Some jaw symptoms build slowly. Others start with a moment you can name: a car accident, a hard hit during a game, a fall. Patients may experience new or worsening jaw symptoms following an accident or injury. Dr. Doraida Leon evaluates each patient's history, symptoms, clinical findings, and possible contributing factors to determine appropriate care.
TMJ care after a car accident or injury
Dr. Leon sees patients with jaw pain or dysfunction after car, motorcycle, scooter and e-bike accidents, other accidents, falls, sports injuries and martial arts injuries.
Signs your jaw may be involved
- Pain in the jaw, face or temples that started after the injury
- Clicking, popping or a jaw that catches
- Trouble opening wide, chewing or yawning
- Headaches or ear pain that were not there before
What your evaluation looks at
“We start by looking at the whole picture: your health history, symptoms, jaw joints and muscles, teeth and bite, jaw movement, and posture.” After an injury, the story of what happened is part of that picture, and Dr. Leon takes the time to hear all of it. When your evaluation calls for it, in-office iCAT 3D imaging gives a closer look at the jaw joints and surrounding structures, right here.
A plan built around your recovery
From what she finds, Dr. Leon builds one plan. Depending on your needs, it can draw on custom appliances, in-office therapies such as laser therapy and manual therapy, injectable PRF, neuromodulators, and more, and she explains every step in plain language, in English or Spanish.
Medical Records and Documentation
Upon request, our office provides copies of treatment records and related documentation in accordance with applicable privacy laws. Records may also be released to authorized representatives with appropriate authorization. Learn more about TMJ care after an accident or injury.
Your first visit
Plan for about an hour. The office emails your new-patient paperwork when you book. Please bring a copy of your ID or driver's license. Schedule your evaluation, or phone the office at (813) 772-4563. Tampa TMJ is at 3911 West Waters Avenue, Suite 4, in Tampa, with parking steps from the front door.
Questions patients ask
Can jaw pain start after a car accident if I never had it before?
Yes. Patients may experience new or worsening jaw symptoms following an accident or injury. TMJ care after a car accident or injury is one of Dr. Leon's services, and your evaluation looks at the whole picture to find what is going on.
Can I get copies of my treatment records?
Yes. Upon request, our office provides copies of treatment records and related documentation in accordance with applicable privacy laws. Records may also be released to authorized representatives with appropriate authorization.
How do I get ready for my first visit?
Plan for about an hour and bring a copy of your ID or driver's license. The office emails your new-patient paperwork when you book.
