How long can you where a splint? Anyone considering surgery? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

kittencat · 07-06-2003, 07:44 AM

Hi guys, I'm trying to remain positive, but after doing much research on the internet, I've read that repositioning splints should never be worn more than 6 months. I've been wearing mine 5 and no success.
Is this true?
Is anyone out there considering surgery? I also read last night that the chances of recapturing a disc with a splint are only 35%. For the first time, I am considering surery.
I know that doctors don't want to discourage us, but it would be nice not to be left out in the dark about these important stats too.
Feeling a little down today I guess. I try sooooo hard to stay positive. But my husband doesn't understand my pain, and I don't know anyone in my life who has TMJ or knows anything about it.
Kittencat

crystalll · 07-06-2003, 10:41 AM

Hi Kittencat,

I'm not sure where you got your stats, or how reliable they are. I do know that TMJD is under-researched, and is a constant learning experience.
I've been wearing my splint for a year now. Although I've had very little improvement, I know that if I were to remove it today, my jaw would eventually return to its original state. I'm afraid to take it out though, so I persevere. I think the chances of recapturing the disc with splint therapy are good as long as you're wearing the proper splint.
I can't speak for surgery, but I know that I don't plan on going that route. I've read the horror stories on these boards.
Anyway, I wish I could say something more positive, but all I can say is hang in there.

Best of luck.
Crystal

Jill J · 07-06-2003, 01:44 PM

Hi Kitten and welcome to the board.

I totally understand where you are coming from. I've been wearing a splint (bottom hard one) since 9/02. It has eased my spasms and such but has not recaptured my disk as of yet. I am in the process of getting alot of dental work done (rootcanals, restorations and perio work)which hasn't been the best in the world. I have neglected my teeth since my TMJ diagnosis last August and am now paying for it. I am considering surgery myself. I've seen an OS and my right disk is completly out of place. I have a deviation on my right (look like the guy from the Scream movies). PT has helped alot. they got my opening from 22mm to 34 and I'm still holding at 34. My PT stopped about 2 months ago.

Marlene has had luck with spling therapy and recapturing her disk. If I were you I would give yourself more time to see what happens. They want us all to fit in the same square box but alot of times the norm is normal for everyone. Good luck and just give alot of thought to surgery before you do it. I've been contemplating it for about 3 months and still have not made my decision.

Best of luck to you, Jill

Marlene · 07-06-2003, 02:38 PM

Hi Kittencat,

I wore my splint for 1 year before my symptoms were gone and my discs recaptured (both discs were displaced). I agree with Crystal - discs CAN be recaptured provided the splint is the correct one for the individual's problem, and it's properly adjusted by a skilled dentist. I was initially told I may have to wear my splint for 6 - 8 months (because that was the "average" length of time encountered in my TMJ dentist's practice). It depends on the case - mine was apparently one of his more severe cases, therefore my treatment was "individualized" for me, and I ended up wearing it for a year.
Have you had any noticeable reduction in your TMJ symptoms in the 5 months you've been wearing it?

Marlene

kittencat · 07-06-2003, 03:34 PM

Hi guys,
Marlene, I have had no symptoms wearing my splint since I got it back in March. This is the first time it has given me pain at all. It just started this weekend, and made me think it might not work for me.
I may be jumping the gun I guess.
I'm just very scared. Thanks for your replies, Kitencat