| Re: Do you believe your dentist?
Only when it makes sense or concurs with my own opinion to be honest. Since I have had severe tmj for a few years now it sounds like what he is trying to do is to prevent you from developing future tmj problems and is seeing signs on your teeth (they wear down) that you are grinding them either unknowingly during the day or in your sleep and this can cause tmj problems if left untreated. If you aware of any soreness or stiffness in your jaw, pain or tenderness in the temple area or around the ears when you wake in the morning or get frequent headaches or migraines, or your jaw feels tired occassionally after speaking or chewing or you are noticing your teeth changing either in their alignment or how they fit together when closed (your bite) or even an increase in sensitivity to hot or cold or hear a popping or clicking noise when opening your mouth wide, then I would take his advice. These are all other symptoms of tmj. Uusually however the first signs are wearing down of the teeth that are being grinded and jaw fatigue which sometimes feels like neuralgia or arthitiris or a dull ache. Sometimes medical or dental insurance will cover some of the cost since it is a preventative oral appliance.
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