Meniere’s Disease

    For Patients

    About TMJ & Meniere’s Disease

    At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions, including Meniere’s Disease. Our expert team is committed to helping you understand this condition and find effective treatment options tailored to your needs.

    What is Meniere’s Disease?

    Meniere’s Disease is a chronic inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing. It is characterized by episodes of vertigo (a sensation of spinning), hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. These episodes can vary in frequency and intensity, significantly impacting daily life.

    The Connection Between Meniere’s Disease and TMJ

    The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, playing a crucial role in various functions such as chewing, speaking, and swallowing. When the TMJ is not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including those associated with Meniere’s Disease. Misalignment or dysfunction of the TMJ can affect the ear’s structures, potentially exacerbating or even triggering symptoms of Meniere’s Disease.

    Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease

    • Vertigo: Spinning sensation that can last from minutes to hours
    • Hearing Loss: Typically affects one ear and may come and go
    • Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or roaring sounds in the affected ear
    • Ear Fullness: A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear
    • Imbalance: Difficulty maintaining balance, leading to falls or unsteady gait

    Why Choose Us for Your TMJ Treatments?

    Our team of specialists has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders and related conditions like Meniere’s Disease.  We take a holistic approach to treatment, addressing the underlying causes of your symptoms to provide long-term relief.  We understand the impact that Meniere’s Disease and TMJ disorders can have on your life. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, providing compassionate care and ongoing support.

    At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans, our goal is to help you achieve optimal health and well-being. If you are experiencing symptoms of Meniere’s Disease or suspect you may have a TMJ disorder, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you find the relief you deserve and improve your quality of life.

    TMJ Meniere's Disease

    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.