jaw dislocation - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

baby1 · 03-02-2005, 04:36 AM

I have a problem of jaw dislocation--one side. Have managed to control it during the day but when i am asleep , it dislocates. the dental surgeon says that i would have to be operated upon to remove a part of the bone so as to prevent it from locking--though it has NEVER locked till now. anyone with a similar history? has any one used a brace or any other contraption to prevent this. thanks

RachelS · 03-02-2005, 08:04 AM

Hi. My jaw does a very similar thing. Doesn't pop/dislocate during the day (unless it's really bad), but definitely does at night on the right side of my jaw. Only locks occasionaly, and the longest I think it's ever locked for is about 10 minutes I think, but it's definitely scary when it does! I have been wearing a custom made splint for about 2 and a half years now, which definitely helps. It rarely dislocates/locks if I'm wearing it, but on night when I don't it does. Hope this helps a little.

baby1 · 03-02-2005, 11:51 PM

Thanks RachelS. is there no brace that is available to be used at night? for how long have u had this problem? mine is for the past two years or so.

beth99 · 03-04-2005, 10:45 PM

I would not recommend surgery. My jaw is locked and I had some pain, but was in splint therapy for about 7 months and now just wear a splint at night and my symptoms are gone. My jaw is still not completely unlocked, but it opens pretty wide and no one can tell. I'm not in pain, and I'm happy. Surgery is very likely to cause more problems, especially with the TM joint. Search the board for surgery and do a lot of research before you start any treatment.

Good luck!