INTRODUCTION

PHILOSOPHY

INSURANCE

NIH

ACCIDENT

LIFESTYLE

C. V.

FIRST VISIT

MAP

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My name is Dr. Sid Holleman.  I have practiced in Fort Worth for over thirty years now. Initially, my practice was general or familydentistry. Over time, I developed an interest in what we used to call "TMJ".  I took many courses and slowly began to realize that I was not using my knowledge to its full potential. Basically, I was becoming "over-trained" in this one special area of dental practice.  So, a number of years ago I elected to limit my practice,  and to focus on these acute and chronic head, face and neck pain conditions that have come to be called Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).

What symptoms should a patient look for?  Many of our patients list the following symptoms :
    
    * Persistent headaches that may start in the front of the head along
          along the sides, or in the upper part of the neck.  The pain may 
          be mild to severe and radiate to all other areas.

   * Ear pain, ear pain when chewing, ear stuffiness or ringing in 
        the ears.

   *  Pain above or "behind" the eyes, blurred vision.
    
   *  Jaw pain or facial pain and/or tightness.

   *  Neck pain and shoulder pain and pain to move the head.

   *  Restricted ability to open the mouth.

   *  A jaw that deflects to one side or the other upon opening.

No wonder TMD has been called the "great imposter".  Patients and providers are often confused by the wide range of symptoms.  This often results in many unnecessary medical and dental office visits and much unnecessary treatment, with the associated increased cost, not to mention the frustration.

From the beginning of my limited practice, my staff and I realized that pain is a very difficult thing to figure out.  We quickly discovered that our success rate increased in direct proportion to the amount of personal attention that we gave to each patient.  Low daily patient volume and one-on-one attention vastly improved our outcomes. Today, my entire staff consists of myself and my treatment assistant, Cindy Blackburn, who also serves as office manager.   A busy day in this office will consist of ten to twelve patients.   But, if those patients are in pain, then it is possible for each one to stay for several hours until we effect some relief of their pain condition.