Hi all, I go in for a re-evaluation today with the tmj dentist that got me my occlusion (sp?) splint...also the one who said I need to "just deal with the pain" like it was no big deal! I am getting quite nervous about the apt because I feel the splint hasn't helped my pain level much at all and I cannot afford the next size splint up from the one I have! I want to continue with the one I have, maybe wear it abit more than I have been during the daytime, give it a few more weeks, and discuss some sort of pain control and possibly massage therapy! My family doctor has been more caring/concerned and has been providing my pain medication...maybe I should discuss the pain control and massage therapy with him and just tell the tmj doctor I want to stick with the splint for awhile longer...any thoughts or advice on this??? TY and TC!!!
Hi:
I just had a thought. Since you already have your splint maybe it's possible that you could see a different dentist, maybe an orthodontist or someone who is willing to work out a payment plan with you. If the splint you have is sufficient perhaps whomever you see can just use the splint you have and make some adjustments to it and not make you pay for a different one. It's just an idea. Oh yes, and many orthodontists will see you the first visit at no charge which can give you ideas on where they can go with you and won't cost you anything to see them. Whatever you do, don't allow this dentist to make you feel you have done something wrong. You paid the piece of trash for the services they have provided you. If you can call the way they treated you as services. Anyway, Just trying to give you ideas so you don't feel locked in with some uncaring dentist. Because the truth is that you do NOT just have to live with it. There is help available. You know your idea about allowing your doctor to continue with your pain management is not a bad idea at all. As long as they know your situation and are willing to work with you on it I personally see nothing wrong with that. Do let us know what you find out.
Tiffany
[This message has been edited by TiffanyAnn (edited 09-23-2003).]
Mamas - I definately think you should stick with your normal doc for pain control. that is who I see...he manages my pain great.
I also agree with the other poster that it might be time for a new dentist also..you deserve to be treated better than that!!
Thanks Tiffany and Needs, actually he was just abit more caring yesterday and perscribed me some more pain medication, but also seemed angry at the fact that I could not afford the Vioxx he perscribed (like I can really help that! And there is no generic version yet!)and seemed very uncompassionate when I started crying because I felt so hopeless! I feel that eventually I will have to find a new dentist or tmj specialist and will defantely keep working with my very caring family doctor!!! I'm just going to try to do everything (except take the vioxx!) he told me to do and give it 3 more weeks before I make anymore decissions! TC !!!
TMJ Dentist apt today...nervous!!! 
