2006-12-12 12:13:07 · 5 answers · asked by jamie_0778 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Sometimes the dentist will file down some of the bumps on your teeth so as to make a better fit. This doesn't hurt at all (I've had it done). They will also make impressions of your teeth and fit you with a bite splint which is usually worn at night. The splint aligns your jaw and helps the muscles relax. I don't wear mine much anymore as I haven't had any TMJ headaches lately (these can be very painful), but when I feel one coming on or when my jaw begins to tense up I will wear it for as long as needed.
TMJ can cause many problems. Read this:
http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/hw209469
2006-12-12 12:30:58 · answer #1 · answered by margarita 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a terrible experience with jaw pain about 6 years ago and it really had me worried. I went to see two dentists, a neurologist, an oralmaxiofacial surgeon and a general practicioner before I was able to find relief.
To make a long story short first make sure that you have TMJ - an oral surgeon can determine this. In my case I did not, the terrible pain was being caused from grinding my teeth at night and resulting in severe muscle strain. Other causes of facial/jaw pain could be trigeminal myaligia - the trigeminal nerve is a large nerve which branches across the face.
Either way, a night guard is a good place to begin to help with the pain. I had one made and have worn it every night for like the last 5 years and it has done wonders for my discomfort. You may benefit well from one as well. At the very least, do not let this condition go untreated as TMJ can digress very quickly and result in severe chronic pain.
I would encourage you to do your research and get in to see the best oral maxiofacial surgeon you can in the area - specifically one who deals predominantly with facial pains. A lot of these guys just pull wisdom teeth while others do major reconstructive surgery of the face after accidents. Likewise, several deal with specific causes of pain in the jaw, etc...
2006-12-12 20:32:50 · answer #2 · answered by Billkasdoikjo R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you have TMJ, your jaw can lock up, you can have severe headaches and you can have clicking in the jaw area. It means that your jaw/teeth are out of alignment. It can be serious if your jaw locks shut. I've had TMJ and they give you a mouth guard, like a plastic retainer, they do ultrasound, sometimes it requires braces and then back to a retainer, but not as thick.
2006-12-12 22:26:43 · answer #3 · answered by nike_ginna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After diagnosis, your otolaryngologist may suggest further consultation with your dentist and oral surgeon to facilitate effective management of TMJ dysfunction.
2006-12-12 20:25:37 · answer #4 · answered by cutesensiblechic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It hurts more and you get more headaches. You go to the dentist and they make a mouth splint for you to wear at home and to bed.Makes the pain go away
2006-12-12 20:21:48 · answer #5 · answered by Nani 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋