Where to begin with this jaw thing?? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Still Trying · 04-08-2004, 08:45 AM

Hi everyone,
This is a problem I've been "avoiding" for awhile and think it's time to buckle up. I'm just not sure where to begin. Any suggestions are appreciated and thanks to all who've gone through this and share their experiences.

I broke my jaw in 3 places about 20 years ago (car accident). I had it wired shut and supposedly all healed fine. Please note that I had limited insurance, many other injuries and have little faith that I received "top quality care". Couldn't even tell you who the doctor was - it was a long time ago.

For many years now my (right side) jaw pops and moves every time I open it. Sometimes it will "lock up" and I have to pop it. There is increasing pain when this happens. Kissing my hubby can be difficult as my jaw locks up! My teeth on the right side are becoming hyper-sensitive as they are rubbing continuously. Some of my teeth have a noticable "dent" in them due to all this stuff. My teeth/bite are very misaligned and I know this is all part of the same problem.

My question is - where do I start and how to determine the best doctor(s)? I have had too many BAD doctors and don't have time/money to waste now. Where to invest and jump in so this thing gets fixed?

Thanks in advance! Happy day to you and yours.

westin4 · 04-08-2004, 08:54 AM

I think you will find that most of us here have been around the block and back as far as dentists go. It seems like you just have to try one out and if things don't "feel" right or if you find they are not helping like you need to be helped you just have pick up and move on to someone else. I have pretty much exhausted the dental profession in my area, but FINALLY after years of getting in with one.......putting up with them for a while.............then having to look elsewhere, I think I have found someone good. It is sad to say, but it is almost like a trial and error situation when it comes to finding someone good! I wish you the best of luck and please keep us posted.
Karen

springbreak · 04-10-2004, 11:21 AM

I went to visit the ENT because of ear ache, and he gave me the name of a dentist who is doing exclusively tmj problems.

Katie G · 04-12-2004, 10:38 AM

Hi there - sounds like your problems are TMJ related due to the car accident. How to find the right person/treatment? Sheer luck and trial and error. Start by making phone calls to local dentists, orthodontists, etc. Find out if the doctor has TMD experience and what treatment options there are. Look for the one who will try the least invasive procedures first. If he recommends surgery immediately, call someone else.

If you have insurance (and TMD is recognized as a medical vs. dental issue for some insurers), this may dictate who you will see. TMD treatment can be expensive and time consuming, but without treatment, you will not likely get better. Find out from your insurance what and how much they will cover. It has taken me several follow-up phone calls since I started treatment last Sept., but at least I'm receiving some financial compensation from my medical insurance.

Good luck and keep us posted,
Katie G