Tomogram results-What does it mean??? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Lori3 · 03-25-2003, 03:37 PM

The tomogram revealed moderate degenerative changes and that I had a very slight posterior position of each right and left mandibular condyle. The reason I had the tomogram is because I have right ear pain and NO ONE has been able to tell me why. Does a 'slight posterior position of the right mandibular condyle' mean that the condyle goes back farther than it should? That's what I gathered from what the oral surgeon said to me. He said it could be pushing on nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, etc., thus causing the ear discomfort. I haven't read any posts here from anyone who has my type ear pain. I've had it on and off for over a year now. It may hurt for a few days, a few hours and then disappear for a weeks. Chewing doesn't seem to trigger it and I have absolutely no pain in the jaw joint area. When my ear hurts I can feel a slight ache/discomfort. I can touch my outer ear and not feel any pain but if I move my ear by pushing on it I feel a dull ache. At the same time I feel a dull ache along my jaw line. Now can anyone else tell me if my tomogram findings relate to this ear discomfort? This is just ridiculous that I have a pain and no one can tell me why. Thanks!

crystalll · 03-25-2003, 05:44 PM

Hi Lori,

It sounds to me like your oral surgeon answered your question about the ear discomfort.
According to my specialist, if your condyle is in a posterior position then it is likely that the disc is displaced forward. You may want to ask your oral surgeon what "slight" posterior position means. Did he have any other suggestions?

Crystal

[This message has been edited by crystalll (edited 03-25-2003).]

Lori3 · 03-25-2003, 06:22 PM

Crystal, thanks for the reply. He suggested I investigate the possibility of conservative splint therapy to achieve a stable occlusion that would orient the mandibular condyles in a more inferior and anterior position. HUH? ha ha That sound foreign to me. He said that would 'decompress' each condyle and hopefully alleviate my intermittent ear symptoms. Does this make sense to anyone else? Unfortunately he doesn't do splint therapy and would refer me on to someone else.

TiffanyAnn · 03-25-2003, 06:40 PM

Hi Lori:
Many on the list have had successful results with splint therapy. I am looking for a specialist who does splint therapy in my area. So many of the dentists in my area just want to send you to an oral surgeon for surgery and I am not interested in surgery. You might think about giving the splint therapy a try.
Tiffany

crystalll · 03-26-2003, 07:10 AM

Hi Lori,

That makes sense. I would definitely get the referral for splint therapy.
Best of luck with things!

Crystal