TMJ-Related Ear Pain

    For Patients

    Understanding Ear Pain and TMJ

    At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans, we understand the discomfort and frustration that comes with ear pain, especially when it’s related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. If you’re experiencing ear pain, it’s essential to recognize that it could be connected to your jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

    What is TMJ-related Ear Pain?

    TMJ-related ear pain occurs when dysfunction or misalignment in the temporomandibular joint leads to referred pain in the ears. The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and is responsible for essential movements like chewing and speaking. When this joint experiences strain or dysfunction, it can radiate pain to the ears due to its proximity and interconnected nerves.

    Symptoms of TMJ-Related Ear pain

    Identifying TMJ-related ear pain can be challenging, as it often presents with symptoms that mimic other conditions. Common signs and symptoms include:

    • Ear Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in one or both ears.
    • Ear Fullness or Pressure: Sensation of fullness or pressure in the ears without any underlying ear infection.
    • Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds in the ears.
    • Dizziness or Vertigo: Feeling lightheaded or experiencing a spinning sensation.
    • Headaches: Recurring headaches, especially around the temples or behind the eyes.
    • Jaw Pain: Discomfort or pain in the jaw joint, especially during chewing or speaking.
    TMJ Ear Pain

    How Our Services Can Help

    At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans, we offer personalized treatment plans to address TMJ-related ear pain and its underlying causes. Our experienced team utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to provide comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs. Here’s how we can help:

    • Comprehensive Evaluation: We begin by conducting a thorough assessment to understand the extent of your TMJ dysfunction and its impact on your ear pain.
    • Customized Treatment Plans: Based on our evaluation, we develop personalized treatment plans that may include a combination of therapies such as oral appliance therapy, physical therapy, stress management techniques, and lifestyle modifications.
    • Patient Education: We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge about their condition and self-care strategies to manage symptoms effectively between appointments.
    • Collaborative Approach: Our team works closely with other healthcare providers, including dentists, physicians, and specialists, to ensure integrated care and optimal outcomes for our patients

    Choose Us for Your TMJ Needs!

    Don’t let TMJ-related ear pain disrupt your quality of life any longer. Contact TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards finding lasting relief.

    Learn more about what our patients have to say

    about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans

    Very Rev. Philip G. Landry

    5.0 ★★★★★

    Having been diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2003, I was fitted for a head-gear breathing apparatus to alleviate the condition. After struggling with discomfort and lack of sleep, I discontinued use of the device. During a visit to my cardiologist in 2017, I was ordered to take another sleep test which revealed that the condition had reached a dangerous level and that it must be addressed immediately. I shared with Dr. G. Johnson my concerns from the past and he informed me that a new mouth piece for this sleep disorder was available and referred me to Dr. Terry Billings, DDS.

    I contacted Dr. Billings and during my first appointment with him, after a series of tests, he determined that I had another condition, TMJ, which would have to be treated before addressing the sleep disorder. He explained to me that I would have to wear mouthpieces, one by day and one by night, for twelve weeks to correct this issue. My instant reaction was that as a Catholic priest serving as the rector of the St. Louis Cathedral, I often celebrate televised Masses during which a mouthpiece would certainly be a deterrent. Dr. Billings patiently and understandingly explained that I really had no option but assured me that he would be able to make weekly adjustments to the mouthpieces that would help with these concerns.

    Now as I approach the final weeks of this treatment, I am pleased to share that I have been most satisfied with the care and attention of both Dr. Billings and his staff. The level of professionalism and proficiency which I have experienced in the weekly office visits have made a challenging issue bearable. It is amazing to me what the treatment of the TMJ has done for my overall health and well-being and as I now await the mouthpiece to address my sleep disorder I am most grateful to Dr. Billings for his diagnosis and excellent treatment during this period of preparation for it.

    Arden Ballard, PA-C, MS

    5.0 ★★★★★

    You don’t hear that often about a dentist, but his attention to detail, meticulous examination and in-office testing led to uncovering a severely deviated septum that needed prompt surgical intervention. I’m forever grateful for him and his entire staff.

    Dr. Billings noticed that I checked yes to a few items on his questionnaire. When he began asking about my fatigue, sluggish feeling, etc. I blamed it on the kids and being a parent of two young boys. After his dental exam, he insisted that there could be more to my symptoms. After a chat, we decided to do an in-office Facial CT scan. It’s been 4 years since I had one, so I agreed. Everything was promptly scheduled, and their text reminders kept me on schedule.

    I did the CT scan, and Dr. Billings pointed out my severely deviated septum and recommended I get a prompt ENT evaluation. I brought a printout of the CT to my next appointment, and I ended up having sinus surgery 3 weeks later.

    Immediately after surgery, I knew something was different. After healing, I was sleeping better, breathing better and, sure enough, less sluggish and not reaching for my 3pm coffee. All from going to the dentist.

    My teeth look great, too!

    Dr. Billings has opened my eyes to understand that dentists are part of the entire medical team, and when using their training to the fullest, they can change lives.