Hi,

I checked in with my Dentist yesterday, 4 months since I started the Splint Therapy. My opening improvement was confirmed (19 to 32 mm). No deviation on opening.
The muscles on the right side are almost as long as the left or have relaxed back to normal position. I do not have the pulled to one side look, that I have had for many years. I have a small amount of side to side movement, which I did not have. He said there was no evidence of grinding or clenching on the splint. Daily headaches and related pain improved incredibly. He was totally pleased with my progress, as I am. He was surprised that the Tinnitis had subsided so much, so quickly. He said he had expected a quick response to all of the other problems, but usually the Tinnitis and other ear problems are a little stubborn.

When I got this Splint in Dec., I had very little hope that it would help. I didn't ask a lot of questions or get much information. I knew this Dentist would not do anything that would make matters worse, so I just got it and hoped.

He did talk to me about new concepts in individualized "Splint Therapy" and consulting with other groups regarding difficult cases. I posted this, but as I said. I didn't ask what this meant. I did ask yesterday.

He said that these new techniques and concepts were learned over several years of extended education for Dentists at "The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education." He has been going back for continuing education for over 10 years. There have been thousands of Dentists over the years who have taken these courses. These are the "Groups" he consults with.
Some of you may already know about it, but if not:

The Web-Site address is www.pankey.org (http://www.pankey.org) and there is a Patient section for information. They do not list Dentists who have taken the courses, but do have a Telephone Number to call for a referral list of Dentists in each state. The directions are to ask for a Referral Advisor. They also have a brief list of curriculum courses and "Occlusal Therapy & TMJ Dysfunction" is listed. My Dentist has completed all courses available and says that many Dentists across the country have done the same.

I hope this information will be helpful to someone who may be looking for a Dentist who is quailified to treat with "Splint Therapy".

I've been around the block many times with this, (as most of you know and my condition is a little different), and I'm totally impressed with these new ideas regarding splints and Dentists continuing their education as new research is provided and patient histories are compared and discussed as to the best treatment for each of us.

I know all Dentist may not have taken this approach as seriously as mine, but I'm sure there are many good ones out there (He says there are).
If anyone checks it out, let me know if you had any luck in your state. I know many people are looking for help.

(Note:I was mistaken about the name of the splint. He said he told me it was similiar to a "Posterior Muscle Redirectional Splint". He said with individualized splint therapy "Posterior & Anterior" problems are addressed, but the splints made usually do not conform completely to the standardized names. He said if I had to have a name to be happy, it would be descriptive and be called a "Passive Muscle Redirectional Splint". I got the idea that everyone's would be called a little something different, due to differences in conditions.)

My best to everyone,
Cymy Sue

Posting of this Web-site address was preapproved by Moderator1.




[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 04-25-2003).]