Dr. Charles E Ramsey, DMD, D ABDSM

12/31/2025

TESTIMONIAL: On November 11, 2025, a 58 yo male patient presented to the clinic having been referred by the TJ Sampson Hospital Sleep Clinic. His chief complaints included CPAP intolerance, anxiety, chronic severe neck pain, stiff neck syndrome, intermittent radiculopathy of bilateral upper extremities, severe insomnia, waking exhaust, frontal and periorbital headaches, and earaches. This patient had an ACDF at two levels in the Spring of 2025. Be patient Had been on for years and was still waking 6 to 7 times each night at best. He teaches high school, and some days can't make through the day. He had obstructive sleep apnea and while sleeping on his back the OSA became severe.
His range of motion it was only 20 degrees to the right and 30 degrees to the left with. His opening was within normal limits, but his protrusive movement was limited. He had a significant number of active and referring trigger points of the auxiliary muscles and the muscles of mastication were extremely hypertrophic and tender. Both joints, upon auscultation, exhibit moderately severe crepitus. He had multiple missing teeth but certainly had adequate to support an oral sleep appliance. His nasal airflow was within normal limits.
This patient was absolutely miserable! He admitted struggling with day- to- day life! Although he was a candidate for an oral sleep appliance, I would have normal musculature in both his neck and the muscles controlling his lower jaw before he would be able to tolerate the appliance.
My treatment plan included ice and stretch exercises at home to improve protrusive movement, 3-4 Sessions of prolotherapy (trigger point injections including a plant and mineral extract). I also suggested to his P*P that we use amitriptyline for insomnia rather than Ambien and would he consider prescribing an SNRI to help with mood and chronic pain. I was confident this patient suffered from PTSD (stemming from events from 20 years prior) although he had not been diagnosed by a medical provider. We discussed, along with his wife present, the technique and benefits of a trans- nasal sphenopalatine ganglion block to address anxiety and PTSD.
At the first treatment visit I performed Prolotherapy at 4 trigger point sites. He was dismissed with a range of motion of 45 degrees bilaterally and nice pain control.
At the second treatment visit the patient stated, " I feel like the results have been miraculous so far. I am 60-70% improved overall." He presented to this appointment with a range of motion of 75 degrees left and 60 degrees to the right. His protrusive movement was 14mm. Muscles of mastication were significantly improved. I treated 5 more trigger points higher in the neck and he was dismissed with a range of motion of 80 degrees left, 75 degrees right, flexion and extension being normal. He asked if we could begin the scans in order to fabricate an oral sleep appliance. I thought it would require three to four prolotherapy sessions but with his dramatic improvement I felt positive we could proceed next visit with scanning and having the lab fabricate a HERBST sleep appliance. We were very surprised, and extremely pleased, with his rapid improvement. The P*P did prescribe amitriptyline, but the dosage needs to be increased. The P*P has yet to prescribe an SNRI.
NOTE: We MUST facilitate restorative sleep AND anxiety control for this patient to realize an overall 80-90% improvement.
Update to follow.

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11/06/2025

TESTIMONIAL: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
On October 7, 2025, a 63- year- old male presented to the clinic having been referred by his wife with chief complaints of constant occipital headaches on the right side, constant orbital and periorbital pain on the right side, chronic neck and lower back pain, mood disorders including anxiety and depression, post-Traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD), inability to remain asleep, non-restorative sleep, cognitive deficit, excessive daytime sleepiness, and intermittent radiculopathy of the left arm extending to his fingertips ( numbness- or stinging sensation).
Two and a half years earlier this patient was violently assaulted, being beaten about the head and neck during a riot at a youth detention facility. He suffered a minor stroke during the attack and a second minor stroke at the hospital. He initially had A metal plate inserted beneath his right eye to replace the fractured suborbital plate. Since the attack he has experienced a constant, dull throbbing pain extending from the occipital region to the frontal and orbital regions on the right side of his head. Neck pain is also constant primarily on the right side. He experiences night terrors and on average sleeps only five hours each night.
Upon examination, the patient could only open 30mm which is well below normal. His neck range of motion was only 20 degrees to the right and 30 degrees to the left. Due to the significant trauma to his head and neck he had a significant number of active and referring trigger points in the auxiliary muscles. The muscles which control the lower jaw were extremely hypertrophic and tender which greatly reduced opening and chewing function. His right joint, upon listening with the stethoscope exhibited grinding and crunching noises and the left joint also had grinding and crunching noises along with a pop with reciprocal pop.
As you might imagine, this patient has seen numerous health care providers over the past 2 ½ years with very little reduction in symptoms.
My diagnosis included temporomandibular disorders (TMD), myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), PTSD, maintenance insomnia, radiculopathy of the upper left extremity, possible neuralgia of the right lesser occipital nerve, and probable obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The treatment plan included 3-4 sessions of Prolotherapy which involves treating trigger points in the head and neck region by painlessly administering local anesthetic into” knots” in muscles then mechanically disrupting those knots with a slightly larger needle. As I am mechanically disrupting the trigger point, I will dispense a holistic plant and mineral extract which is to help expedite connective tissue healing. I planned a mandibular repositioning splint to address the TMD problems. I also planned 2-3 sessions of transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion blocks to help reduce anxiety and depression as well as diminished facial pain. We discussed scheduling a consultation with the TJ Sampson Sleep Clinic as soon as he felt up to having the consultation and probable sleep study. I discussed with the patient that due to the severity of injuries, we might plateau at 70% improvement and I expected at least 50% improvement after three weeks of treatment.
As you would expect, this patient has been on multiple medications since the trauma occurred. With the 10/24/2025 Progress notes delivered to the P*P, I requested he increase the dosage amitriptyline to improve maintenance insomnia and help with chronic pain. I also suggested adding an SNRI which is an antidepressant that is a first line of pharmacological therapy in treating chronic pain. These medications, anecdotally, have been greatly successful.
At the October 24 visit the patient reported neck pain being improved 50% and headache was improved 75%. His range of motion was 75 degrees left and 60 degrees to the right. I performed the third session of Prolotherapy at this visit.
At the October 28 visit, when asked about the percentage of improvement thus far the patient replied that he was 75% better overall. During this visit I inserted the mandibular repositioning splint to help with muscles of mastication and joints. I also performed manual manipulation of his neck including suboccipital decompression.
The patient will return November 11 for follow-up. I am now anticipating greater than 80% improvement

11/06/2025

PATIENT TESTIMONIAL
A 62-year-old female was referred to by a general dentist with chief complaints of sudden-onset, sharp, stabbing, shocking, excruciating lower right jaw pain which spontaneously manifested in April of this year. She had been seen by various health care providers which offered no diagnosis nor treatment plan. Apparently, Vanderbilt Emergency Room gave her numbing gel and a shot of Toradol. The emergency room at Fort Campbell prescribed an antibiotic for gum pain and told her to take Tylenol. Another health care provider gave her an injection of Toradol and instructed her go see a dentist. When the patient presented to the clinic she was carrying a rag in her hand. Her daughter explained that her mother would scream into it when the pain became excruciating.
By the time the patient arrived at my clinic she and her daughter had researched her symptoms and determined she had trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The absolute correct diagnosis which had been missed or dismissed by other clinics.
There were several contributing issues influencing her pain. First, she had suffered lower back pain after two failed surgeries nearly three decades earlier. Secondly, she had been on pain medicine as well as mood stabilizers (which are very commonly given to TN patients) since the lower back issues began. So pharmacological therapy was of little value for this patient. Thirdly, the bone which would normally hold teeth was completely gone from her lower jaw, leaving only the body of the mandible. This was not the worst lower Jaw I had ever seen. But because the resorption of the bone totally exposed the mental nerve, this was the worst-case scenario. Anything she tried to eat or even just her tongue rubbing across the surface would elicit pain. Most of the time she had to drink fluids at room temperature. Eating was frequently impossible. I felt strongly that she would require surgical intervention. And it was up to me to try to keep her comfortable until we could get her to the right provider.
At the Initial visit I was able to do trigger point injections as well as a nerve block to get her out of pain. She was pain free for two weeks and then symptoms began to return. On average I saw this patient about every 10 days waiting for an oral surgery consultation. I treated trigger points in the upper back and neck as well as performed a nerve block each visit. A few trigger points which normally should not influence the lower jaw actually did extend the longevity of the nerve block. We were grateful!
Since I am new to the Glasgow area, I really didn’t know who to see. I met the patient and her husband at an oral surgery clinic in the area. I quickly discovered that the surgeon knew less than I knew about trigeminal neuralgia. He, with a finger, rubbed over the exposed nerve and made a comment about it being sensitive. The literature suggests that trigeminal neuralgia might be the most excruciating pain humans can endure. When he used the word” sensitive” I knew we were in the wrong place. The patient and her husband walked out of the oral surgery consult with a $7900 treatment plan for two implants TN patients suffer greatly. Not only is it horrible pain as though someone is stabbing you in the face, but they also deal with the anxiety of wondering when another episode will occur. Quite frankly, these patients become so helpless that suicidality is a very real concern.
The absolute mother ship for orofacial pain management is at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Okeson founded the clinic in the late 1970s. I was able to reach one of the faculty members, Dr. Melvin Yoh, who was extremely accommodating. We ordered an MRI of the brain just to make certain that there were no issues with the nerve from its origin.
Dr. Yoh was able to remove bone from the lateral mandible to move the mental nerve into a more protected position and covered it with a grafting material which will scar- in and should provide protection long term.
The surgery was performed about three weeks ago and at this time my patient remains ASYMTOMATIC! She is ecstatic. She wanted me to inform anyone who lives with the misery of TN, that there is hope. You just must find the right provider.
After practicing general dentistry for 23 years, I have limited my practice to orofacial pain management and dental Sleep Medicine for the past 14 years. This has unequivocally been the most rewarding 3rd of my dental career, and quite often the most challenging. After treating numerous trigeminal neuralgia patients, this case by far was the most difficult.

07/17/2025

I just wanted to let you know that my neck pain has improved by 90 to 95%. Most days I don't even think about it. I want you to know how much I appreciate you and your staff for the care you provided. Thank you so much for the excellent care!

This patient was on the schedule for radio frequency ablation (RFA) of nerves in his neck to control pain. His daughter had heard me lecture at a Mississippi Sleep Society meeting and contacted me to at least evaluate her dad before his ablation. All I did was treat his temporomandibular disorders with splint therapy and did two sessions of trigger point injections in his neck.

07/17/2025

After being diagnosed with Eagle syndrome, I never thought I would see this day- finally pain free. I can eat or drink anything now! Before, I could not have cold drinks, unsweet tea, chocolate, fruit, ECT-- Everything burned the nerve in my throat. It was hard to eat anything other than soft foods. I was in such tough shape a year ago and if it had not been for you giving me the splint and injections along with physical therapy, I would never have been out of pain. I was totally miserable and in such horrible pain all of the time. I feel so good! I can never, ever thank you enough for being my true advocate to help me get rid of all the pain I was in! Most doctors would have given up, but you never did! Thank you so much- You have a very special place in my heart!
65 yo female
This patient was about two years post OP from having the right styloid process sectioned. The stylohyoid ligament was calcified the full length to the hyoid bone. Functioning caused movement of the calcified ligament causing excruciating pain. Like most chronic pain management, a multi-disciplinary approach was necessary.

07/17/2025

Following oral surgery, I began to experience severe pain in my jaws which radiated into my neck and head resulting in major headaches. While I had dealt with migraine and tension headaches most of my life, this pain was different. I called the oral surgeon who referred me to Dr. Ramsey. He began Prolotherapy which involved injections into trigger points giving me significant relief and improved range of motion. Oral impressions were also made to develop a mouth splint. During the Prolotherapy treatment, I experienced relief from the headaches that had always been a part of my life. After the first few sessions, I was able to look over my shoulders without restriction. After beginning the splint therapy, my morning headaches and jaw discomfort began to subside. Now my pain is under control for the first time in my life. I can only imagine how my daily life could have been if I had seen Dr. Ramsey 50 years earlier. No one should have to experience a life of headaches and restricted range of motion
Thank you, Dr Ramsey and your wonderful staff for the relief I have always longed for.
Beverly Ray, 72 yo

01/28/2025

School of Dentistry alumni honored for exceptional service to their communities

Lead-in: The School of Dentistry recently honored two remarkable alumni at its 2025 alumni awards ceremony. Dr. Charles Ramsey and Dr. Mary Catherine Hoover were recognized for their exceptional contributions to dentistry, their communities and their enduring commitment to improving the lives of others.

The School of Dentistry at the University of Mississippi Medical Center recently celebrated two outstanding graduates during its annual alumni awards ceremony.
Dr. Charles Ramsey was named Alumnus of the Year, and Dr. Mary Catherine Hoover was the recipient of the Early Career Achievement Award. After years of practicing general dentistry, a devastating spinal cord injury changed his life forever.
Ramsey’s exceptional career in dentistry has been anything but conventional.
After earning a biology degree from Mississippi College (now Mississippi Christian University), Ramsey completed his DMD at UMMC in 1988. The Jackson native had a thriving private practice for 23 years before his career changed course.
“When I had to sell my practice, I thought my career in dentistry was over,” Ramsey said. “But what I thought was the end turned out to be the beginning of the most rewarding chapter of my life.”
In 2012, Ramsey joined UMMC as an assistant clinical instructor in the Department of Dental Hygiene, later transitioning to a full-time faculty position in the Department of Care Planning and Restorative Sciences. Over the years, he became a beloved mentor, teaching courses such as head and neck anatomy, local anesthetics and nitrous oxide sedation.
Ramsey’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. In 2018, he became the first School of Dentistry representative to speak at UMMC’s prestigious “Last Lecture” series, and the following year, he was honored with the Norman C. Nelson Order of Teaching Excellence Award.
In 2019, Ramsey took on a new challenge, founding the Mississippi Center for Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine, a groundbreaking practice in the state. Specializing in treating chronic pain and sleep-disordered breathing, Ramsey has transformed the lives of countless patients while educating dentists statewide about these critical issues.
“I’ve had the privilege of offering hope to chronic pain patients who felt like they’d run out of options,” he said. “It’s been the most fulfilling work of my career.”
Ramsey is also deeply committed to service beyond Mississippi. He has participated in eight mission trips to Honduras with Baptist Medical Dental Missions International, where he served on the board of directors, and 12 trips to Belize with Caribbean Resource Ministries. These missions provided vital dental care to underserved communities, often bringing along hygiene students to fluoridate schools and dental students to perform restorative treatments.
“If you look up the definition of ‘good guy’ in the dictionary, his picture would be there,” said Dr. Britt McCarty, president of the UMMC Dental Alumni Association and a longtime friend of Ramsey. “I’ve known Charles since high school, and then we went to dental school together. He’s contributed so much to the School of Dentistry and to the field of pain management and sleep medicine. I’m proud to call him a friend

09/26/2024

"Charles, I need to ask you about disability." Exactly one year ago that's how my conversation began with an oral surgeon colleague. This oral surgeon does the normal, routine surgeries as other oral surgeons, but he also does exquisite cosmetics. He had gotten to the point where he could not work a full day and not nearly a full schedule per week. He stated having to lay on the floor in between patients to help with upper back, shoulder, and neck pain. He had resolved to investigating disability. I had just completed my lecture as part of the Professionals Health Network meeting and my topic was Managing Chronic Orofacial Pain without Opioids. After this surgeon had described his symptoms, I suggested that we, at least, attempt treating myofascial symptoms before giving up. After our first session of proliferation therapy, this surgeon was about 40 percent improved and was hopeful. After our second session of proliferation therapy, focusing specifically on fascial/tendonous component, the surgeon reported being 90% improved. I spoke with the surgeon about a week ago just to check on him and he continues a full schedule, and still feels about 90% improved. Trigger point injections are a reasonable, safe, and highly successful modality in treating myofascial pain.

07/08/2024