Question
How long does it typically take to complete a TMD exam and what is the typical number of visits for seeing these patients?
Answer
I have worked in two TMD clinics which had a psychologist, physical therapist, and a dentist. I loved these practices because we were allowed to have a patient for 30 minutes. I did an assessment, and so did my colleagues. Then we all convened to discuss the plan for the patient. I typically can get a TMD exam done between 20 and 25 minutes. Patients like to tell about their symptoms so the exam may take up to 30 minutes. I am allowed to have an hour with my people on their first visit. I get the evaluation done, give them some home exercises, and possibly get another modality in. For typical amount of visits, I tell my patients that I typically would see them 4 to 10 times. Usually within 4 treatments, I expect to see a difference. The pain or discomfort may not be all gone, but there should be a difference in the problem. I provide manual therapy, a good sound home exercise program, get rid of the parafunction, see if they need to see a dentist, etc. I do not recommend a dental intervention if the patient is ok with the mouth guard right away. We may be able to accomplish a difference before seeing a dentist.
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