New and question about surgery!! - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Jezebelle · 11-20-2003, 06:14 PM

hi im not very sure how to ask or go about writing my first post...at the moment im frustrated and groggy and dizzy and in pain
Ive been reading this board for quite some time but just registered
Im a 22 yr old female that has been struggling with this horrible tmjd and yesterday i went to a very good TMJD specialist in chicago and was told once again that my only option right now IS SURGERY! how awful so far about 4 different dentists orthos and surgeons have told me the same thing.
I have an underbite and it very uncomfortably sways the the left side of my face.
ive had my wisdom teeth extracted in january and previous to that had braces for 5 years and had 4 teeth extracted to make room for that also.
i grind i have muscle spasms im dizzy im DEPRESSED..it truly sucks doesnt it?
well anyhow knowing as my only option is surgery i get even sadder because i dont have the money to go to a good hospital nor insurance...my friend even offered to marry me so i can be filed under his insurance...im so glad there a still wonderful pple like him around...but even still its a long and scary process and i was wondering if anyone in here has gone through surgery..any estimates...and how the results were...ANY INFO would be much appreciated.
thanx

saaraah · 11-20-2003, 08:00 PM

since you have a deep underbite, i wonder if there isnt proper space between your condyle and fossa [in your joint]. have you considered an anterior repositioning splint?

imo, i think that surgery is a bad idea until you have a proper diagnosis and have tried a multitude of conservative treatments. altho, im very paranoid about people becoming worse off because of a surgery hungry surgeon.

anyway, i'd suggest finding a reputable dentist who maybe prescribes to neuromuscular dentistry - who takes the whole head into account.

take care.. and if you have any more questions, please ask.

- saaraah.

Jezebelle · 11-20-2003, 08:20 PM

Well i went to the Head and Neck Diagnosis Center in chicago with a very good tmj specialist that has been studying and treating tmj for over 20 years ( he is technically a dentist ) not an oral surgeon so i know he isnt money hungry he will get not benefit whatsoever and hes very AGAINST surgery.
I could tell by the way he was talking to me that he felt bad telling me that at this point orthogantic surgery was my only option.
He did tell me that after i had the surgery there was no bet my symptoms would go away but only then would he come into play and could possibly help me out.
So splints for now arent a good idea

He gave me good advice..most of which sounds similar to what i have read on here. He told me to seek several opinions on surgery and go preferably to a good hospital and not just a local oral surgeon. Supposedly my type of lower jaw surgery isnt too bad but still the money issue is a BIG problem

i wish this board would allow pictures..maybe that would be helpful
thnx for yur reply