: Uneven bite patterns that lead to jaw misalignment and added stress on teeth.
- Nerve Damage: Patients can suffer from sharp, shooting pains and tingling sensations around the jaw and face.
4. The Impact of TMJ Disorders in Recovery Is Worse Than You Think
Untreated TMJ disorders can significantly impact recovery, leading to prolonged rehab and skyrocketing medical costs for both the patient and the assessment center. More hours in the doctor’s office means more bills to pay—and this can have more negative effects on the assessment center than you might initially think.
To understand how to fix TMJ forever (yes, we are dreaming big here), we need to comprehend what the consequences of TMJ disorders are and their direct impact on your patient’s lives. If we don’t learn to identify these issues, they could become a new—and painful—way of living.
Chart. The consequences of untreated TMJ disorders and their direct impact on patients’ lives:
| Consequences | Direct Impact on Patients’ Lives |
| Chronic Pain | Patients endure relentless jaw, ear, and facial pain that disrupts their daily lives. |
| Limited Mobility | Things like eating and speaking can be difficult, as opening or closing your mouth fully can be painful. |
| Reduced Range of Motion | Stiffness in the jaw causes a loss of flexibility and comfort. |
| Decreased Strength | Weakened jaw muscles impact the ability to chew and maintain normal function. |
5. The Legal and Financial Implications of TMJ Disorders
The annual financial costs associated with TMJ disorders in the United States exceed $100 billion in the United States alone – and they can be higher if assessment centers don’t give these disorders the importance they deserve.
With $100 billion, the health industry could build between 1,333 and 4,000 state-of-the-art hospitals, given the price range of $25 million to $75 million per hospital. Imagine the impact of thousands of new hospitals on healthcare access, quality, and patient outcomes nationwide if TMJ disorders were treated properly.
Different Insurances, Different Liabilities
Different states can classify TMJ disorders as medical conditions, making insurance companies legally obligated to cover certain treatments. However, this heavily depends on context. For patients looking for TMJ procedures, their coverage might only cover limited dental services, meaning not every assessment center is legally obliged to cover these procedures. Sounds confusing? It’s because it is.
However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to TMJ disorders. Poor symptom management of TMJ disorders due to a lack of appropriate evaluations and treatments based on current scientific evidence will lead to substantial legal and financial liabilities.
These liabilities include:
- Inadequate Compensation: The insufficient and often vague coverage for TMJ disorder treatments leaves patients unable to receive the care they deserve, resulting in prolonged suffering and higher expenses.
- Costly Litigation: Due to these coverage conditions, you might face legal disputes due to misdiagnosis or improper treatment of TMJ disorders, draining the resources of everyone involved.
- Medical Malpractice Claims: You could be facing allegations of negligence for failing to provide adequate evaluations, risking your reputation and financial stability in the process.
If assessment centers don’t start taking these implications seriously, more patients will never be treated properly—and we might never know how to fix TMJ forever. Prioritizing patient satisfaction is crucial, as personalized treatment leads to more positive outcomes. More satisfied patients mean a better quality of life, and a better quality of life means they’ll respect and trust your assessment center.
6. It’s Time to Prioritize TMJ Disorders for Better Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes
We already said millions of adults are suffering from poorly diagnosed and treated TMJ disorders and their associated symptoms, but did you know that The TMJ Association, Ltd. estimates a range from 10 to 35 million people currently affected by TMJ disorders in the country? It’s time to redefine our approach to providing comprehensive care that helps patients recover the quality of their lives.
This approach will help patients restore their ability to chew, speak, and smile. Nobody deserves to live in pain. If we learn how to diagnose TMJ disorders properly, they will experience a reduction in pain and discomfort, allowing them to enjoy daily activities like they used to, improving their quality of life and emotional well-being.
7. Why Improving Patient Satisfaction Will Strengthen Your Reputation
Assessment centers that prioritize TMJ disorders can also benefit from quality care. Providing comprehensive care to help patients with their symptoms will help you increase your reputation and improve your accreditation. You might not be ready to prioritize how to fix TMJ forever, but you’ll be on your way to providing the best care possible.
Other indicators of excellence include:
- You Value Comprehensive Care: Demonstrating your ability to address various symptoms—from jaw pain and headaches to earaches and difficulty chewing.
- You Stay Current with Industry Standards: Use the latest diagnostic tools and procedures to ensure your practice remains at the forefront of medical advancements.
- You Commit to Patient Satisfaction: Deliver personalized, effective diagnosis that leads to noticeable improvements in your patients’ quality of life by referring them to better treatment centers. You are committed to providing the best legal care possible and ensuring your patients’ satisfaction.
You’ll Also Benefit From Compliance Standards
By prioritizing TMJ disorders, you also guarantee alignment with industry standards and guidelines. As assessment centers are required to adhere to established protocols for TMJ diagnosis and treatment, you will minimize the likelihood of errors and omissions, provide exemplary care, and reinforce the trust and confidence of both patients and accreditation bodies.
8. Deliver Better Care: Understand How to Fix TMJ Forever
By prioritizing TMJ disorders, assessment centers can:
- Improve Diagnostic Accuracy: Providing more precise and tailored treatment plans.
- Enhance Treatment Outcomes: Reducing chronic pain and suffering effectively.
- Support Successful Rehabilitation: Helping patients regain their quality of life.
- Demonstrate Expertise and Commitment: Showing dedication to top-quality care.
To take your compliance, financial, and partner care goals a step further, partnering with IGE Studios is the right move. Assessment centers need a partner they can trust who can expertly handle patient redirection and provide specialized care.
Guest post by Mart Goldberg
Mart is the principal at IGE Studio, a company that specializes in manufacturing dental implants. With over 30 years in the dental industry, Mart has dedicated his career to implants and TMJ disorders solutions.
Collaborating with IGE Studio means adhering to established protocols for TMJ diagnosis and treatment, minimizing errors and omissions, and providing exemplary care backed by over 30 years of TMJ expertise. This approach reinforces the trust and confidence of both patients and accreditation bodies.
By choosing a trusted partner like IGE Studio, you can enhance your TMJ assessment capabilities and redirect patients to the quality care they deserve. Trust in our proven expertise to ensure your assessment center meets and exceeds industry standards.