Jamie, how's splint therapy going? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Arleen · 11-20-2003, 05:50 PM

Hi Jamie:

I haven't seen you on the board in a while. I hope you are doing well. Have you been wearing the splint your TMJ dentist made? Is it helping? Or have you gone to other specialists for your ear problems? I know you weren't convinced that TMJD was your problem - have you tracked down what is?

I'm thinking of seeing the same dentist you saw, and would appreciate your opinion of the dentist, his knowledge, thoroughness, procedures, staff. Anything you want to share would help.

Many thanks. Take care,
Arleen

crystalll · 11-21-2003, 05:47 PM

Hi Arleen (& Jamie, if you're out there)

I just wanted to put in a good word for Dr. Rawson. I went to see him yesterday, and found him and his staff to be very friendly and professional. Unfortunately, they were unable to help me because my situation is out of their league.
Their equipment is state-of-the-art, and they had all of the x-ray results etc. within a matter of minutes. I also give them a lot of credit for being honest with me up front and not attempting to get me involved in a treatment that probably wouldn't work.
They've only been treating TMJD patients for 2 or 3 years, so their experience is limited however.

I haven't had a chance to visit the boards regularly, so I'm not up to date on reading posts. I hope you're doing somewhat better.

Take care.

Crystal

Arleen · 11-21-2003, 11:27 PM

Hi Crystal:

How are you doing? Weren't you due to get an MRI, and then were going to see where to go from there with Dr. Rondeau? Or have I got things confused, which is very likely since I'm got TMJ brain. What's been happening?

I wasn't sure I'* be able to see Dr. Rondeau, but it looks like I will be. I spoke with Dr. Rawson and he was SO nice. Personality and kindness-wise, I'* really love to see him. He seemed like such a decent person. He also seemed very knowledgeable. He's been practicing for a long time, but doing TMD for just the last 5 years. If I lived in London, I'* definitely choose him as my general dentist.

I believe Dr. Rondeau has been doing TMD for a lot longer than 5 years years (someone can correct me if I'm wrong). Because I've been dealing with this for 2 years now, I think I'* be more comfortable with someone who has TMD as their main focus, and who's got the most experience. So that's likely where I'm headed. I'll let you know what happens once I start treatment with whomever. I'm sorry Dr. Rawson wasn't able to help you. Could he refer you to anyone he thinks might be able to?

I haven't been on the boards much either, but it's nice to hear from you. So, I've probably missed a chapter on what's happened with your treatment. I went to see a dentist out of province (a neuromuscular). He made 2 splints for me. He'* told me that they wouldn't need adjustments, that he could get them precise before I came home, and then they'* be fine. Well, that wasn't the case. They caused extra pain on some of my teeth and gums. I already had some tooth and gum pain, but the splints made it worse.

Until I start treatment, I decided to see a homeopath. I'm still experiencing some pain but my gums are looking pinker and healthier and my teeth aren't quite as sore. By the end of the day everything starts feeling a bit better, but then I stick some splint in my mouth, and everything gets sorer overnight. Can't go without though or I grind.

I hope we both end up with good treatment soon. Start in touch, and l hope you find someone who can help you soon. Are you coping okay?

Take care,
Arleen

crystalll · 11-24-2003, 07:16 PM

Hi Arleen,

I had my MRI back in September, but still haven't received the results. The system really sucks. Neither Dr. Rondeau nor Dr. Rawson think that the MRI will show anything surprising anyway. We believe that the disc on the right is displaced to the side, and neither of them know how to correct the problem. They have both mentioned another doctor who may be able to help, but his practice is in California. He's lecturing at a seminar in Toronto in January, so I'm going to try and contact him before then. Dr. Rawson said he'd contact him as well.
It turns out that Dr. Rondeau and Janie are lecturing at the same seminar in January, so I may start bugging them about it too.
So that's where I'm at with my TMJD treatment, or lack thereof.

I had a baby in September, which is keeping me VERY busy otherwise.

I hope you're able to get in to Dr. Rondeau's office.

Take care.

Crystal

Arleen · 11-24-2003, 08:38 PM

Hi Crystal:

I can't believe you haven't got the results of your MRI yet!! Well, maybe I can believe it, but it's pitiful. Can't you hurry them up somehow?

I hope the California dentist can help. You can't be the only one in the world with this disc problem, so there must be someone out there who can help you. I hope you find someone soon.

Congratulations on the new baby - boy or girl? I'll bet that's keeping your busy. Be sure to check in once in a while and let us know how you're doing.

Hugs,
Arleen