Dr. Ashwin Ramakrishnan MDS
TMD specialist
What is TMD
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are often caused by an imbalance between the teeth, jaw joints, and chewing muscles.
These disorders can lead to severe headaches, sleep disturbances, body pain, breathing issues, depression, and more.
Headaches & TMJ/ TMD
One of the most common symptoms of TMD is headache, which is often misdiagnosed as migraine.
Yes, this condition is completely treatable without the need for medication.
Addressing the root cause leads to relief from years of pain and improved sleep.
Sleep Apnea & TMJ/ TMD
We offer a wide range of customized sleep apnoea solutions tailored to individual needs and TMJ/TMD problems.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
The trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve, and it is usually affected by the bite in patients with TMD.
This nerve provides innervation to various areas, including the eyes, ears, scalp, face, chewing muscles, jaws, teeth, tongue, and nose. As a result, symptoms can be observed in these areas as well.
This causes TMD to be misdiagnosed as Trigeminal Neuralgia, leading to unnecessary and incorrect intervention.
Who is at risk for TMD?
TMD affects a significant portion of our society.
Young and healthy individuals experiencing severe headaches, vertigo, and sleep issues are often indicative of TMD. This is commonly misdiagnosed as migraine.
Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness, many individuals suffer from unnecessary pain. If correctly diagnosed, TMD can be effectively treated, leading to complete relief WITHOUT medication.
Our TMD Clinic
Dr. Ashwin’s TMD clinic specializes in addressing challenging conditions related to TMD and TMJ issues.
We are dedicated to helping you achieve pain relief and improve your quality of sleep.
TMD Symptoms
TMD is a jaw condition that can cause various painful symptoms.
Common TMD symptoms include headaches resembling migraines, vertigo, ear pain, neck pain radiating to the arm, sleep disorders, depression, and more.
TMD Causes
The most common cause of TMD is an imbalance between the teeth, jaw joints, and chewing muscles. This imbalance can result in airway constriction and breathing issues.
As all our organs are interconnected, this imbalance can lead to various remote symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, vertigo, sleep issues, and more.
Because of these wide-ranging symptoms, TMD is often referred to as “The Great Impostor Disease.”
TESTIMONIALS
Read what our patients think about us
From living with excruciating neck pain for 20 odd years to now being completely rid of it, I have started to believe that 'miracles do happen' ! The pain was such that it would start at my neck and radiate to the top of my head. I have been to countless doctors but no one was able to figure out the root cause. Dr Ashwin promptly diagnosed the problem to be a misaligned jaw and prescribed an Orthotic which I have been using for the last 3 months. It's only when the pain in my neck went away, that I even realised how much I was suffering from it. And this has had such a huge impact on so many aspects of my life such as my sleep, yoga practise, running, work and meditation. Eternally grateful to Dr. Ashwin for what he's done for me. This feeling of relief is priceless! Lakshmi Ramachandran Founder & CEO Exclusively Inclusive Bengaluru
Dr. Ashwin who runs this clinic is highly experienced, patient focused and up to date with the latest developments.
Varun Girilal
Managing partner, Scripbox
Bangalore
Ex Ranji Trophy cricketerI had the best experience at the clinic.
My conditions have gotten much better than before. Dr.Ashwin explains about the details of the problems the patient is suffering from and pays attention to every minute thing.
Anika Sreejith
Student at Mount Carmel, Bangalore
Dr. Ashwin is a fine dentist with vast knowledge and passion in his field.
His attention to detail is fantastic, goes the extra mile every time and invests time in his patients, and cares enough to ask the tiniest detail. These things alone make him stand head and shoulders over the rest of the crowd.
I cannot think of going anywhere else for my dental work. Though I live in Bangalore, I would rather go to him that anyone else. If you want a good dentist who will examine you with patience and empathy, look no further than Dr. Ashwin Ramakrishnan.
My word on it.
Vikram Shanker
Founder & CEO
Voyageur Lifestyles
BengaluruDr. Ashwin is, without a doubt, the best doctor I've ever encountered. His dedication to his work is truly exceptional.
Unlike my previous experiences with other doctors who simply recommended a dental crown for my jaw pain, whereas Dr. Ashwin took the time to listen attentively to my concerns and after performing some important tests, he explained the underlying issues causing my discomfort.
Not only did my tooth-related problems vanish, but he also addressed other related issues that had been plaguing me. Thanks to him, I'm now free from any kind of dental issues. I Highly recommend him to anyone seeking relief from dental and jaw-related issues.
Sweety Bansal
DelhiIn April 2023, I visited Dr. Ashwin for a root canal check-up. Upon examination, Dr. Ashwin diagnosed another issue with my teeth. My jaws were shivering when I opened and closed my mouth. He also noticed some alignment problems with my teeth. He performed a digital bite scan (T-Scan) and discovered imbalances in my bite.
I regularly experienced pain in my temples, neck, and headaches, which I had attributed to the cold weather in the UK. It had even been misdiagnosed as sinus related. I never thought that teeth misalignment could be the cause of these problems!
After a thorough examination, X-ray, and T-Scan, Dr. Ashwin suggested DTR (Disclusion Time Reduction) and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy. Following the DTR and TENS therapy sessions, and without the need for any medication, I found relief from the pain in my temples, neck, and headaches. I also used to gasp while talking or walking fast,but now I have stopped doing that. It's now so much easier to chew my food; previously, I was only using the right side of my mouth to chew.
I am extremely grateful to Dr. Ashwin and his team for providing the correct diagnosis and offering a solution to my ailment.
Shilpa K.P.
Online Marketing London, UKHeadache, tense and clicking jaw joints, neck pain, restless sleep.. These had been troubling me for years until I happened to talk to Dr. Ashwin during a visit to his clinic. He gave me a dental orthotic which I wore for a month.
What convinced me to go ahead with the treatment was the hours I spent sleeping during the first few days of using the orthotic. Full eight-hour nights, along with a couple of hours during the day. I’d never felt so rested in years, with considerably reduced headache and relaxed muscles around my jaw and neck!
I was also surprised to see how much easier it became to chew my food.
Needless to say, I’m extremely happy that I got treated, and would recommend a checkup with Dr. Ashwin to anyone with similar symptoms.
Tiya Kynadi
Graphic DesignerWaking up with tightness in my neck almost seemed routine. It was not something I paid a lot of attention to as I attributed this to my exercising sometimes excessively.
It was a chance meeting with Dr.Ashwin that gave me an inkling that this was a bite problem, one that could easily be corrected with a non-invasive procedure.
My treatment complete, I now wake up with rarely any soreness in my neck. Even the tension in my jaw that I used to feel often has disappeared. The memory is so blurry, it’s like these days never existed.
Anjali Cherian
My Husband Dr.Kumar Alva, a dentist himself, had vertigo and migraine for years. He had a severe episode last year when he was bedridden for a few days. He was unable to drive and play football, which were among his favourite activities.
Dr. Ashwin diagnosed it as symptoms of TMD. He suggested treatment using a custom orthotic followed by correcting his bite. His incorrect bite being the root cause of this problem, he was able to address it right at the source of pain.
I was amazed to see the total change in him. Not only was he back at his clinic in perfect health, but he was also back to playing football and driving which he always loved to do.
Dr. Shairi B Alva
Consultant Gynaecologist MumbaiThe conversation with Dr. Ashwin started with my complaint of snoring and subsequent sleep apnoea. Of waking up tired each day and not knowing why my sleep was not restful as all other health parameters were normal.
A visit to his clinic and a quick and yet thorough check with his sensors and gadgets pointed out that my teeth and bite were not properly aligned. Therefore, my mouth was not closing right., because of which my facial muscles were tensed and probably led to the breathing issues.
After a thorough and painless clinical diagnosis session with Dr. Ashwin, he was immediately able to identify and rectify the problem. Enough said, I now have been sleeping sound and throughout the night. My breathing too has become easier and deeper.
I would recommend a TMD assessment for anyone with similar sleep issues. In most cases a simple corrective measure will solve a huge problem and, in all probability improve your overall wellness and quality of life.
Ashok Raj
Chief Architect Design Theatre WorksFor more than a year, I had recurrent episodes of severe headaches, and I am guilty of taking Voveran, Sibelium and a sleeping pill just to get rid of my pain. There have been days when I also had neck and shoulder pain, along with giddiness. All this kept snowballing and I finally broke down when I was in constant pain for more than a week.
I even soaked local anaesthesia in a cotton roll to numb my face just so I can eat.That is when I was put through to Dr. Ashwin. You don’t really expect your dentist to ask you details regarding your sleep etc, but Dr. Ashwin knew exactly what I was going through. This was an absolute relief.
Right after my first session of TENS and DTR, I have been completely pain free, without any medication. I have been able to eat properly without fear of pain, so much so that I’ve gained weight. Now I can sleep properly and never had a single episode of headache since then. Now people keep asking me “where was this girl all this time?” They too noticed that my face is now relaxed.
I am truly grateful to Dr. Ashwin from the bottom of my heart for treating the root cause of my pain, and most importantly for giving me back myself.
Dr.Diana Yuvaraj
Senior Cardiology Resident"For years, I had severe neck aches after long drives, headaches on and off, and a slight earache sometimes. I always thought these aches were related to the stresses of daily life. With a quick assessment of my dental structure & BITE during a vacation in Calicut, Dr. Ashwin was able to tell me that my dental alignment may have been the cause of the problem, as it was a little off.
He made a few minor adjustments to my teeth. In the weeks that followed, I found myself much more comfortable with simple things like eating and sleeping. Also, the headaches and neck aches went away. I'm so happy I got my bite corrected, which improved my overall wellbeing so significantly."
Ms.Mona Nair
On 3rd January ’22 I experienced the worst pain ever. It started as discomfort in my left ear, and eventually spread to the entire side of my face. This was initially misdiagnosed as Trigeminal Neuralgia. I also had migraine, neck and shoulder pain, vertigo, and sleep disturbances.
I was then referred to Dr.Ashwin to check for TMD. He did a thorough examination and advised diagnostic records such as a digital bite scan and X rays to confirm the same. With the use of a custom orthotic, TENS and physiotherapy, I was pain free in a months’ time. Five months later, Dr.Ashwin did DTR therapy (T scan guided bite force correction).
Now I am the happiest person as I am completely pain free and sleep well. I also have a clear understanding of why I had these issues.
My intention is to spread awareness about this treatment modality to as many people as possible. This testimony is for Dr.Ashwin who gave me back my happiness, without medication.
Ritha M.K
"I’m happy to have consulted with Dr.Ashwin, who was able to understand the real reasons for my health issues. I really appreciate the way he took the time to explain my health condition (TMD) and its treatment options with me.
Earlier, every day I used to wake up too tired and with a severe headache. My Jaws were in constant pain, along with my neck, shoulders, arms and back.
After I was treated for TMD by Dr.Ashwin, I experienced a huge difference in me. I sleep well now without any headache, and wake up fresh in the morning. My other pains have reduced as well. I also noticed a drastic change in my behavior. Earlier I was constantly irritated, but now I am much more relaxed.
I am thankful to Dr.Ashwin and his staff for their excellent treatment and care."
Litty Therese Mathew
I had been having a gnawing pain in my head and neck for almost a year. Sometimes it got so intense that I would be forced to take a break from my work schedule. After a series of visits to various specialists, a battery of tests and scans and two months of medication for stress induced migraine, these headaches were still an” unpleasant” part of my life.
It was a friend who suggested Dr Ashwin. In spite of hearing about the bite correction procedure, I was not convinced since I never thought dental corrections could cure headaches. To my surprise right after the procedure, my headaches reduced. It did take almost 5 sittings to complete the whole process.
Now after a year, I am headache free. Besides being a diligent person, Dr Ashwin was very patient with all my queries and concerns. I knew my teeth were in safe hands because he gave so much attention even to the minutest details. I wish I had done this earlier and spared myself of all the pain and discomfort I had to go through!
Aswathi Dinil Sanker Special Educator & Psychologist (Common Grounds International Academy ,Calicut)
Ever felt that you're drowning from a cause that you can't identify?
From difficulty falling asleep, anxiety, hyperexcitability and lethargy, I was tired of all this and on top of it I had 2 impacted teeth. That's when I met Dr. Ashwin, in a plea to fix my teeth up so that at least I had one problem sorted.
Within 5 minutes of checking me he identified all my problems, and he suggested I get treated for TMD. That journey was about 2 months long with him, and here I am a year later setting PRs in the gym and on the football field without even a strain of anxiety or lethargy.
My issue with TMD was well handled by Dr. Ashwin and I'm very grateful to him for helping me get my life back. Thank you Dr.Ashwin.
Vishnu Ramkumar
(MOT - Neuro Rehab)
Occupational Therapist and Stroke Rehab Specialist
Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre
Brunei DarussalamAbout five years back I had the worst headache I ever experienced. I felt tired even though I slept the previous night.
Like most people I relied on paracetamol for relief. And it usually worked but for only a very short period... And so started my friendship with migraine tablets. With all the frustration of not getting better, I felt it hard even to manage my daily normal routine. Luckily I happened to meet Dr Ashwin at a social gathering. In our conversation I mentioned my problems.
To my surprise he said I might have a dental problem. He added it may be a problem with my teeth & jaw alignment. At first I thought it was a joke. The very next day I went to his clinic. In three visits magically the pain disappeared. To me Dr Ashwin is a magician. With his top class act he made vanish an agony I had for years. its been years and still the pain has never relapsed.
We have specialists for every part of our body. From my experience I understood that the problem is not always at the place that we think it is. With no doubt Dr Ashwin Ramkrishnan is the best expert in town for an issue like this. His passion and dedication is commendable. From the bottom of my heart I am thankful for the treatment I received from him.
Dinil Shanker
Delecta Bakery
Bank Road
Kozhikode
Did You Know
Common TMD symptoms include:
- Headaches (typically misdiagnosed as migraine)
- Vertigo, ear pain, blocked ears
- Neck pain that can radiate to the arm
- sleep disorders, depression etc.
These symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed,, leading to wrong treatments based on symptoms. By this the root problem, TMD gets ignored.
TMD is a common condition which affects multiple body systems other than just the jaws. Thus, it is often misdiagnosed.. and mismanaged.
This has earned TMD the name “The Great Impostor”.
An experienced TMD specialist with thorough training in Neuromuscular Dentistry is recommended to
diagnose and treat TMD.
Do You Know
Common TMD symptoms include:- Headaches very similar to Migraine
- Vertigo, Ear pain
- Neck pain that Radiates to the Arm
- sleep disorders, depression etc.
TMD Specialist’s
Professional Competence
Dr. Ashwin Ramakrishnan MDS, is a highly accomplished specialist in the field of TMD treatment. He obtained his master’s degree in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery from SDMCDS Dharwad, a renowned institution in India, in 2003. Since then, he has displayed an unwavering commitment to TMD and has dedicated his practice to helping patients with TMD issues.
With decades of experience and extensive international training, Dr. Ashwin has established himself as a trusted authority in TMD treatment in India. His holistic approach focuses on identifying the underlying causes of pain, ensuring personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
Dr. Ashwin’s clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed for TMD treatment. His primary goal is to alleviate pain and enhance sleep quality, providing exceptional care for individuals seeking relief from head and neck pain and improved overall well-being.
Recognizing that TMD is a leading cause of head and neck pain, as well as related issues like sleep disturbances, vertigo, and posture problems, Dr. Ashwin aims to raise awareness about the condition. He aims to address the root causes of TMD and offers effective treatments that minimize the need for unnecessary medication, which can potentially worsen existing TMD problems.
Get in touch with our clinic to book a consultation and begin your path to pain relief and enhanced quality of life.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The joint between the temporal bone and the mandible (lower jaw) is known as the temporomandibular joint. In order to move the jaw, a complex network of nerves, muscles, and both TM joints need to act in harmony. This disorder affecting jaw movements is frequently painful and is called Temporomandibular Disorder or TMD.
Treatment for TMJ is not subject to set prices, as each individual is unique.
Accordingly, treatment needs to be customized foe every person after proper assessment.
A dentist with specialized training and equipment in Neuro - Muscular Dentistry for TMD.
An imbalance between the teeth, jaw joints (TMJ's) and chewing muscles is the most predominant cause for TMD.
TMD can also be caused on by bruxism, head, neck, or jaw injuries.
That said, there is a long list of other causes too, such as trauma and pathologies like arthritis etc that can cause TMD.
There are some habits that could increase the risk of developing TMD.
This includes night grinding of teeth during sleep, continuous use of chewing gum, teethth clenching that isn't necessary, biting of pencils, pens, and other hard things etc.
Common symptoms include severe headache / migraine, pain spreading behind eyes, ears, jaw discomfort, pain in the face, neck, shoulder, ear, neck, and/or back, sleepiness, snoring, sleep apnoea, vertigo (dizziness) etc.
Any of these symptoms when seen in otherwise healthy individuals can be indicative of TMD.
No. This does not address the root cause.
TMD needs to be assessed and treated ideally by a dentist with specific equipment and training in neuromuscular dentistry.
Pain killers and home remedies will not address the problem.