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Posted 8/14/2011 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
After seeing my ENT on Friday for a follow up from my sinus surgery he strongly suggests that I get in to see a dentist for a TMJ appliance ASAP.

So I havent been to a dentist in many many years and locally a new patient appointment isnt until February. I can expand the area but was hoping to stay within a 1/2 hour drive. I have been doing heat, gentle massage, muscle relaxer, but now that my ears are affected its getting pretty bothersome to say the least. The ENT told me that anything I can buy OTC will be pretty useless and a waste of money for me. Just wondering if there are any over the counter guards that actual TMJ patients found that are worth trying?
Posted 8/14/2011 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Shell....OTC mouthguards are not customized to the shape of the mouth and your lower jaw needs to be protruded slightly forward to help breakup the muscle spasm associated with TMJ.See if you can get in with an (dont panic)
oral surgeon that specializes in TMJ sooner than February. In the meantime continue applying moist warm compresses on the joint of the jaw that hurts the worse and continue with muscle relaxants. I have worked as a chairside dental assistant for 28 years and for a dentist that specialized in TMJ.

Please keep us updated on your situation.
Betsey
Posted 8/15/2011 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
Another thought that maybe be helpful is to go see a chiropractor. I was hit in the face right across the TM joint by a heavy metal door which of course brought on all sorts of TMJ symptoms. My chiropractor worked on it twice and the symptoms improved dramatically. I do on occasion have to use moist heat but for the most part it is good without medication or a mouth guard. Of course everyone is different and I don't know how long you have had symptoms so that treatment option may not be useful to you but thought I would mention it. Good luck, Lee
Posted 8/15/2011 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
 

      Morning Shell!

            The only thing I have to offer is from my own experience. I find that if I sleep in my back, ...it allows the lower jaw to relax back down towards my neck. This puts pressure on the joint, and causes me more pain in the long run, ...so I sleep on my side if possible now.

    However, with back problems, I do tend to still sleep on my back, with pillows under my knees from time to time. The splints used by the Dentist are probably the best way to go,...so I agree with Betsey Ross on this one. They can be expensive, and I'm guessing that Insurance will only pay so much on them.

     TMJ can be miserable when it flairs up, so I feel for you! shakehead   Stay away from crunchy foods and snacks if you can, and try different sleeping positions and see if that will help make a difference.

    Take care,

   SE wink

Posted 8/15/2011 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
I'd call the ENT's office and tell them you are having trouble getting an appointment, and is there anyone they work with who might see you more quickly. February is way too long to wait!
Posted 8/16/2011 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I have a few calls to make before I call the ENT back, but thats a good idea too.

Thanks for the suggetions.
Posted 8/20/2011 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
Shell, the ones OT are pretty much for teeth grinders. You do need to be specially fitted. I have TMJ and back in the late 80's had appliances made for upper & lower. it was awful trying get use to them and talk at the same time, lol. Most mornings I woke up with them in the bed with me and not in my mouth, lol.

A gal that worked with me had TMJ severely and had surgery to correct the problem. She really went through some bad stuff with the surgery. She was in braces for a couple of years after the surgery too. Try to catch it early if possible.
Posted 9/3/2011 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Shell, how are you doing? It's been a while since we've had an update from you. Hope you can post soon for us.

Regarding your tmj issues, I highly recommend seeing an orthodontist who has experience with tmj disorders. I would not

do one of those otc mouthguards.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Take care
Suzane
Posted 9/4/2011 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Suzanne, its been awhile since I have been on. I saw my ENT on Friday and they are calling to make an appointment for me at an orthodontist that they recommend. I had called this office but they said Decemeber (this is a different office than I first spoke to). They feel if they make the call they will get me in sooner.

August 15th was my weight loss surgery, I am officially down 58 pounds from my heaviest, 22 since the day of surgery. My jaw hasnt been doing to bad since the first few weeks after surgery you are eating very soft foods and soups. I can definetely recognize though when I eat anything that I need to chew I have a lot of discomfort. I thought maybe this break from tough foods would give things a chance to calm down but it doesnt look that way.

Thank you for checking in on me Suzanne!

Big hugs,
Shell
Posted 9/4/2011 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Aww Shell, I'm sorry that you've got such a long wait for the orthodontist - I hope that the ENT can get an appointment sooner. Congratulations on your weight loss though, that's some achievement and you should be really proud!

With you guys talking about TMJ disorders - can I ask what the main symptoms/diagnostic criteria are? I've had a 'clicky' jaw for as long as I can remember that has now degenerated into a painful, clunking. Also - whether it's connected or not I don't know - I drool. Lots. Something else I've got to get checked out.

Laura
Posted 9/8/2011 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
For me the TMJ pain is pain on both sides of the jaw at the joint, pain into my ears and sinuses. Clicking, popping, getting stuck and cramps also happen very frequently.

Laura, I was pretty concerned with having another elective (more or less) surgery, but we are hoping that the benefits will outweigh the risks. My legs seem to be acting up a bit but not more than a normal bad day. A few of my inscisions are also burning, but it is to early to jump to conclusions. Just keep my fingers crossed that I wont have a major increase and the weight loss helps gets the rest of my body moving and stronger. Will have my SCS placed once I hit my goal weight. I cant wait!!
Posted 9/8/2011 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Laura, if you google tmj disorder, you will get the list of all the symptoms. I have them all except the popping. The headaches as you know is worst culprit. But know with all the orthodontic work i have had done they say my joints are ok now. They were really tight as i have a small jaw and there was not much space. But unfortunately for me i still have severe headaches and nothing med wise or treatment has ever helped.
My orthodontist is trying me with an NTI appliance which you can also google. It is worn on the front teeth so you have no surfaces touching in the back and therefore releasing any pressure from clenching. I wouldn't wish Tmj issues on anyone, it has just been a nightmare for me, now 11 1/2 yrs.

Hi Shell, sure hope you get in to the orthodontist soon. Does that person have good experience with tmj disorders? cause that's what you need.
Wow your weight loss is coming along nicely. How have you been feeling since that surgery? was it a difficult recovery?
Good wishes sent your way. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

Hugs
Suzane
Posted 5/4/2014 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
you don't any pain meds for this? I have TMJ syndrome and its killing me!?!
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