After about seven visits, our patient's headaches, jaw pain and neck issues had resolved, and her follow-up 3D scan showed why her jaw joints finally had room to breathe. In this post we walk through her before and after CBCT (cone beam CT) images side by side.

Oftentimes, symptoms of TMJ dysfunction or pain don't occur in a vacuum. Most commonly there are also signs of occlusal or bite problems, airway issues, craniofacial pain, neck misalignment, pelvis roation and SI joint dysfunction, and poor craniofacial development. A good treatment plan will take all of these structures into account when discussing a plan. Dr. Scoppa is a TMJ specialist in Bellevue Symptoms of TMJ Symptoms of TMJ and jaw dysfunction, apnea, and poor craniof

WHY is my jaw popping? A common questions asked by those with jaw pain. TMJ Specialist Dr. Scoppa explains why.

As one of the only non-dental TMJ specialists in the country, Dr. Scoppa is uniquely poised to provide holistic and results driven treatment plans to his patients suffering from TMJ pain. Sometimes this is stand-alone treatment within his clinic, sometimes it is co-management with a dentist or orthodontist, myofunctional therapist, or other professional. However, it ALL starts with the right diagnosis, and hearing what the patient actually wants out of care. Some people with

What's below the surface We often get asked by dentists, orthodontists, and patients, “when is the best time to coordinate cranial and structural care” in regards to dental or orthodontic treatment. This question is about a vital aspect of any chiropractic, dental or orthodontic care, and the answer lies in cranial dental comanagement strategies. When is the best time to add spinal and cranial care? Let's dig deeper. Although there is no right or wrong answer and often the a

We're lucky here in the pacific northwest, for many reasons! But one that you might not be aware of is that we have some fantastic TMJ specialists in this area. Dr. Jason Scoppa, is the only TMJ specialist in the area that is not a dentist or orthodontist. He utilizes holistic physical medicine techniques that focus on root causes of TMJ pain and dysfunction . TMJ issues are a whole body problem that can't be treated without addressing dysfunctions in the rest of the body. A

Dr. Jason Scoppa, TMJ Specialist Seattle, is the only TMJ specialist in the Seattle area that is not a dentist or orthodontist. We utilize non-surgical and non-invasive physical medicine therapies that address the myriad of reasons why someone might be having TMJ pain and dysfunction. Dr. Jason Scoppa, TMJ Specialist Seattle TMJ issues are complex, and often a holistic, whole body approach is necessary. We are trained to evaluate the head, neck, and jaw, as well as other area

ypically TMJ pain is caused by degeneration of the jaw bone itself (at the point where it connects to the skull), a slippage of the jaw bone off of the disc (almost always a slippage posterior), or both. When either or both of these things happen the muscles around the head, neck, and mouth tighten, the upper neck locks up, and there is potential irritation of the sensitive nerves located behind the disc (retro-discal tissue).

Dr. Scoppa has undergone extensive post-graduate training and certification in cranial-dental co-management, occlusion, and TMJ therapies, and has worked with a number of well-respected TMJ dentists. Sometimes stand-alone care is possible, but sometimes it does require integrating care with your dentist to resolve or stabilize a TMJ problem. Sometimes it takes BOTH sides working together to correct a TMJ issue.

It's not uncommon for people to experience clicking, popping, or soreness in the jaw. Sometimes painful, sometimes more of a nuisance, but in either case it could be an early warning sign of bigger issues. Figuring out "why is my jaw popping" is often easy, but how to manage it sometimes becomes more complicated. That's why having someone who understands these issues and sees them daily is vital to a successful outcome.

Getting a proper diagnosis is key. Did you know, dentists and chiropractors get almost no training in the TMJ in graduate school? Your average dentist, orthodontist, or chiropractor knows very little, if anything, about the TMJ and jaw. Unless he/she has had special training someone else will probably be a better bet to determine if the TMJ is causing your symptoms, and what to do about it.