My specialist up until now has fitted me with a lower jaw appliance. Since then, however, he's told me to take a load of vitamins every day, and at the last visit gave me a 'relaxation and meditation' CD that, among other things, asks me to visualize waterfalls and clouds (?!?). The more things progress, the more we seem to veer away from 'medicine' and towards alternative healthcare mumbo jumbo. I'm feeling a bit deceived, but this dentist is insisting this will help. All the while, I keep writing very, very large cheques. Am I being unreasonable? Are there real treatments I'm missing out on? What should I ask or, or insist on, at my next visit? Many thanks!!
2006-06-12 14:17:18 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
Sounds liek your doctor is a quack. A relaxation CD? Well TMD is a complex disease that people don't really understand all that well but there are steps to treatment. First step is that if you grind or clench at night or in the daytime is to correct that problem. Stressing a bad joint is only going to make the problem worse. So you should stop clenching or grinding during the daytime. At night there is an appliance that is made so that it basically stops you from clenching so hard. It's like a mouthguard with a flat bottom. You can also take muscle relaxants to help with the clenching at night. Probably another important thing is to take something like ibuprofen because it will stop the process of inflammation in your joint and help with the pain. Stop ibuprofen though if it tears up your stomach. There are treatments .... and there are steps. This guy giving you a CD and charging you money for that crap is not medicine
2006-06-12 19:01:55 · answer #1 · answered by DrDY 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
All my dentist did was file down a few high spots on my teeth and fit me for an appliance which I was/am supposed to wear every night and to take ibuprophen when I'd get headaches from clenching my jaw. I would always clench when I am stressed so I can understand the relaxation and meditation tapes, but it should ahve been a suggestion on his part and not a "treatment". I'd find a new dentist. MY TMD has not bothered me in several years except maybe once in a while when I am really stressed out. Good luck!
2006-06-12 14:26:42 · answer #2 · answered by margarita 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was diagnosed with this about a two years ago my new dentist has recently suggest surgery, which based on an answer I rec'd from someone on this site I most definitely am not going through with it so all I can do is learn to control my stress levels so that I won't clench my teeth together (like I am now) and sleep with the mouth guard. And regarding the specialist treating you I'd get a new dentist that just seems weird to me that should be a suggestion (as my dentist suggested the meditation cd along with my old dentist) but not as treatment, quit giving him all your money.
2006-06-12 15:49:30 · answer #3 · answered by MOVING 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go somewhere else and get a second opinion..this person seems like a quack. TMD comes in many forms and sometimes needs surgery depending on the injury. My wife has TMD with a resulting torn menescus (the cartilage that covers the lower jaw hinge and allows smooth painless movement.) She will probably need surgery. You need to find out the extent of the damage from another Oral Surgeon.
2006-06-12 14:22:42 · answer #4 · answered by Michael F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have TMD also, and I know it sucks! My jaw cracks every single time I open it past a certain point.
I have talked to several different doctors and they all say the same thing: Corrective surgery is a bad choice.
Which basically means you have to live with it. You and I both know all those other BS "solutions" don't help at all.
Sorry man,
-Ben
2006-06-12 14:19:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well ive never heard of this disease so i dont know if it is pretty severe or not so ull have to ask urself that question. then consider the conditons, the cost for treatment, and lastly, the possiblities this disease prvodes. see u know more about it then people like me do so instead of asking everyone virtually on the internet, why dont you go find out for yourself but talking to a real, absolutely certified DOCTOR!
ps good luck to u and ur disease!
2006-06-12 14:23:43 · answer #6 · answered by sfgjbasdkugaklkjsdlfkj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is an ebook that guarantees results in relief of TMJ/TMD
2006-06-12 14:38:47 · answer #7 · answered by Natural Health Consultant 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just wanted to mention that my son was diagnosed with this when he was about 14...all we did was use the teeth guard piece at night when he slept...it corrected itself within the year...that's all I recall about that. Good luck.
2006-06-12 14:26:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask about the use of a tens machine that is used to relax muscles.
2006-06-12 17:25:18 · answer #9 · answered by recordproducer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋