In my 30's a dentist did damage to my teeth, gums and bite that would cause suffering for decades to come. His work plus mercury fillings and a hit and run car accident in my late 50's meant that I had visited and worked with many top specialists in Atlanta and other states. I was offered and helped by splints, TMJ massage, chiropractic, physical therapy, cranial work, balloon work, osteopathic sessions, Atlas orthogonal and more, much paid on a cash basis because my condition was not considered to be real by insurance standards. Each helped. One day my biologic dentist asked how I ate and talked and worked. My response was painfully. He continued to say that my bite was very bad and would cause many problems with ageing. He did not recommend a bridge or implants at that time--he recommended Dr. Sanjay Patel in Marietta. I said no, I was done, cried in the car, and called Dr. Patel. Becky Sue , the office manager spent so much time answering questions and quelling doubts She was honest, thorough, smart and no pressure. I agreed to a consultation. Dr. Patel was honest, thorough, and smart TOO! He shared a 2-3 year plan after a CAT scan and much education about my condition. He knew this was a big commitment and he encouraged me to think about it and write down all questions. We discussed expanding my palate with a device to allow the teeth to fit into a bite best to talking and chewing and living. Never had I understood why I could not swallow capsules, headaches were daily and what might create a permanent fix. Over the 2 years of jaw expansion and braces Dr. Patel maintained empathy, always took time to explain and adjust and fit me in when needed. Becky Sue and Maggie were encouraging, kind, knowledgeable, and great at follow up. My Jaw is expanded 8 mm, the braces are off and I am in a splint working to modify decades of muscle memory and fascia thru massage and Pt. Dr. Patel never sugar coated the journey, knowing the decades and damage. He promised support, expertise, and being present. I am grateful for the education and care I have received at this office. I never dreamed that I could have a healthy bite. This for me was not about cosmetics. This was about being able to ear and talk without pain and work and think more productively while also improving the posture of my whole body. I will write a follow up after this phase. My biologic dentist, TMJ therapist, and more have seen huge changes in such a positive way. I have not been back to my osteopath yet--I am so grateful for the day he said, : Barb, you hold for 48 hours and then your jaw undoes everything--come back when it is fixed and better. And my vestibular doctor saw such positive changes after 2 years. Thank you God. Hope !! Truly, Barbara Wagoner read more
