what should i do - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

geevee624 · 01-20-2004, 10:02 AM

I was diagnosed with myofacial dysfunction by two different doctors. one my oral surgeon the other a tmj specialist. my oral surgeon said he'll make me a splint for $500 the specialist is going to hook me up to a tens unit to see when my jaw is in the most relaxed position and then make me a splint which would cost about $2000. i don't know which I should do. anyone have any succestions.

PINKYPRISCILLA · 01-20-2004, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geevee624

I was diagnosed with myofacial dysfunction by two different doctors. one my oral surgeon the other a tmj specialist. my oral surgeon said he'll make me a splint for $500 the specialist is going to hook me up to a tens unit to see when my jaw is in the most relaxed position and then make me a splint which would cost about $2000. i don't know which I should do. anyone have any succestions.

Hello

I would go with the one who has more credentials.
Experience in tmj diagnosis and treatment.
Get it in writing. A treatment plan that is.
My tmj specialist did this.
Find out what they want to do and compare objectives.
I would go with the specialist because usually Oral surgeons want
to operate most of the time. (my opinion)

Pinky

Arleen · 01-21-2004, 12:02 AM

Hi:

Pinky took the words right out of my mouth. I'd be worried about getting TMJ treatment from an oral surgeon, because if the splint doesn't work, they're likely to suggest surgery. I don't know how extensively you've read this board, but there are many discussions here about surgery and its results, most of them very bad. You can do a search. Like Pinky suggested, check out the tmj specialists' credentials and get detailed information about the plan of treatment they have in mind for you. Also, how they've been treating tmj and how many patients have they seen, success rate (not that anyone is going to admit to a low success rate), type of splints they use - do they use many different types or just one kind?, how long they suggest you wear it, what they can offer you for phase II of treatment, etc.

Take care.

PINKYPRISCILLA · 01-21-2004, 09:12 AM

Definitely good advice, Arleen!!

Pinky