Connect
Research on TMJ: What treatments work for you?
This just arrived in my inbox, and I thought some of you might be interested:
TMJ Patient RoundTable Project: Status Update
https://tmj.org/living-with-tmj/tmj-implants/tmj-roundtable-project/
The TMJ Patient RoundTable is also the first patient-led project to be conducted under the auspices of the Medical Device Epidemiology Network (MDEpiNet), a public-private partnership developed to bring real--world data-patient experiences together with a broad array of experts to conduct studies aimed at improving outcomes for implant patients worldwide. The unique aspect of the RoundTable initiative is its patient-centeredness and in that regard, we expect to involve you, the TMJ patients, in aspects of the project as it enfolds.
The TMJ Patient RoundTable was initiated by a need to find out why some TMJ patients have successful outcomes from implant surgery, while others do not. It has evolved into a comprehensive study of all aspects of temporomandibular disorders and how these various aspects interact to affect patient outcomes. The goal is to establish a scientifically valid road map that can reliably predict treatment outcomes for individual patients. The long-term goal seeks to incorporate different study topics into the project as it evolves over time.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.
Connect
I have similar jaw pain. Thank you for sharing your experience which could be helpful.
@ga29
I am glad you got help!!
My dentist told me that TMJ was an dental problem helped by a PCP.
When my jaw slipped, my TMJ dentist helped me by putting it back in place.
Yikes, it hurt!
Just be careful because it can slip out again.
Good luck!
Ronnie
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYes, the problem started in 2019 (I think) when I bit into a Very hard nuts and dark chocolate protein bar! I could hear it when it first happened, the pain was mainly when I chewed, but actually it ached sometimes just sitting there. I had this pain for months with no answers from my doctors; only when I went for PT for my cervical neck issues was it addressed. I am forever grateful to Karna, the PT assigned to me.
Yes, I have bilateral tmj and I am here to say that PLEASE get the proper
dentist for tmj.
@ga29 Glad to hear your issue was addressed and is not a problem for you, now. As @grandmar mentioned, it might slip out again. My jaw tends to slip, usually on left side, whenever I open my mouth wide. Fortunately my dental hygienist is aware of it. But it played havoc when I had general anesthesia 22 years ago!
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionOh that’s scary to think of! I just had surgery at Mayo and did not have any problems, thank goodness!
Funny but my dentist did not have any solutions when I complained about the pain, I don’t know what kind of dentist would be able to help?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@ga29 Here is an excellent article from Mayo Clinic about TMJ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941 It discusses the types of treatments and doctors.
As you will read, there are certainly levels of discomfort and disorder. For me, I no longer chew gum, which was a habit for many years. I really cannot recall a time when I didn't have some issue with my jaws! When I was 10 years old, I was hit in the side of the head about jaw level, by a baseball bat. It might have been the start of things.
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@gingerw @ga29
When I first started having problems with TMJ, it was probably about 35 or 40 years ago.
I was having clicking in my jaw and it felt like my jaw was "off track".
I went to my PCP because I thought I was getting an ear infection and I wanted it checked before the weekend.
Everything was clear.
He asked if I had any other symptoms and when I explained what they were, he said he knew what it was.
His wife was a dentist and he read about this thing called "TMJ".
He explained what it was and that it was a medical condition treated by a dentist.
This was good news since in those days, I didn't have any dental insurance.
He also heard about a TMJ clinic opening up at one of the local hospitals.
I went there and WITHOUT any anesthesia, the dentist popped my jaw back into place.
I started to see this dentist.
He did ultrasound and heat treatments and told me that probably when I had braces the dentist was more concerned about how my teeth looked rather than the physiology of it.
He moved my bite into a bad position.
It made sense.
For years I suffered from dizziness.
We thought it was inner ear, but it was probably come from the TMJ.
Anyway, I wore a huge bite plate 24/7.
Every certain amount of time the dentist would shave it down until I no longer needed it.
After that (and it was a long process), I was fine.
That is until recently.
I've been under a lot of stress (NON_COVID) and I am sure I've been grinding and clenching.
I need to find someone to take care of it.
There are dentists that specialize in TMJ care.
You have to do research to find them.
Your regular dentist might be able to give you a name.
Whatever you do, be sure the dentist specializes in TMJ.
In the meantime, use warm moist compresses and stay away from biting into big things like a big burger or sandwich.
Don't chew gum or anything that is tough, like a steak.
Take something like Advil for the pain and if you have a muscle relaxer, that might help too.
Hope this helps!
Ronnie
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@michelleem Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.
It sounds like you have support and information to give. You said that you have bilateral TMJ and you urge to get the proper dentist for TMJ.
May I ask your history on the subject and what kind of advice would you give someone trying to find a dentist that treats TMJ? What should a patient look for in a dentist?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYou had TMJ surgery at Mayo? Did your insurance cover it? I have been to so many doctors and dentists and PTs. An MRI showed that I had very little blood flow to my right jar joint. Haven't felt well in over a year.