Finally saw a TMJ specialist at UCLA Dentistry Department - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

plus1more · 10-07-2004, 02:59 AM

In May, my dentist said she thought I had TMJ. I finally saw someone at UCLA Dentistry Department. Initial visit was $195.00. They only open Monday and Friday. I get the clicking, popping, the dizzies, severe headaches, neck ache, left ear ache and now right ear too, pain under/behind my right cheek bone and pressure in my throat which makes me feel like I'm not getting enough oxygen. The specialist circled TMJ Arthralgia/capsulitis on my form, so I guess that's what I have. They did a lot of poking until they found a tender spot in front of my right ear and jaw joint. They taught me a mouth exercise. Open my mouth about half inch and put my tongue on the roof of my mouth, hold for six seconds, six times a day. They also taught me how to stretch my neck by taking my hand to the back of my head and press my head down into my chest for six and six also. They said the soft latex night mouth guard isn't helping anything and that I should stop wearing it. They prescribed Naprosyn 375 mg and Medrol. They wanted to take an x-ray, but I had to stop there because they don't accept the HMO I have. I have another appointment Oct. 15, but I'm waiting to hear from my insurance to see if they're going to allow me to continue treatment with UCLA because they can't seem to find a TMJ specialist for me. I hope I'm allowed to continue at UCLA because I'm in some level of pain everyday. Good luck with your treatment.

meditation · 10-07-2004, 11:44 AM

It is good to hear that you have had a positive experience with your doctor. So many have not. Hopefully, the Medrol and the Naprosyn will help you with your pain.

Keep us up to date with how you progress.

Johnna

fortoday · 10-10-2004, 01:48 PM

plus1more
Glad you found someone to help you. What is the name of the dentist you saw there?
Please keep us posted on your progress.
Wendy

plus1more · 10-10-2004, 03:30 PM

Heidi, Johnna, and Wendi thanks for your kind words. It's nice to know I'm not alone. The first specialist to see me was a Dr. Bokhar. I think he was a resident there. He seemed caring, calm and like he still enjoyed his job. Then I believe the cheif of the department/staff Dr. Merrill came to see me and did a quicker analysis to verify Dr. Bokhar's findings. There was also a really nice female assistant there. I didn't get her name. She reviewed the exercises with me and reminded me not to stress over things and to find ways of relaxation. During my examination, a four-year medical student sat and observed the whole process, and he too reviewed the exercises with me. I have high blood pressure, so they took my blood pressure, 155 over 99, not good. I got there with a headache from driving for three hours. I had to drop off my three year-old at my parents' home then go to UCLA, so I didn't get there with full brain function. It is so conjested in that Westwood area. I think it took about 20 minutes to travel from the freeway exit to the UCLA parking which is about a mile, and in the morning heading anywhere near Los Angeles is a nightmare. By the way, parking is $7.00. I haven't heard from the insurance, but I know they received my request to continue treatment there because I sent my letter certified mail and they've received it. My appointment is October 15 so I'm not too optimistic. You know big companies. They don't really care about people, just money. If I get any new news, I'll keep everyone posted.

KES04 · 10-12-2004, 06:58 PM

You know I have those same exact symtoms. It's really scarry for me b/c I am only 20 and can't afford all of the high price therapy and doctors. I just shutter at the thought of me having this for the rest of my life and thinking this is the type of stuff that I'll have to go through.