kcgirl
08-18-2003, 07:17 PM
Hey you all! I have some questions. I went to see an orthodontist, after I have had braces two times already, andhe felt my jaw and its popping. He asked what type of symptoms I was having. I included the pain in jaw and around my ears, I said that my face felt tense all day and actually hurt on one side, and also explained the pain in fron of my R earlobe. He then had the nerve, without any tests, MRI, or tomograms, to say that I just needed to take alleve and try not to put myself into stressful situations. What!
Then I have heard positive and negatives view from various dentists regarding NM dentistry. One dentist actaully said it was in some form a hoax. What!
I have an appointment with a well known ortho in Omaha and was thinking of making an appointment with Dr. B in New Mexico as well. I am so confused and do not know what is the right thing to do.
As you all know, this is expensive. I am currently interviewing for a new job and finances are tough.
What have been your experiences with all the specialists you have seen. I would truly appreciate any feedback.
Thanks so much.
KC
Then I have heard positive and negatives view from various dentists regarding NM dentistry. One dentist actaully said it was in some form a hoax. What!
I have an appointment with a well known ortho in Omaha and was thinking of making an appointment with Dr. B in New Mexico as well. I am so confused and do not know what is the right thing to do.
As you all know, this is expensive. I am currently interviewing for a new job and finances are tough.
What have been your experiences with all the specialists you have seen. I would truly appreciate any feedback.
Thanks so much.
KC
Sponsor
DianeTMJ
08-18-2003, 10:30 PM
Hi KC -
Oh KC, that is just awful, take Alleve and you will be okay? Geez, that what a couple of dentists said to me, but wrote me out heavy duty drug scrips.
KC, if there is one thing I know, there are two or three schools of though about NM. Their are those that think it is great idea, but are going a different directions with their practice or those that just do not like change, newer perhaps better ways to treat something.
If it were me, I would not even think about braces until I my TMJD was completely stablized. Even though you the NIH will say braces do not cause TMJD, there are some on the board that developed TMJD from braces. Boy if NM dentistry is a hoax, it a dang good one, sure has me fooled! I had over 35 symptoms two months ago, and have none today. Tee hee hee. All through NM dentistry. I saw 13 dentists before finding Dr B. If there is one thing I have found out in 2 year journey and seeing 13 dentists, they all had different opinions about me, about different fields of dentistry. I felt like I was a volleyball getting tossed here and there.
I hopt his helps -
Take care
[This message has been edited by DianeTMJ (edited 08-25-2003).]
Oh KC, that is just awful, take Alleve and you will be okay? Geez, that what a couple of dentists said to me, but wrote me out heavy duty drug scrips.
KC, if there is one thing I know, there are two or three schools of though about NM. Their are those that think it is great idea, but are going a different directions with their practice or those that just do not like change, newer perhaps better ways to treat something.
If it were me, I would not even think about braces until I my TMJD was completely stablized. Even though you the NIH will say braces do not cause TMJD, there are some on the board that developed TMJD from braces. Boy if NM dentistry is a hoax, it a dang good one, sure has me fooled! I had over 35 symptoms two months ago, and have none today. Tee hee hee. All through NM dentistry. I saw 13 dentists before finding Dr B. If there is one thing I have found out in 2 year journey and seeing 13 dentists, they all had different opinions about me, about different fields of dentistry. I felt like I was a volleyball getting tossed here and there.
I hopt his helps -
Take care
[This message has been edited by DianeTMJ (edited 08-25-2003).]
kcgirl
08-18-2003, 11:02 PM
Diane,
You are so sweet and completely inspiring! Just to feel that I am understood abuot my frustrations and concerns, is such a nice feeling.
I did e-mail Dr. Brookover and plan on calling his office in the morning. Have you seen any of his before/after photos of restorative work? I understand that restorative treatment follows stablizing my jaw. And I cannot wait to have muscles that are not sore, a face that is not tense and uncomfortable and a jaw that does not ache. I just want to be sure that after NM treatment, his restorative work looks natural because it will involve my front 6 teeth...ugh!
You mentioned that you are in a splint to stabilize first and then have a repositiong one after that. Why is that? Is it possible to have a repositioning splint from the beginning. I would be flying in from out of town and am curious of how many times I would be flying back to NM.
Thanks again for your ear and your information. I sure do appreciate it!
I am very happy that you are relieved of your syptoms and I thank you for your help and kindness.
KC
You are so sweet and completely inspiring! Just to feel that I am understood abuot my frustrations and concerns, is such a nice feeling.
I did e-mail Dr. Brookover and plan on calling his office in the morning. Have you seen any of his before/after photos of restorative work? I understand that restorative treatment follows stablizing my jaw. And I cannot wait to have muscles that are not sore, a face that is not tense and uncomfortable and a jaw that does not ache. I just want to be sure that after NM treatment, his restorative work looks natural because it will involve my front 6 teeth...ugh!
You mentioned that you are in a splint to stabilize first and then have a repositiong one after that. Why is that? Is it possible to have a repositioning splint from the beginning. I would be flying in from out of town and am curious of how many times I would be flying back to NM.
Thanks again for your ear and your information. I sure do appreciate it!
I am very happy that you are relieved of your syptoms and I thank you for your help and kindness.
KC
navy2
08-18-2003, 11:25 PM
Hi KC,
You and I have a lot in common. As a matter of fact I just got a call from Dr. Brookover and I mentioned one of your earlier posts about inquring about him. He said he's heard from you. I'll be flying to New Mexico in a few days. Dr. B will be spending all day with me (no other patients) and will do everything including the exam, neuro testing and getting me fitted for an orthodic. I will fly back over the weekend. Then my return is about 2 weeks later to get fitted for the orthodic and I will stay a day or two for a follow-up to make sure it feels right, etc. Then I'll wear it a few months before going back. At least that's the plan. Dr. B hasn't seen me yet, so, depending on my case, it could be a little different. Also, he did offer to try and get everything done in a week and send me home with the orthodic. It was my decision to come back the second time so that I could stay a few days after I got the orthodic and make sure it felt right. You know KC, with all the time and money I've spent going to PT, Chiro, dentists, etc. it really isn't that much more expensive spending money on airfare and going to someone like Dr. B that cares and has all the diagnostic equipment to evaluate and treat tmj. What difference does it make spending a couple of hundred dollars on airfare or giving it to someone for a consultation? Insurance pays no matter where you go for treatment and also there's always the dental fee plan, whereby you have 60 months to pay. Even at the total cost of treatment, that only comes to a little over $100 a month. So, there are ways to afford treatment. When I read about people saying they can't afford splints, etc, I want to tell them how to do it. I don't know about people out of the US though. KC, there are some reasonable hotels right by Dr. B's office. I got a really good deal on a rental car. I don't care about the money. To me, it's worth every penny. I'm so glad you talked to Dr. Brookhover. For the first time in almost 2 years, I feel like someone is going to take care of me and solve the reason for my tmj. Maybe then my tmj joint will behave and stop talking back to me!! haha! Best of luck to you! Navy
You and I have a lot in common. As a matter of fact I just got a call from Dr. Brookover and I mentioned one of your earlier posts about inquring about him. He said he's heard from you. I'll be flying to New Mexico in a few days. Dr. B will be spending all day with me (no other patients) and will do everything including the exam, neuro testing and getting me fitted for an orthodic. I will fly back over the weekend. Then my return is about 2 weeks later to get fitted for the orthodic and I will stay a day or two for a follow-up to make sure it feels right, etc. Then I'll wear it a few months before going back. At least that's the plan. Dr. B hasn't seen me yet, so, depending on my case, it could be a little different. Also, he did offer to try and get everything done in a week and send me home with the orthodic. It was my decision to come back the second time so that I could stay a few days after I got the orthodic and make sure it felt right. You know KC, with all the time and money I've spent going to PT, Chiro, dentists, etc. it really isn't that much more expensive spending money on airfare and going to someone like Dr. B that cares and has all the diagnostic equipment to evaluate and treat tmj. What difference does it make spending a couple of hundred dollars on airfare or giving it to someone for a consultation? Insurance pays no matter where you go for treatment and also there's always the dental fee plan, whereby you have 60 months to pay. Even at the total cost of treatment, that only comes to a little over $100 a month. So, there are ways to afford treatment. When I read about people saying they can't afford splints, etc, I want to tell them how to do it. I don't know about people out of the US though. KC, there are some reasonable hotels right by Dr. B's office. I got a really good deal on a rental car. I don't care about the money. To me, it's worth every penny. I'm so glad you talked to Dr. Brookhover. For the first time in almost 2 years, I feel like someone is going to take care of me and solve the reason for my tmj. Maybe then my tmj joint will behave and stop talking back to me!! haha! Best of luck to you! Navy
DianeTMJ
08-18-2003, 11:39 PM
Hi KC!
KC, I just know the circle that we get stuck in, when trying to find out what the heck is wrong with you.
Let me know if you have any questions at all and I hope you have a pain free, sleepful night KC.
Take care
Diane
[This message has been edited by DianeTMJ (edited 10-12-2003).]
KC, I just know the circle that we get stuck in, when trying to find out what the heck is wrong with you.
Let me know if you have any questions at all and I hope you have a pain free, sleepful night KC.
Take care
Diane
[This message has been edited by DianeTMJ (edited 10-12-2003).]
jp123
08-22-2003, 01:35 AM
Hope you all feel better soon. I'm just starting this wonderful journey. My biggest problem is the pain I have in my teeth because my bite is off and that has caused my tmjd. Just a question I was reading your posts, some of you actually fly to other states for treatment? Is it because there are so few good tmj people? Good luck to all you, and if you have any suggestions for stopping the tooth stuff or anything else I would love to hear from you.
mdla
08-22-2003, 03:09 AM
Anyone who tells you NM is a hoax is full of %(**&. There is an "old school" faction of the ADA and major dental schools that want to keep NM out for several reasons. I dont claim to know them all but one is drug makers they stock pain centers across the country w. meds and 10 million TMJ patients provide them w. good reason to keep their people in key positions of power. Many NM's have fought to get the practice into more main stream acceptance, its profitable of course but they also see people reclaim their lives with the practice. The old school doesnt like change and we suffer.
DianeTMJ
08-22-2003, 10:14 AM
Good morning-
Oh I use to get this terrible referred pain in my teeth from TMJD. It was awful. Dr b when he first saw me, sent me home with a spare myotronic tens unit and the next day I got up and the referred pain was gone. Boy, it is the muscles that cause the irration in the nerve around that part of your face. You may want to try ice packs, I used frozen peas, they shape to your face real nice, just be sure you mark the frozen pea bag so you know not to cook with it.
Well, I am off to get my day going, on my second cup of coffee. Big weekend here in the southwest.
Have a beautiful day!
Diane
[This message has been edited by DianeTMJ (edited 10-12-2003).]
Oh I use to get this terrible referred pain in my teeth from TMJD. It was awful. Dr b when he first saw me, sent me home with a spare myotronic tens unit and the next day I got up and the referred pain was gone. Boy, it is the muscles that cause the irration in the nerve around that part of your face. You may want to try ice packs, I used frozen peas, they shape to your face real nice, just be sure you mark the frozen pea bag so you know not to cook with it.
Well, I am off to get my day going, on my second cup of coffee. Big weekend here in the southwest.
Have a beautiful day!
Diane
[This message has been edited by DianeTMJ (edited 10-12-2003).]
NeedANewHead
08-22-2003, 11:04 AM
KCgirl, I am also in KC. I am starting to look in NM dentistry as I have put off the surgery due to insurance reasons and to be honest...what I have read here. I am starting to believe also that God doesnt want me to have the surgery!!
I would be very curious to see if you find a local doc that does this. And I will let you know if I find one as well. OK??
My doc mentioned Botox to me as well. Anyone else ever tried this???
Another thing I am looking into is purchasing a PT machine (I cant spell the actual name of it) that infuses lidocaine into the jaw). I had this done in PT and it worked great for me. It gave me a week of solid pain relief. I would like to have one at home and my doc supports that and will do anything he can to help me get one. Has anyone heard of that either?
Those are the three things we came up with.
edited to add: I am probably most interested in the NM dentist from all I have read here...how much it has helped all of you. How do I go about finding one??
All advice would be GREATLY appreciated.
[This message has been edited by NeedANewHead (edited 08-22-2003).]
I would be very curious to see if you find a local doc that does this. And I will let you know if I find one as well. OK??
My doc mentioned Botox to me as well. Anyone else ever tried this???
Another thing I am looking into is purchasing a PT machine (I cant spell the actual name of it) that infuses lidocaine into the jaw). I had this done in PT and it worked great for me. It gave me a week of solid pain relief. I would like to have one at home and my doc supports that and will do anything he can to help me get one. Has anyone heard of that either?
Those are the three things we came up with.
edited to add: I am probably most interested in the NM dentist from all I have read here...how much it has helped all of you. How do I go about finding one??
All advice would be GREATLY appreciated.
[This message has been edited by NeedANewHead (edited 08-22-2003).]
DianeTMJ
08-22-2003, 11:15 AM
Good morning -
Fullness in right ear
Ringing in the ear
Pain in the ear
Pain, right side of my face,
Numbness right side of face, running down jaw line to right corner of lip.
Shoulder/neck pain
Dizziness
Vertigo – queasy stomach when that happens, not an upset stomach, just queasy.
Eye Pain
Sensitive to light
Sensitive to noise
Droopy eye, right eye
Headaches, forehead, all over head
What I thought were sinus headaches
Ghost tooth pain, back upper right, sometimes spreading to lower back teeth but not as strong.
Right lymph feeling swollen
Crackling sound in ear
Crackling sound in neck
Watery eye – right one only
Blood shot eye, right one only
Problems with vision in right eye
Temple area pain.
Soft food diet as eating hard things really irritates and makes symptoms worse
Jitters – controlled by no longer taking Tylenol
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
exhaustion
[This message has been edited by DianeTMJ (edited 10-12-2003).]
Fullness in right ear
Ringing in the ear
Pain in the ear
Pain, right side of my face,
Numbness right side of face, running down jaw line to right corner of lip.
Shoulder/neck pain
Dizziness
Vertigo – queasy stomach when that happens, not an upset stomach, just queasy.
Eye Pain
Sensitive to light
Sensitive to noise
Droopy eye, right eye
Headaches, forehead, all over head
What I thought were sinus headaches
Ghost tooth pain, back upper right, sometimes spreading to lower back teeth but not as strong.
Right lymph feeling swollen
Crackling sound in ear
Crackling sound in neck
Watery eye – right one only
Blood shot eye, right one only
Problems with vision in right eye
Temple area pain.
Soft food diet as eating hard things really irritates and makes symptoms worse
Jitters – controlled by no longer taking Tylenol
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
exhaustion
[This message has been edited by DianeTMJ (edited 10-12-2003).]
jp123
08-22-2003, 05:07 PM
Diane thatnks for your reply, and the ice suggestion, wht about heat? What made the tooth pain stop? What can I do? I am going insane, I can't come up with the money (this has been going on now for 3 mos or more. If I do come up with the cash what should I do first? WHat did your doctor do? Do you think you could ask your doctor if he know of any in Michigan i have heard of a dr. Ashman in Farmington no idea though, I just don't want to go to the wrong person, because once the money is gone its gone for good. I only have one shot!! Ever tried the magnesium or orajel or clove oil?
Any idea of how much it usually costs? And do you always need restorative treatment done?
Jennifer
[This message has been edited by jp123 (edited 08-22-2003).]
Any idea of how much it usually costs? And do you always need restorative treatment done?
Jennifer
[This message has been edited by jp123 (edited 08-22-2003).]
jp123
08-22-2003, 05:14 PM
Diane,
I forgot one thing my sister in law has a tens machine she bought for her back problems, do you think if I borrowed it that maybe it would help?
I forgot one thing my sister in law has a tens machine she bought for her back problems, do you think if I borrowed it that maybe it would help?
DianeTMJ
08-22-2003, 06:15 PM
Hi Jennifer -
You need to interview your potential dentists, how long have you been treating tmj? How many classes have they taken specifically for tmjd. There should be many classes..
I have tried asking my dr in the past if he knows of someome with his level of training in other parts of the country, he doesn't but they must be out there.
I hope this helps
Diane
[This message has been edited by DianeTMJ (edited 10-31-2003).]
You need to interview your potential dentists, how long have you been treating tmj? How many classes have they taken specifically for tmjd. There should be many classes..
I have tried asking my dr in the past if he knows of someome with his level of training in other parts of the country, he doesn't but they must be out there.
I hope this helps
Diane
[This message has been edited by DianeTMJ (edited 10-31-2003).]
jp123
08-22-2003, 06:52 PM
Diane,
Thanks for the advice. WOW $5000 how long have you been going? I was told by my dentist the fee is $1600, that includes the myotronic device therapy, and the orthotic device that he will make once they get my bite. Do you think because I had some teeth shaved because my bite was that this will further my recovery?
Thanks for the advice. WOW $5000 how long have you been going? I was told by my dentist the fee is $1600, that includes the myotronic device therapy, and the orthotic device that he will make once they get my bite. Do you think because I had some teeth shaved because my bite was that this will further my recovery?
jp123
08-22-2003, 06:54 PM
Diane,
Thanks for the advice. WOW $5000 how long have you been going? I was told by my dentist the fee is $1600, that includes the myotronic device therapy, and the orthotic device that he will make once they get my bite. Does that sound reasonable, that is what they usually begin with right? Do you also see a chiro? Does your ins. cover any? I heard med sometimes does if your diagnosed with mpd. Well thankyou for your help sorry to keep disturbing you? Do you think because I had some teeth shaved because my bite was that this will further my recovery? Any other suggestions send them my way, talk later.
Edited because i swear lately all I do is forget things.
It seems to me that the referred tooth pain that I have and you had is a lot less common then the other symptons, because I don't hear to many people complaining of that. Also when i have researched it on the net, it is not mentioned as frequently. I wonder why that is?
I tried doing a search for Dr. B is he a she? I only came up with a counselor, is there know website for this dr.?
Jen
[This message has been edited by jp123 (edited 08-22-2003).]
[This message has been edited by jp123 (edited 08-22-2003).]
Thanks for the advice. WOW $5000 how long have you been going? I was told by my dentist the fee is $1600, that includes the myotronic device therapy, and the orthotic device that he will make once they get my bite. Does that sound reasonable, that is what they usually begin with right? Do you also see a chiro? Does your ins. cover any? I heard med sometimes does if your diagnosed with mpd. Well thankyou for your help sorry to keep disturbing you? Do you think because I had some teeth shaved because my bite was that this will further my recovery? Any other suggestions send them my way, talk later.
Edited because i swear lately all I do is forget things.
It seems to me that the referred tooth pain that I have and you had is a lot less common then the other symptons, because I don't hear to many people complaining of that. Also when i have researched it on the net, it is not mentioned as frequently. I wonder why that is?
I tried doing a search for Dr. B is he a she? I only came up with a counselor, is there know website for this dr.?
Jen
[This message has been edited by jp123 (edited 08-22-2003).]
[This message has been edited by jp123 (edited 08-22-2003).]
DianeTMJ
08-22-2003, 08:35 PM
Hi Jen-
That is what Cheryl paid for her son. Also, I am having 3 splints, the first was to open my bite, to help give room for my muscles to stretch, the one I got yesterday is to move my jaw forward, the 3rd one I get in the next week or so, that I will wear while I sleep.
Yes, I see a chiro as well. my dentist wanted me to see one, I will ask him the type of Chiro, it is a specific type of chiro though. She is real good. Now yesterday, with my xrays, ( he just got a new super dooper tomogram machine, it also scanned my neck, my C1 is rotated, so my chiro will be working on that too.
I have no insurance, we are paying this all straight out of our pocket :0(
Later
Diane
[This message has been edited by DianeTMJ (edited 10-12-2003).]
That is what Cheryl paid for her son. Also, I am having 3 splints, the first was to open my bite, to help give room for my muscles to stretch, the one I got yesterday is to move my jaw forward, the 3rd one I get in the next week or so, that I will wear while I sleep.
Yes, I see a chiro as well. my dentist wanted me to see one, I will ask him the type of Chiro, it is a specific type of chiro though. She is real good. Now yesterday, with my xrays, ( he just got a new super dooper tomogram machine, it also scanned my neck, my C1 is rotated, so my chiro will be working on that too.
I have no insurance, we are paying this all straight out of our pocket :0(
Later
Diane
[This message has been edited by DianeTMJ (edited 10-12-2003).]
jp123
08-23-2003, 02:24 AM
Diane,
I think it is in office only, im not for sure though. On Tuesday I go to have my 2 permanent crowns put in in front teeth 6&10. Im worried it will throw my bite off further. I am so tired I have a luau party to go to tomorrow hopefully I will feel ok to go. I will speak to you soon.
I think it is in office only, im not for sure though. On Tuesday I go to have my 2 permanent crowns put in in front teeth 6&10. Im worried it will throw my bite off further. I am so tired I have a luau party to go to tomorrow hopefully I will feel ok to go. I will speak to you soon.
SarahSue
08-24-2003, 03:31 AM
Jennifer,
In my opinion (not like it matters) I think that if you have to go $6000 in credit card debt to stop your pain, by all means do it!! Money in my case is not an issue. My splint therapy and 6 months of treatment and adjustments is $3000. My insurance covers part of it, but not much. But just to know that I am on the road to getting better is worth every dollar. I also think it is important as others have said on the board to find the right doctor. I cant stress that enough. My doctor is wonderful! I sat down with him for like 3 hours just asking questions. Ask many many questions. Questions specific to your problem. If they cant answer your questions, go somewhere else. Get second opinions. Do as much research as you can. I will ask my doc if he has heard of anyone in your area that is good. I hope this helps some!
Sarah
In my opinion (not like it matters) I think that if you have to go $6000 in credit card debt to stop your pain, by all means do it!! Money in my case is not an issue. My splint therapy and 6 months of treatment and adjustments is $3000. My insurance covers part of it, but not much. But just to know that I am on the road to getting better is worth every dollar. I also think it is important as others have said on the board to find the right doctor. I cant stress that enough. My doctor is wonderful! I sat down with him for like 3 hours just asking questions. Ask many many questions. Questions specific to your problem. If they cant answer your questions, go somewhere else. Get second opinions. Do as much research as you can. I will ask my doc if he has heard of anyone in your area that is good. I hope this helps some!
Sarah
kcgirl
08-24-2003, 07:55 PM
Sara-
I am so happy to hear that you have found a great doctor for treatment. I noticed you are in Texas which isn't too far from me. Would you mind saying who your doctor is?
Good luck to you through this healing process. I'll keep you in my thoughts!
KC
I am so happy to hear that you have found a great doctor for treatment. I noticed you are in Texas which isn't too far from me. Would you mind saying who your doctor is?
Good luck to you through this healing process. I'll keep you in my thoughts!
KC
jp123
08-25-2003, 12:40 AM
diane and sarah and all the rest,
Lately things seem to be spasming even more is that normal? If I do go and get the neuro therapy are there any guarantees that the tooth pain will stop? And if later down the road I get work done can it again throw my bite off again and cause this to recur?
Feeling horrible tonight so I will talk to everyone later thanks for being there.
One question for everyone, all of you seem to have so many other symptoms, I really don't except for the tooth pain everywhere, popping when I open my mouth and fatigue, sometimes dizziness, do you think I may have another problem? I know where not doctors here but what are your opinions? Someone who has a nice NM dr. please ask for me that question, i don't want to spend money that I have to borrow on the wrong treatment thankyou all again
Jennifer
[This message has been edited by jp123 (edited 08-25-2003).]
Lately things seem to be spasming even more is that normal? If I do go and get the neuro therapy are there any guarantees that the tooth pain will stop? And if later down the road I get work done can it again throw my bite off again and cause this to recur?
Feeling horrible tonight so I will talk to everyone later thanks for being there.
One question for everyone, all of you seem to have so many other symptoms, I really don't except for the tooth pain everywhere, popping when I open my mouth and fatigue, sometimes dizziness, do you think I may have another problem? I know where not doctors here but what are your opinions? Someone who has a nice NM dr. please ask for me that question, i don't want to spend money that I have to borrow on the wrong treatment thankyou all again
Jennifer
[This message has been edited by jp123 (edited 08-25-2003).]