new here. - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

michaelfloyd · 11-28-2003, 10:48 PM

hi, my name is mike. i've had what i've been told is TMJ for years and years now... pretty much since i was a kid (i'm 24 now)... it's gotten progressively worse over the years... my jaw pops, loud, every single time i open and close it. i can kind of wiggle it into place without it popping... but that's not really practical and i only do it out of habbit really. i haven't seen a doctor about it, as i've read there isn't really much that can be done... maybe i'm wrong about that? but really it hasn't been too bothersome to me... maybe because i've had it for so long it's sort of become a normal thing for me. i haven't had any of my wisdom teeth taken out, and all 4 of them are growing in sideways i believe... maybe that has something to do with it... but i've had this long before my wisdom teeth were an issue. i don't really suffer from headaches really... i do have the occasional bout of dizzyness but not often.

anyway... my biggest concern is long term effects... like arthritis or something when i get older... especially since it has gotten worse over the last couple of years.

is there any effective treatment for this? i think my case is pretty advanced. i've also heard surgery can actually make this worse, is that true?

Cymy Sue · 11-29-2003, 02:52 AM

Hi Mike & Welcome,

Surgery should be considered only as a last alternative and it can make your condition worse. Very few people need or can benefit from surgery for TMJD.

(I've had some surgical experience and have described it briefly on the Topic, "Surgery.. The longest post you've ever read." The bulk of the post is the basic surgery consent forms. These forms are pretty conclusive and accurate as to the complications and problems that can occur. I'm sure some people have fared better, but these complications & damages do happen and you can not have it un-done.)

Splint Therapy is widely used for most symtoms and problems and with a Dentist or Doctor who knows what they are doing, TMJD can be treated effectively.

Some people have had problems with wisdom teeth extractions. I had mine out over 25 years ago because they were impacted and turned side-ways. I had no problems with having them out and they were causing problems.

Many Dentist now treat TMJD. Being checked out to see how bad your condition is, would be the only way to know if you need treatment or if you will have worse problems later.

I wouldn't suggest letting it go. I would find out "what's" going on.

Cymy Sue

michaelfloyd · 11-29-2003, 11:54 AM

thanks for the info!