Dr. Green's Holistic TMJ Approach: Restoring Dave's Life and Smile
Dr. Green's Holistic TMJ Approach: Restoring Dave's Life and Smile
In whole-health and physiologic dentistry, we have the privilege of helping patients transform their lives. We relieve pain and restore function in ways that empower them to reclaim their passions.
How Whole-Health Dentistry Restores Lives Beyond Teeth
One of my patients, Dave, embodies this journey. When I first met Dave in 2014, he was suffering deeply. Jaw popping, debilitating headaches, and constant dizziness made even simple tasks challenging.
Despite taking muscle relaxants, his symptoms persisted. The medication only added to his challenges, leaving him feeling foggy and unfocused. Determined to find relief, Dave sought help from experts and endured various treatments, but nothing indeed addressed his pain or restored his quality of life.
The Power of a Balanced Bite: Why TMJ Therapy Matters
Eventually, his extensive research brought him to our practice, where he was introduced to physiologic dentistry and neuromuscular care principles. Dave displayed many of the classic signs of TMJ/TMD disorder, from ground-down teeth and cracking molars to persistent muscle trigger points.
Through our whole-health approach, I could see a clear path forward. He was especially encouraged by our approach of using a fixed orthotic worn continuously—a solution grounded in finding a stable, balanced position for the jaw rather than relying on traditional splints.
We embarked on Phase I non-surgical TMJ therapy, setting specific goals: to reduce his dizziness and headaches, eliminate the jaw popping, and help him gradually reduce and ultimately eliminate his reliance on medication.
From Chronic Pain to New Purpose: Dave’s TMJ Recovery Journey
Through this journey, I also learned more about Dave's remarkable work as a co-founder of Convoy of Hope, a global nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty and hunger through resources, empowerment, and disaster relief. When we began his treatment, Dave was limited in his work.
Pain and dizziness made it nearly impossible for him to continue speaking engagements, which were critical to his role in gathering support for Convoy of Hope's humanitarian mission.
The progress we achieved during Phase I was transformative. Working closely with his physician, Dave could taper off his medications. Free of the fog from these drugs and experiencing significant relief, he began returning to the work that had always inspired him.
How Non-Surgical TMJ Therapy Eliminated Dave's Pain
After successfully stabilizing Dave's bite, we completed his Phase II treatment, a full-mouth reconstruction with beautifully crafted porcelain restorations to maintain his balanced bite. Pain-free and free from medications, Dave had his life back and fully dedicated himself to his calling—traveling, speaking, and advocating for those in need worldwide. He even shares his journey, inspiring others with the life-changing power of physiologic dentistry.
Through our work with Dave, my team and I indirectly supported his life's mission to help thousands globally. When Dave says, we were his top fundraisers that year, it reminds me how essential it is to approach dentistry from a whole-health perspective, focusing not just on teeth but on restoring balance and quality of life.
