Elaine
07-28-2003, 01:12 AM
Hi Everyone,
I think I am back among the living after a very tough time in my life. Hope to get back to posting on a regular basis as I have missed being here. Thought this info may be useful.
Take care,
Elaine
Become an informed consumer/patient.
Cross over the lines between healthcare
professionals. Decide what procedures and
treatment are right for you.
Each professional uses the tools they
have been trained to use in working with
TMJ. A dentist makes mouthguards and
grinds teeth, a orthodontist uses braces
to change the bite, an oral surgeon
performs surgery, a MD prescribes drugs,
a chiropractor adjusts joints, a physical
therapist works with muscles, the list
goes on.
========================================
3 RULES OF TMJ TREATMENT
Rule #1 - Take control of your own
treatment.
Rule #2 - Focus on reversible and non-
invasive procedures. Go easy and keep it
simple.
Rule #3 - Obtain several independent
opinions before agreeing to invasive and
non-reversible procedures.
========================================
What is a TMJ specialist?
There is no specialty for treatment of
TMJ. Those who use the title of TMJ
specialist are self-proclaimed experts.
There is no formal recognized program to
certify health practitioners as TMJ
specialist. Training, if any, may be
incomplete or limited to one way of
thinking. Training may come from a
teaching university or weekend seminar.
========================================
FACT: TMJ Specialists are self-
proclaimed. There is not a standardized
certification for TMJ Specialist.
FACT: In an ADA survey, 60% of dentist
making over 1 million dollars a year
treated facial pain.
=====================================
Survey Results
What are the top rated causes of TMJ.
Survey results show the following:
#1 - Clenching or grinding of the teeth
#2 - Stress
#3 - Trauma
#4 - Occlusion
#5 - Whiplash
#6 - Orthodontics/Braces
Q. What do stress, trauma, occlusion,
whiplash and orthodontics have in common?
A. Each can cause or increase teeth
clenching and grinding (bruxing)
resulting in TMJ symptoms.
Stress, trauma, occlusion, whiplash, and
orthodontics are all initiators of an
elevated bruxing level. Both TMJ injury
and/or bruxing may be responsible for
initial TMJ symptoms.
Once bruxism is started, bruxing
perpetuate the TMJ symptoms and the
associated pain. As pain increases,
bruxing also increases, making the
problem worse. A bruxing pain cycle
develops perpetuating the TMJ problem.
The pain cycle continues until external
intervention acts to decrease the bruxing
behavior.
=======================================
FACT: Stress, Trauma, Occlusion,
Whiplash, and Orthodontics can cause
increased bruxing.
FACT: Once initiated the bruxing pain
cycle continues until interrupted.
FACT: Bruxing may not have started the
problems but will perpetuate it.
=====================================
Four-Step Program
=====================================
Getting better may mean "starting all
over again"; but this time, take control
and proceed in a controlled fashion.
Below is a 4-step plan for managing your
TMJ problem. Follow each step in order
for best results.
The four-step plan typically takes 8-12
Weeks. The goal is to be symptom free.
Step 1- Exam/Evaluation
Step 2- Control Clenching & Grinding
Step 3- Secondary treatment
Step 4- Invasive care
1) If you haven't already had an
examination by a dentist or MD, call and
get an appointment. The examination is
used to make sure, an obvious life-
threatening problem does not exist.
Evaluation could include imagining of the
TM joints if physical damage or disease
is suspected. (DO NOT buy the splint!)
2) Determine if you clench or grind
your teeth (bruxism) and bring behavior
under control. This cannot be determined
by examination. Once bruxing is under
control and the cycle is broken, symptoms
due to bruxing will go away. Controlling
bruxing is easy, safe, non-invasive,
and reversible. (Splints do not control
bruxism)
3) Once bruxing is controlled include
additional therapies to eliminate any
remaining symptoms. Have dentist evaluate
occlusion, physical therapist, or
chiropractor for neck and back pain, etc.
Prior TMJ treatment may need to be redone
or undone.
4) As a last resort and upon multiple
independent opinions you may need
invasive care. Less then 2% of TMJ
patients require surgery.
=======================================
FACT: Many TMJ patients have been injured
for life, through non-reversible
procedures that were unnecessary and
ineffective.
FACT: Nightguards, splints, appliances do
not control nighttime clenching and
grinding habits.
I think I am back among the living after a very tough time in my life. Hope to get back to posting on a regular basis as I have missed being here. Thought this info may be useful.
Take care,
Elaine
Become an informed consumer/patient.
Cross over the lines between healthcare
professionals. Decide what procedures and
treatment are right for you.
Each professional uses the tools they
have been trained to use in working with
TMJ. A dentist makes mouthguards and
grinds teeth, a orthodontist uses braces
to change the bite, an oral surgeon
performs surgery, a MD prescribes drugs,
a chiropractor adjusts joints, a physical
therapist works with muscles, the list
goes on.
========================================
3 RULES OF TMJ TREATMENT
Rule #1 - Take control of your own
treatment.
Rule #2 - Focus on reversible and non-
invasive procedures. Go easy and keep it
simple.
Rule #3 - Obtain several independent
opinions before agreeing to invasive and
non-reversible procedures.
========================================
What is a TMJ specialist?
There is no specialty for treatment of
TMJ. Those who use the title of TMJ
specialist are self-proclaimed experts.
There is no formal recognized program to
certify health practitioners as TMJ
specialist. Training, if any, may be
incomplete or limited to one way of
thinking. Training may come from a
teaching university or weekend seminar.
========================================
FACT: TMJ Specialists are self-
proclaimed. There is not a standardized
certification for TMJ Specialist.
FACT: In an ADA survey, 60% of dentist
making over 1 million dollars a year
treated facial pain.
=====================================
Survey Results
What are the top rated causes of TMJ.
Survey results show the following:
#1 - Clenching or grinding of the teeth
#2 - Stress
#3 - Trauma
#4 - Occlusion
#5 - Whiplash
#6 - Orthodontics/Braces
Q. What do stress, trauma, occlusion,
whiplash and orthodontics have in common?
A. Each can cause or increase teeth
clenching and grinding (bruxing)
resulting in TMJ symptoms.
Stress, trauma, occlusion, whiplash, and
orthodontics are all initiators of an
elevated bruxing level. Both TMJ injury
and/or bruxing may be responsible for
initial TMJ symptoms.
Once bruxism is started, bruxing
perpetuate the TMJ symptoms and the
associated pain. As pain increases,
bruxing also increases, making the
problem worse. A bruxing pain cycle
develops perpetuating the TMJ problem.
The pain cycle continues until external
intervention acts to decrease the bruxing
behavior.
=======================================
FACT: Stress, Trauma, Occlusion,
Whiplash, and Orthodontics can cause
increased bruxing.
FACT: Once initiated the bruxing pain
cycle continues until interrupted.
FACT: Bruxing may not have started the
problems but will perpetuate it.
=====================================
Four-Step Program
=====================================
Getting better may mean "starting all
over again"; but this time, take control
and proceed in a controlled fashion.
Below is a 4-step plan for managing your
TMJ problem. Follow each step in order
for best results.
The four-step plan typically takes 8-12
Weeks. The goal is to be symptom free.
Step 1- Exam/Evaluation
Step 2- Control Clenching & Grinding
Step 3- Secondary treatment
Step 4- Invasive care
1) If you haven't already had an
examination by a dentist or MD, call and
get an appointment. The examination is
used to make sure, an obvious life-
threatening problem does not exist.
Evaluation could include imagining of the
TM joints if physical damage or disease
is suspected. (DO NOT buy the splint!)
2) Determine if you clench or grind
your teeth (bruxism) and bring behavior
under control. This cannot be determined
by examination. Once bruxing is under
control and the cycle is broken, symptoms
due to bruxing will go away. Controlling
bruxing is easy, safe, non-invasive,
and reversible. (Splints do not control
bruxism)
3) Once bruxing is controlled include
additional therapies to eliminate any
remaining symptoms. Have dentist evaluate
occlusion, physical therapist, or
chiropractor for neck and back pain, etc.
Prior TMJ treatment may need to be redone
or undone.
4) As a last resort and upon multiple
independent opinions you may need
invasive care. Less then 2% of TMJ
patients require surgery.
=======================================
FACT: Many TMJ patients have been injured
for life, through non-reversible
procedures that were unnecessary and
ineffective.
FACT: Nightguards, splints, appliances do
not control nighttime clenching and
grinding habits.
Sponsor
Anastasia
07-28-2003, 02:39 AM
hi elaine,
i've only been in this board a few weeks but welcome back. i'm glad your doing better and can't wait to see what else you can bring to the boards :)
thanx for the information too. i'm still learning about his TMJd thing, i think it's going to take me forever to even learn the basics in treatment and symptoms. what a terrible thing to go through. i hope to see more of your posts soon and wish you many pain free days.
Anastasia
i've only been in this board a few weeks but welcome back. i'm glad your doing better and can't wait to see what else you can bring to the boards :)
thanx for the information too. i'm still learning about his TMJd thing, i think it's going to take me forever to even learn the basics in treatment and symptoms. what a terrible thing to go through. i hope to see more of your posts soon and wish you many pain free days.
Anastasia
Cymy Sue
07-28-2003, 03:17 AM
Hi Elaine,
I'm glad you're back.
Your experience, knowledge, sense of humor and
"WIT" http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/hammer.gif has been missed.
Cymy sue
[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 07-28-2003).]
I'm glad you're back.
Your experience, knowledge, sense of humor and
"WIT" http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/hammer.gif has been missed.
Cymy sue
[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 07-28-2003).]
jimmyt7
07-28-2003, 03:35 AM
so u are saying not to even consider getting a splint?
Cymy Sue
07-28-2003, 06:17 AM
Jimmy,
It looks like to me that this report is focusing on the bruxism or grinding that many of us have, and it needs to be controlled. It's saying you cannot depend on a splint or mouthguard to control this behaviour.
I think even though Splint Therapy is usually first inline for non-invasive therapies for other TMJD problems, this article is stressing that we need an accurate diagnosis of what our condition is to make sure Splint Therapy would be beneficial.
Cymy Sue
[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 07-28-2003).]
It looks like to me that this report is focusing on the bruxism or grinding that many of us have, and it needs to be controlled. It's saying you cannot depend on a splint or mouthguard to control this behaviour.
I think even though Splint Therapy is usually first inline for non-invasive therapies for other TMJD problems, this article is stressing that we need an accurate diagnosis of what our condition is to make sure Splint Therapy would be beneficial.
Cymy Sue
[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 07-28-2003).]
saaraah
07-28-2003, 09:53 AM
thanks for that list, but now i have a question. how is bruxism controlled? thru medication? stress relief?
thanks. :)
- saaraah.
thanks. :)
- saaraah.
ryanpaus
07-28-2003, 11:03 AM
I was under the impression that bruxism was controlled also by splint theropy.
saaraah
07-28-2003, 12:38 PM
ryanpaus - yah, i know what you mean. i wore a nightguard for 7 years under the impression that it was both helping to reduce the effects of bruxism and stopping me from bruxing. bah. that's what my health care provider always told me, and of course i believed him. thank god i'm a lot more cynical and non-trusting now.. ;) hehe.
- saaraah.
[This message has been edited by saaraah (edited 07-28-2003).]
- saaraah.
[This message has been edited by saaraah (edited 07-28-2003).]
TiffanyAnn
07-28-2003, 10:45 PM
Originally posted by Elaine:
Hi Everyone,
Thought this info may be useful.
Take care,
Elaine
Become an informed consumer/patient.
Cross over the lines between healthcare
professionals. Decide what procedures and
treatment are right for you.
Hi Elaine:
I couldn't agree more. The most important thing any and every patient need to learn these days is to be an informed patient. My husband has serious heart problems and he, like so many, thinks that whatever the doctors say must be right but I ask questions. Lots of questions and I research every condition thoroughly. It pays to be a smart, informed patient.
Tiffany
Hi Everyone,
Thought this info may be useful.
Take care,
Elaine
Become an informed consumer/patient.
Cross over the lines between healthcare
professionals. Decide what procedures and
treatment are right for you.
Hi Elaine:
I couldn't agree more. The most important thing any and every patient need to learn these days is to be an informed patient. My husband has serious heart problems and he, like so many, thinks that whatever the doctors say must be right but I ask questions. Lots of questions and I research every condition thoroughly. It pays to be a smart, informed patient.
Tiffany
jp123
07-31-2003, 05:51 PM
ok right now my teeth are always hurting and I cannot live with this pain anymore. So how is it that I stop the bruxing, if the bite guards don't help.
crystalll
07-31-2003, 10:14 PM
Hi Elaine,
It's great to see you back! We've missed you.
I just wanted to mention that I've seen this information before, and it was being used to advertise an anti-bruxing device. I'm not sure who the author is, but I would take this information with a grain of salt. Putting an end to bruxism is important, but I'm not sure if there is any proven method of doing so.
Contrary to what the author states, I believe that splints CAN control bruxing. Bruxing can be a symptom of your jaw being out of alignment. It's your jaw's way of trying to "readjust" itself. Splints are intended to place the jaw in a proper position. Once in the proper position, bruxing can be greatly diminished in a lot of patients. Obviously, it doesn't work in all patients, but it's a non-invasive therapy.
Crystal
It's great to see you back! We've missed you.
I just wanted to mention that I've seen this information before, and it was being used to advertise an anti-bruxing device. I'm not sure who the author is, but I would take this information with a grain of salt. Putting an end to bruxism is important, but I'm not sure if there is any proven method of doing so.
Contrary to what the author states, I believe that splints CAN control bruxing. Bruxing can be a symptom of your jaw being out of alignment. It's your jaw's way of trying to "readjust" itself. Splints are intended to place the jaw in a proper position. Once in the proper position, bruxing can be greatly diminished in a lot of patients. Obviously, it doesn't work in all patients, but it's a non-invasive therapy.
Crystal
Elaine
08-01-2003, 01:43 AM
Crystal,
I take most information with a grain of salt. I ran across the info and thought I would post it. When it comes to TMJD, I don't pay much attention to what anyone (so called specialists) have to say anymore. I got in deep trouble listening to doctors and ended up in a world of hurt. I had several different splints, none of which ever helped. That is when I decided surgery was my answer. Three surgeries later, a loose implant, and a destroyed jaw joint, I don't know what the answer is anymore. I still clench with or without a splint so I found that without one, I do better. At least I don't wake up with the puking headaches. I agree, splints are non invasive therapy and one I should have stuck with, rather than the mess I am in now. Maybe I just didn't find the right splint but until this board, I didn't even know there was so many different types. If I knew for sure one would work, I would take the plunge again but after so many that were worthless, I am just a little leary and hesitant to spend more money out of my pocket. But like everything else, there is no guarantee and I am definitely sick of the word "maybe".
Hope things are going ok for you. I am trying to get back into posting but still dealing with a lot of stress in my little world. One day, I will be back to normal, I hope.....
Take care,
Elaine
I take most information with a grain of salt. I ran across the info and thought I would post it. When it comes to TMJD, I don't pay much attention to what anyone (so called specialists) have to say anymore. I got in deep trouble listening to doctors and ended up in a world of hurt. I had several different splints, none of which ever helped. That is when I decided surgery was my answer. Three surgeries later, a loose implant, and a destroyed jaw joint, I don't know what the answer is anymore. I still clench with or without a splint so I found that without one, I do better. At least I don't wake up with the puking headaches. I agree, splints are non invasive therapy and one I should have stuck with, rather than the mess I am in now. Maybe I just didn't find the right splint but until this board, I didn't even know there was so many different types. If I knew for sure one would work, I would take the plunge again but after so many that were worthless, I am just a little leary and hesitant to spend more money out of my pocket. But like everything else, there is no guarantee and I am definitely sick of the word "maybe".
Hope things are going ok for you. I am trying to get back into posting but still dealing with a lot of stress in my little world. One day, I will be back to normal, I hope.....
Take care,
Elaine
CherylLynn24
08-01-2003, 01:59 AM
Elaine,
I'm glad to see you're back. Things will get back to normal, it just takes some time. Hang in there.
I'm sorry to hear that you've gone through he** with all of this TMJD. You did have your implants removed, right? Is there anything helping you, right now?
I had to giggle when you brought this topic up....isn't this the ad for the alarm that wakes you when you start clenching? I'd beat the thing.....
Take Care,
Cheryl
I'm glad to see you're back. Things will get back to normal, it just takes some time. Hang in there.
I'm sorry to hear that you've gone through he** with all of this TMJD. You did have your implants removed, right? Is there anything helping you, right now?
I had to giggle when you brought this topic up....isn't this the ad for the alarm that wakes you when you start clenching? I'd beat the thing.....
Take Care,
Cheryl
Elaine
08-01-2003, 02:14 AM
Cheryl,
I haven't had the implant removed yet. I owe so much from my back fusions, insurance only covers what is reasonable and customary. I guess a $100,000 isn't very reasonable in anybody's eyes but this is part of what I have to deal with. I guess be thankful I only have the headaches from hell and not the back pain where I was crawling. I need to find the book,"why bad things happen to good people". Then I will decide if I am good or bad. :) I know I need to get the implant out but the oral surgeon wants the money up front and no insurance coverage so right now I am in limbo. The screws are loose and the implant gets hung up. I can pop it to release it but sounds like I am breaking bone which I am sure I am. At least when I get it to pop, it relieves the pain somewhat. Maybe I will take up gum chewing....(Just kidding)
I am so far behind on all these posts, I don't know who is who or what is going on. Pardon me if I don't respond, its because I am lost.
Take care,
Elaine
I haven't had the implant removed yet. I owe so much from my back fusions, insurance only covers what is reasonable and customary. I guess a $100,000 isn't very reasonable in anybody's eyes but this is part of what I have to deal with. I guess be thankful I only have the headaches from hell and not the back pain where I was crawling. I need to find the book,"why bad things happen to good people". Then I will decide if I am good or bad. :) I know I need to get the implant out but the oral surgeon wants the money up front and no insurance coverage so right now I am in limbo. The screws are loose and the implant gets hung up. I can pop it to release it but sounds like I am breaking bone which I am sure I am. At least when I get it to pop, it relieves the pain somewhat. Maybe I will take up gum chewing....(Just kidding)
I am so far behind on all these posts, I don't know who is who or what is going on. Pardon me if I don't respond, its because I am lost.
Take care,
Elaine