I have TMJ and it is steadily getting worse. I can still eat and chew but it is starting to hurt alot more every day. Any advice on a particular Dentist to see or treatments to seek would be great!
2006-06-27 15:53:29 · 15 answers · asked by Emma2100 1 in Health ➔ Dental
See a neuromuscular dentist. They have it figured out.
2006-06-28 02:01:02 · answer #1 · answered by Kibeth 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I also have TMJ and truly understand what you are going through. Also, as a dental assistant I can tell you that there's not a whole lot you can do about it. I worked for a dentist in Frankfort, IN. who specialized in TMJ treatment. If your teeth are misaligned, braces or headgear might do the trick. Check in your local phonebook for any dentists that might happen to specialize in TMJ in your area. If none are listed, get on the phone and go htrough them and ask, not many dentists except for oral surgeons advertise specialties. Otherwise, unfortunately pain control is one of the only other options. Most dentists, unless they are experienced with TMJ, aren't concerned about the pain you are experiencing unless your mouth is literally STUCK OPEN. Seek a specialist and hopefully he/she can help you.
2006-06-27 17:49:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is to see a TMJ sepcialist. However there are a lot of people who claim to be specialist but are really only Message therapists with little or no understanding of the TMJ and the anatomy involved. TMJ is a degerative disorder, most closely related to knee degredation. Complete curing of the symtoms is rare. However with the right sequence of stablization and then restoration of a functional state they can be achieved and pain managed. Since at its worst state TMJ Disorder can be bone on bone prgressve collapse, time is of the essence.
2006-06-27 16:30:00 · answer #3 · answered by dre 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can try warm compress on each side for up to 15 minutes at a time. don't chew gum or any thing that would involve a lot of chewing for a few days,(try soft foods like mashed potatoes, or eggs, or oatmeal, ice cream , soup etc..) when sleeping don't sleep on your stomach if you need to sleep this way try to sleep on your side and put a pillow under your leg and stomach so you won't be putting pressure on your face. a hard splint helps alot when you sleep . Advil has a anti inflammatory that helps .
if you can't see a TMJ doctor you can get a soft mouth piece to wear during the day and night if needed
2006-06-27 16:04:27 · answer #4 · answered by hhvincent2004 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have a particular dentist to reccomend, but See a dentist as early as possible. If your TMJ gets very advanced, the treatment gets very uncomfortable and inconvenient.
2006-06-27 15:57:05 · answer #5 · answered by me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had TMJ 3 years ago. i first went to our family doctor, she wasnt helpful at all, although she recommended that i go to a surgeon, which is a bad idea cause the consultation was way expensive plus he is not an expert as well. my advice is go to a orthodontist, or a TMJ specialist. i had to wear mouth splint for 2 years, and now my TMJ is completely gone. :)
2006-06-27 18:49:48 · answer #6 · answered by linger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gonsted dChiropractic adjustments made the difference for me years ago.
I would also be tempted to find a dentist that specialized in this field and seek advice from them regaring exercises and medicine.
2006-06-27 17:12:26 · answer #7 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh my goodness, I had that my jaws were swollen and were burning up. Antibiotics did it for me but I'm not sure of the exact name but it was one that you take 2 on the first day and one each day for the next 2 or 3 days and you have to eat before you take it if not u throw up! Its a packaged thing anyways so you never miss ur dose. I think it is Zithromax but dont quote me on that!!!! Ask a real doctor!!!!!
2006-06-27 16:02:07 · answer #8 · answered by whiteoleander3388 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What has helped me the most:
a mouth nightguard, prescribed medication at night to help me not clench my jaw (anti anxiety and/or muscle relaxer), sleeping without a pillow, neck exercises and eating soft foods. Do not have surgery--I have been told by several people that it only makes it worse and is very risky.
2006-06-27 16:20:50 · answer #9 · answered by winnie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are 3 components must be present for TMJ occur
1) predisposition, which is it can be genetic development of the bones, ligaments and muscles. or trauma to the jaw or face or neck.
2) tissue alteration, neuromuscular dysfunction, teeth loss, ischemia or trigger points etc.
3) stress can increase tone of the muscles. etc
I would suggest you to go to see a massage therapist who's able to do intra-oral muscles, trigger points treatment. and they would be able to refer you to other specific health care professional for your condition.
2006-06-27 16:10:47 · answer #10 · answered by aree U 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
clenching of the jaw especially during sleep; also a sort of stress symptom...thought i had repeated ear infections untill doctor advised a dental vist for them to checkout...are there loss of back teeth as well...also untill you can get to dentist or if the applaiance they may want you to get is affordable try this....goto the sporting good store and get a football mouth guard; the one you boil to get a personal fit and try sleeping with it... will cause a perfect allignment and relieve the clenching...also a boxers mouth guard will help
2006-06-27 15:58:52 · answer #11 · answered by butterfly_lashes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋