Tmansdc
10-03-2004, 08:27 PM
Do I have to go see a regular dentist first?
Sponsor
Grrmotts
10-03-2004, 08:41 PM
No you can look for a TMJ specialist in your area and make an appt with them.
Tmansdc
10-03-2004, 09:26 PM
No you can look for a TMJ specialist in your area and make an appt with them.
eh. my parents won't believe that I have TMJ. Can a regular dentist or ENT confirm if I do?
eh. my parents won't believe that I have TMJ. Can a regular dentist or ENT confirm if I do?
Tmansdc
10-03-2004, 10:05 PM
don't waste your time with an ENT, most of them can't make an accurate diagnosis, you are better off with a dentist with TMJ experience or an oral surgeon. Clicking popping can indicate TMJ. If you have it you are better off getting treatment early before it gets worse and you start having pain. Read through some of the threads here and see the horror stories some of us have been through. Have your parents read through them too.
Amy
Well, it's been doing it since June.
Amy
Well, it's been doing it since June.
Tmansdc
10-04-2004, 02:04 PM
doing what? the clicking and popping? Are you having pain or muscle spasms? Is your opening ability limited? Do eating crunchy, chewy or hard foods, like apples or steak bother your jaw? These are some signs that it may have progressed. Many people can have clicking and popping without any other symptoms. Like I said, get an early diagnosis, before these other things set in if they haven't already. I have been on a soft food diet for almost a year. No steak, apples, candy that is hard or chewy, no sub-sandwiches, no pork chops, no BIG MACS (my personal favorite). I cannot get my mouth open wide enough to eat one of those. The other night I ate a french fry that was slightly over cooked, a little crunchy, and it sent searing pain into my jaw and I whipped it out of my mouth like it had bit me. Do you have any other symptoms besides the clicking noise?
Amy
I can open my mouth fully and fast, eating food bothers my tooth but not my jaw. But I have to bite kind of hard for it to do that and it's not searing, IE it's bearable.
Everytime I open my mouth and yawn though I feel my left ear pop. Sometimes, It'll pop loud and clear up a bit.
Amy
I can open my mouth fully and fast, eating food bothers my tooth but not my jaw. But I have to bite kind of hard for it to do that and it's not searing, IE it's bearable.
Everytime I open my mouth and yawn though I feel my left ear pop. Sometimes, It'll pop loud and clear up a bit.
susieq0726
10-04-2004, 02:28 PM
Look for a dentist that specializes in TMJ treatment, but I will have to warn you, the treatment is usually not covered by insurance.
Most dental insurance plans exclude treatment because they say it's a medical problem, and most medical plans exclude it because they say it's a dental issue! I just went through this. Neither my dental or medical insurance company would provide any coverage.
The treatment is very costly. The initial test done to confirm that you have it runs about $350. After that, there are mouth guards and various other treatments that run into some serious $$$$$$$. Good luck.
Most dental insurance plans exclude treatment because they say it's a medical problem, and most medical plans exclude it because they say it's a dental issue! I just went through this. Neither my dental or medical insurance company would provide any coverage.
The treatment is very costly. The initial test done to confirm that you have it runs about $350. After that, there are mouth guards and various other treatments that run into some serious $$$$$$$. Good luck.
dairycowz
10-04-2004, 02:34 PM
From my personal experience with insurance, the best way to do it is this...go to your regular physician and tell them about your symptoms. If you can get them to write a referral to a specialist, usually health insurance will cover it. Other than that, some dental plans cover a small portion, but not every plan covers it.
I, myself, in fact have a consult with my physician for the same thing....to get my referral to a TMJ specialist. I called the health insurance to ask about covering the therapy and they were the ones who said go to the physician first. So, if this isn't going to work, I'll let you know tomorrow!
I, myself, in fact have a consult with my physician for the same thing....to get my referral to a TMJ specialist. I called the health insurance to ask about covering the therapy and they were the ones who said go to the physician first. So, if this isn't going to work, I'll let you know tomorrow!
susieq0726
10-04-2004, 02:41 PM
Yes - Definately check your insurance - Both dental and medical. Neither of my plans covered the treatment. And I work in the health insurance field!
Tmansdc
10-04-2004, 02:42 PM
I think it's because I chewed gum forever all the time. If I stop, will it go away?
I have to get a referral by the ENT I guess.
I have to get a referral by the ENT I guess.
susieq0726
10-04-2004, 02:53 PM
I think it's because I chewed gum forever all the time. If I stop, will it go away?
I have to get a referral by the ENT I guess.
Chewing gum will aggrevate it. I stopped chewing it altogether and it helps.
I have to get a referral by the ENT I guess.
Chewing gum will aggrevate it. I stopped chewing it altogether and it helps.
Tmansdc
10-04-2004, 03:05 PM
Chewing gum will aggrevate it. I stopped chewing it altogether and it helps.
will it go away completely or will I still need surgery? My teeth don't grind at all.
will it go away completely or will I still need surgery? My teeth don't grind at all.
Katie G
10-04-2004, 03:26 PM
Don't even think about surgery at this point - surgery is an IRREVERSIBLE treatment. TMD should be treated with REVERSIBLE conservative methods first, depending on what is actually causing your TMD and the severity/duration of it.
The one poster who said don't let this go is right - I've been suffering for 15+ years and now have severe TMD. Your problems seem to have started fairly recently. See your dentist first and see who they would recommend to see for possible TMD. The TMD specialist should spend time just getting medical history and background information from you to determine if further testing is necessary.
My dentist recommended a specialist in my area, and then I called my medical insurance. Medical said they would consider covering the services if my PCP ordered it. So far, my treatment has cost $5,400 and I've received about $2,000 in reimbursement. I'm not sure the ENT would be the right person to go to first - a good dentist should be able to determine if malocclusion is causing your problem and then send you to a specialist if needed.
Surgery should be your last resort!
Katie G
The one poster who said don't let this go is right - I've been suffering for 15+ years and now have severe TMD. Your problems seem to have started fairly recently. See your dentist first and see who they would recommend to see for possible TMD. The TMD specialist should spend time just getting medical history and background information from you to determine if further testing is necessary.
My dentist recommended a specialist in my area, and then I called my medical insurance. Medical said they would consider covering the services if my PCP ordered it. So far, my treatment has cost $5,400 and I've received about $2,000 in reimbursement. I'm not sure the ENT would be the right person to go to first - a good dentist should be able to determine if malocclusion is causing your problem and then send you to a specialist if needed.
Surgery should be your last resort!
Katie G
susieq0726
10-04-2004, 03:31 PM
will it go away completely or will I still need surgery? My teeth don't grind at all.
Depends on the severity I guess. And don't rush into surgery - If you do have TMJ, try the other treatments before you think about surgery.
Depends on the severity I guess. And don't rush into surgery - If you do have TMJ, try the other treatments before you think about surgery.
Grrmotts
10-04-2004, 03:45 PM
I used to chew gum 24/7....whenever I was awake, I had a peice in my mouth. Last summer, my jaw started popping and clicking. After a couple months of this my mom said "Stop chewing gum". So I did, and yes, it went away.....til a year later when the real problems started.
I have just had my wisdom teeth removed, and I seem to be alot better, not 100%, but hugely improved. I know alot of ppl say that wisdom teeth cannot cause TMJD, but I beleive that it can, considering my improvement. I beleive I had an upper molar pushing on the jaw (cause it was growing in a very weird position). I am still in the process of making an appt with a TMJ doctor, by my oral surgeon insisted I have it looked at.
But anyways....stop chewing gum, and eating anything chewing, and it will help. But do get help, cause it will come back in time, and you can still be saved!!!!!
I have just had my wisdom teeth removed, and I seem to be alot better, not 100%, but hugely improved. I know alot of ppl say that wisdom teeth cannot cause TMJD, but I beleive that it can, considering my improvement. I beleive I had an upper molar pushing on the jaw (cause it was growing in a very weird position). I am still in the process of making an appt with a TMJ doctor, by my oral surgeon insisted I have it looked at.
But anyways....stop chewing gum, and eating anything chewing, and it will help. But do get help, cause it will come back in time, and you can still be saved!!!!!
Tmansdc
10-04-2004, 03:56 PM
Don't even think about surgery at this point - surgery is an IRREVERSIBLE treatment. TMD should be treated with REVERSIBLE conservative methods first, depending on what is actually causing your TMD and the severity/duration of it.
The one poster who said don't let this go is right - I've been suffering for 15+ years and now have severe TMD. Your problems seem to have started fairly recently. See your dentist first and see who they would recommend to see for possible TMD. The TMD specialist should spend time just getting medical history and background information from you to determine if further testing is necessary.
My dentist recommended a specialist in my area, and then I called my medical insurance. Medical said they would consider covering the services if my PCP ordered it. So far, my treatment has cost $5,400 and I've received about $2,000 in reimbursement. I'm not sure the ENT would be the right person to go to first - a good dentist should be able to determine if malocclusion is causing your problem and then send you to a specialist if needed.
Surgery should be your last resort!
Katie G
Well, they've been noticeable since June. It seems my hearing balance has gotten a little worse over the last four months. I should go to a dentist to have my teeth cleaned anyways.
But what about meals? Can I still chew during those? I only eat lunch and dinner anyway. Would that still aggrevate it? I can't go on chicken noodle soup forever.
If it's just my ears having a problem, could it be easily reversed?
The one poster who said don't let this go is right - I've been suffering for 15+ years and now have severe TMD. Your problems seem to have started fairly recently. See your dentist first and see who they would recommend to see for possible TMD. The TMD specialist should spend time just getting medical history and background information from you to determine if further testing is necessary.
My dentist recommended a specialist in my area, and then I called my medical insurance. Medical said they would consider covering the services if my PCP ordered it. So far, my treatment has cost $5,400 and I've received about $2,000 in reimbursement. I'm not sure the ENT would be the right person to go to first - a good dentist should be able to determine if malocclusion is causing your problem and then send you to a specialist if needed.
Surgery should be your last resort!
Katie G
Well, they've been noticeable since June. It seems my hearing balance has gotten a little worse over the last four months. I should go to a dentist to have my teeth cleaned anyways.
But what about meals? Can I still chew during those? I only eat lunch and dinner anyway. Would that still aggrevate it? I can't go on chicken noodle soup forever.
If it's just my ears having a problem, could it be easily reversed?
Katie G
10-04-2004, 04:21 PM
Ditto for what the previous poster says. I've had TMD for 15+ years and know what I can and cannot eat to avoid pain. You don't have to limit yourself if the food doesn't cause discomfort. Soft foods are definitely easier on the jaw, but there are a variety of soft foods you can have rather than the same old thing.
Talk to a dietician about getting a copy of what's called a mechanical soft diet. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised by the variety you can eat without hurting yourself.
Basically, stay away from raw fruits, hard foods, and tough to chew meats (e.g. steak). You'll learn through trial and error what works for you.
Good luck to you,
Katie G
Talk to a dietician about getting a copy of what's called a mechanical soft diet. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised by the variety you can eat without hurting yourself.
Basically, stay away from raw fruits, hard foods, and tough to chew meats (e.g. steak). You'll learn through trial and error what works for you.
Good luck to you,
Katie G
Tmansdc
10-04-2004, 04:22 PM
From the research I have done on TMJ many if not most people get better. I think those who post here are the worst of the worst (NO OFFENSE MEANT ANYONE!!). Many have the clicking and popping and never experience any pain and it is a mere annoyance. But do get checked. Ear problems can definately indicate something is going on. Besides the severe headaches I get, my ear pain is my chief complaint (along with difficulty and pain with any type of jaw movement). And there are many other soft foods I have discovered and I will probably be on a soft food diet for the rest of my life. If I can become pain free I wouldn't care!!
Amy
Ah. If I have to eat soft food to make my ear better i'll die.
If I chew on the opposite side, can that help? Because the ear problem is only on one side.
Amy
Ah. If I have to eat soft food to make my ear better i'll die.
If I chew on the opposite side, can that help? Because the ear problem is only on one side.
Tmansdc
10-04-2004, 06:41 PM
Eh. Well. I'll try it. Starting tomorrow because I have a chicken sandwich to eat tonight. Mmmmmmmm.......
Tmansdc
10-04-2004, 08:20 PM
Well. Looks like I'm just going to have to wait and see if the ENT diagnoses it. My parents say i'm turning into a hypochondriac and I'm driving them nuts. Guess if the ENT says there's nothing he can do I'll have to go to a TMJ when I move out in a year.
dairycowz
10-05-2004, 08:30 AM
I miss gum!!
Tmansdc
10-06-2004, 12:39 PM
I hope the dentist I'm going to next week or the ENT can diagnose it.
I'm going to stop chewing and see if that works.
also, the only symptoms I have would be grinding in the left ear when I open my jaw really fast and hard, and the diminshed hearing in the left ear. and none of the ear treatments have helped. I've had swimmer's ear drops, antihistamines, and pill decongestants and an antibiotic and none of them have helped. So it's either this or it's nerve damage.
I'm going to stop chewing and see if that works.
also, the only symptoms I have would be grinding in the left ear when I open my jaw really fast and hard, and the diminshed hearing in the left ear. and none of the ear treatments have helped. I've had swimmer's ear drops, antihistamines, and pill decongestants and an antibiotic and none of them have helped. So it's either this or it's nerve damage.
eternal21
10-06-2004, 08:32 PM
I miss gum too..and pizza!! and chewy popcorn balls! :bouncing: :bouncing: