Any Dentist on this Fourm

I am expercering really bad TMJ, I can't hardly eat without fair amount of pain. I am seeing a Chiro guy today to see if he can adjust my jaw. What else can I do to help treat this? I also have an appointment with my dentist on Monday. But need some help to get me through the weekend.

 

They can make mouth guards for you....had an ex that had a simple surgery and it helped her...i am not a dentist however

 

What's TMJ?

 

I've had TMJ for years; and I would bet money you clench your teeth at night as well. I'd start with a night guard; I had the same issues as you, and it went from a 5-6 on a 1-10 pain scale to maybe 1/2, ehough so I can ignore it.

 

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction - basically, the jawbone pops in/out of socket, pain (anywhere from a little to tons), etc. Not fun.

 

Thanks guys hope the chiro can adjust my jaw today.

 

I get that occasionally. My brother in law is a dentist and he recommended starting with a night guard. If that doesn't help he says the next step is orthodontic surgery.

I haven't done either yet because for me it only happens maybe once a year and goes away after an hour or so. I probably should address it.

 

TMJ is the joint itself. You're experiencing TMJ disorder. I'll ask my dental hygienist wife for advice when she wakes up.

 

My wife says alternate ice and heat for 15 minutes at a time. Tylenol. Massage the joint. Try not to chew much. No gum. Stick to soft foods.

 

Disclaimer: I'm not a dentist. But what the hell are you doing going to a chiro for that? Dude, go get a mouth guard asap. You'll have to get used to sleeping with it, and anyone sleeping next to you will have to get used to you snoring. But clenching is a likely cause and this will help. Again, don't waste your money at a chiropractor.

 

This. I have TMJ disorder and it used to be really bad. Once I cut gum out for the most part, it's been manageable. Though it does crop up every once in a while and hurts like a bitch.

 

Go to the pharmacy and get a mouth piece and form it according to directions. That is about the best you can do. The dentist will make you a custom one for lots and lots of money but you can get the same effect from the pharmacy mouth piece.

 

Do not go to a chiropractor, they are not medically trained. I'm a provider and conservative management along with behavioral changes are critical. Isometric jaw exercises can be used to ease pain, you can google or youtube them. This can be combined with massages of the joint. In addition a 10-14 day course of NSAIDs like OTC ibuprofen is very helpful and more effective than Tylenol. Muscle relaxers like Flexeril can also be prescribed to give further relief. If you grind your teeth at night a mouth guard is also recommended.

This is not medical advice though, i advise you get evaluated by your dentist or go to an urgent care clinic if your dentist is not available for a thorough eval. Hope ya feel better!

 

Ibuprofen is better as long as you're sure you won't catch COVID-19 in the near future.

 

Dentist here, you will probably be referred to an Oral Surgeon for a Cone beam (CBCT) scan to really see if its the joints or the muscles related to the joint. Stress usually causes the muscles to contract (clench) which compresses the joint into the socket fossa. Prolonged periods of contraction leads to muscle pain around the joint. Night guard may help. Rare if you have bone on bone grinding of the TMJ. Sleep apnea is also related to TMJ pain as well. Good luck!

 

Good to know, sounding more like muscle pain. It does pop out when chewing with pain. Been icing it and some Advil. Makes we wonder if I should skip my dentist appointment or just go with it. Would an OTC night guard be my best bet or pay $$ for a custom guard?

 

Custom is definitely the way to go but good luck finding a dentist who's allowed to take impressions right now.

 

Damn good point. 2020 been such a great year!

 

Ice and a Vicodin. seriously.
good luck.

 

I'm a dentist, albeit mostly a retired one.

Most of the advice above is good for getting you through the weekend.

Ibuprofen, warm or cold compresses, which ever makes it feel better, and softer foods.

Someone above suggested going to the pharmacy and fabricating an over the counter mouth guard. Try it, but if it doesn't give you relief stop wearing it.

A friend of mine just went through this and they traced the source of the problem to his neck and shoulders, the result of hunching over at the computer for hours on end. Maybe try the compresses on your neck and shoulders and have someone massage those areas, can't hurt.

Massage the muscles of your jaw as well, particularly the large jaw muscle directly below and in front of the ear, the masseter. Also, open your mouth about half way and move it from side to side, sometimes this helps.

You are most likely, at the very least, looking at a custom night guard.

I'm sorry you're going through this.

 

Yup, custom is the way to go. Forget the OTC crap. It can potentially make the problem worse if not fitted right. Jaw exercises can help like mentioned above. Be careful though with a guard if you have sleep apnea. Never want to prescribe a guard with apnea. It will constrict the amount of air you breath in even more with a guard. No bueno.

 

No, but I have pliers and I slept at a holiday Inn Express last night...

 

Yes I agree with you as also there is a Therapeutic Massage SW Calgary clinic near by dentists and he gave me much much batter results I am tottly happy.