How long does it take?

Question

I haven't been to the dentist in a long time (bad I know) but I've have an appointment later this week. I'm pretty sure I'll need at least a couple of fillings done.

How long does it take for a general check up? It's been so long, I don't remember!!! I mean, how long will I have to hold my mouth open for?

The problem is, over the past 10 years I've developed quite severe TMJ syndrome and I can only hold my mouth open for 2 minutes and no more before I'm in severe pain. And I can't open it very wide either. How do I deal with this while at the dentist?

And what happens when I get fillings? How long does that take? Is there anything they can use to keep my mouth open but take the pressure off my TMJ joint?

Even if you can only answer some questions, like how long things take, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

Answer 1

OK, I'll give you my answer based on the way we book appointments (im a dental nurse)

We generally book off 15min for each check up, but thats not to say you will have your mouth open for a whole 15min, this coveres updating your medical history and you talking to the dentist about any problems you have.

For the TMJ probs tell your dentist you have limited opening due to these pains, and if your not already treatine this he or she may suggest making you a "splint" or "occlusal applience" this is like a gum shield that can be worn at nite to try break your clenching/grinding habits. also you can take ibuprofen to help with the pain and this also reduces inflammation around the joint (make sure your ok with ibuprofen, not asthmatic or anything)
I myself go through phases of really bad TMJ probs, i have a few mouth guards that i use i started with a hard/soft lower one and now find i use a hard upper one.

Fillings - again will depend on how many you need and where they all are, generally if you have one on either side they wont do them both in the one day so you prob would have a few 20 - 30min appointments. at this appointment they may suggest you try using a "mouth prop" this will hold your mouth open and your jaws will be resting on this rubber block

hope this helps, if you wanna know anything else just ask!

Answer 2

Before you get in that chair, inform your dentist of your condition. If they're any good, they'll be considerate of it, and take time to wait on you to be able to rest your jaw from time to time. They may even put what my pediatric dentist (from when I was a kid) called a "hat and raincoat". It's a ring that they put inside your mouth to hold it open. That's the hat part. The raincoat part, you probably won't need. It's to keep too much liquid from hitting the back of your mouth and draining into your throat. My dentist used this because I have a very sensitive gag reflex and almost threw up n her the first time I had my teeth cleaned. But the ring really helped because it held my mouth open so I didn't have to hold it open the whole time. I'd say a regular visit, depending on how busy they are, would only take an hour or two. But considering you may have to take breaks, it could take a few hours for you.

Answer 3

it doesnt take long for a check up. if anything needs doing, u will be asked to make another appointment to have it done. well that is how it goes here.
tell the dentist about your TMJ problem, explain it to him. im sure there is something they can do to help u be more comfortable. its kinda hard to say how long procedures will take, it depends how bad it is, where it is and wot needs doing etc. just tell your dentist about any worries u have. good luck.

Answer 4

Check ups can be over in minutes and don't presume degeneration of your teeth!

As for the jaw problem, I had the same thing a few years back and it was rectified by using a teeth protector in bed for a while as I was grinding my teeth. The second and major cure was from using an osteopath who manipulated that area. I was living on soups as my problem was so severe - and now I am cured with no flare ups.

Answer 5

It doe snot take that long it depends if they find some problem or if you have to get an x-ray or something else. You should take care of your teeth. I cannot help you with the filling Q because I never got one. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 6

ABOUT AN HOUR.THEY HAVE A DEVICE TO HOLD YOUR MOUTH OPEN(RUBBER BLOCK) AND IF YOU CAN'T HOLD YOUR MOUTH OPEN YOU NEED TO SEE A DENTIST. TELL THEM OF YOUR PROBLEM.

Answer 7

12 years...min