About The Institute
About The Institute
health & relieving your pain… Conservatively
Did you know that the average TMD or facial pain patient has been to at least four practitioners before being referred for specialized treatment to our office?
The TMJ and Facial Pain Institute specializes in the conservative, non-surgical treatment of chronic facial pain using a scientific, university-based team approach. It is considered a tertiary care office, which means that most patients have already received several diagnoses and/or treatments that have not responded in an acceptable level. Consequently, when patients arrive at the Institute, they are frustrated, floundering and searching for answers to their many questions about pain.
Less than 5% of TMJ patients need surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health, university research and Dr. Menchel’s own experiences with thousands of patients.
Dr. Menchel strongly believes in the team approach for helping pain patients. He treats patients from the dental and the medical perspectives by utilizing bite splints and physical therapy, but he also works with a network of other specialists, including neurologists, rheumatologists, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physicians, oral surgeons, ophthalmologists and physical therapists. He is also associated with many leading experts in facial pain centers and universities throughout the country and can consult with them when necessary.
Learn more about how Dr. Menchel can help you improve your health and relieve your pain when you go to the TMJ & Facial Pain Institute for treatment…
First: The Diagnosis
In advance of your first appointment at the Institute, you will receive several forms to complete regarding your medical history and the specific problems you are experiencing. In a two-hour initial appointment, Dr. Menchel will perform an extensive consultation and evaluation to identify the actual cause of your problem and will develop an appropriate treatment plan. This involves creating a comprehensive patient history, and performing an examination, imaging and diagnostic anesthesia, if needed.
A physical examination of the muscles of the head, face, neck and shoulders will be performed to identify muscle spasms that can transfer pain to other areas. Range of motion tests, x-rays, sonograms and EMGs (Electromyograms: electrical testing of muscles) may also be used to help in reaching an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosing complex TMJ problems requires skills and knowledge from numerous disciplines, including orthopedics of the head and face, a comprehensive understanding of jaw function and many years of experience with thousands of patients.
Second: The Treatment Plan
Each patient receives a customized treatment plan. For most patients, pain is relieved through physical medicine procedures such as orthopedic appliances, physical therapy, electronic devices to stimulate blood flow and healing, and joint mobilization techniques.
Less than 5% of TMJ patients need surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health, university research and Dr. Menchel’s own experience with thousands of patients. Unfortunately, because of frustration or misdiagnosis, many patients rush into surgery, which is a more traditional, but often-ineffective method, to cure jaw pain. Dr. Menchel strongly believes that no patient should have surgery or any treatment that cannot be reversed until the source of the pain has been properly identified and more conservative treatments have not helped.
Third: The Resolution & Relief
After following their treatment plan, most patients experience a resolution of pain, reduction or elimination of medications and the end of repetitive and expensive doctor visits and diagnostic testing. Patients who have been relieved of chronic head and facial pain are able to return to a more normal function at work and at home, thereby improving their productivity and quality of life.
Individuals suffering from headaches, facial pain and TMJ disorders can be successfully treated and most patients find relief from the chronic, debilitating pain they have suffered with for years. The key is: early evaluation and diagnosis.
