So many questions about TMJ.. So why is it so hard to be treated!
You know There are over 200 pages dealing with this pain in the butt, yet where are the treatments? I mean I have been to 8 doctors who dont do squat for me. The doctors visits are so expessive even with a great insurance. WHy does it seem doctors dont know what to do about this problem???? Okay, I have TMJ BAD. I have been to numerous doctors who keep telling me to go to different doctors and so on. I had an expensive split made for me and its a pain to wear. It goes on my bottom teeth and it feel tight, thus its hard for me to get comfy and go to sleep w/it in. It cost over 1500 buck and my insurance wouldnt pay for all of it. Personally I think its probably as good as the ones you get Walmart. Second, I am finally getting sometime done, I am getting a tMJ scope, where they go in and flush out the scar tissue get it moving better etc. Has anyone had this? I have been through therapy, countless dr visits where they act like there is nothing they can do and say it will just go away, I have had an MRI which stated I had extreme disc displacment on my right side, my jaw has been locked for well over a year, and I have pain every single day. Just in the joint though, no muscle pain. I am getting fed up, I want a doctor who can help me.. Anyone have my problem??
Re: So many questions about TMJ.. So why is it so hard to be treated!
Hi Christa. Please try to understand how hard it is to treat tmj disorders. There are so many treatments to try. Some work, some don't. Is your splint a repositioning splint? Are they trying to reclaim your discs with it? Your splint should be adjusted if it so uncomfortable. When I first got mine, I went in weekly to get it adjusted. It's very tight on my teeth, but helps my jaw quite a bit. I'm only supposed to wear it at night, so I wait until I'm really sleepy and put it in then. By the time I fall asleep the pain it causes in my teeth is gone. What type of doctors/dentists have you been to? I was diagnosed by my dentist and he made my first splint. But, he was very limited, so I found a tmj specialist in my area. He took me through every type of treatment possible. Both of my discs were displaced also. It is very frustrating and painful. At least you do have insurance. I don't know how people do it without. As far as the scope, I've never had that done, so I can't help you with that. I've ended up having 2 surgeries for this, so I hope you are able to find some relief without going that route.
Tandy
Re: So many questions about TMJ.. So why is it so hard to be treated!
Hey i feel ya. Although i know the correct treatment for tmj, i went to several dentists that either honestly don't know how to treat it or don't want to acknowledge it. I reallly hate the dental profession. Seemed like it's a bunch of lies you know. And there is no standard for tmj practice. Doesn't the dental board know what's going on?
Scope to flush out scar tissues? never heard of it. Does it really work though?
Re: So many questions about TMJ.. So why is it so hard to be treated!
It sounds like you've really been through the ringer. About a year ago, I had a bad bout with TMJ. After going to two dentists that couldn't help me(one said I needed a root canal, but he didn't do root canals anymore and the other dentist that I went to to get the root canal said I didn't need a root canal-he just pulled a tooth...which didn't help either). I finally went to my old dentist where I used to live. He gave me two things to try. Both can be bought over the counter. One is called Bromelain and the other was magnesium sulfate pills. I was very skeptical after no success with the first two dentists. However, I was desperate and would have done just about anything at that point. I think it was within about 2-3 days that my pain went away. I haven't had a full blown episode since then. Every now and then I will feel it starting to hurt a little and I take my pills and it stops. I don't know if this will work for you, but it's worth a try. I hope this helps you. God bless!
Re: So many questions about TMJ.. So why is it so hard to be treated!
TMJD is a Medical & Dental problem.
Medical, due to a joint being affected.
Dental, due to your teeth & bite being involved in the problem and treatment.
There is no TMJ Specialty or Field, in Medical or Dental Practice.
TMJD is called "THE MEDICAL ORPHAN".
If you find a good Doctor or Dentist who provides appropriate care and helps you, it's because this physician has taken the time and gone the expense to be educated and trained with "Continuing Education" regarding TMJ treatment.
This does not mean a few week-end classes. This means years of study and experience to attain the knowledge required to treat this problem and treat it appropriately. It also means a broad base of knowledge on all theories, techniques and methods that have been proven to work.
There is no "1" right way.
There are many methods and treatments that can and do work.
The Great TMJ Doctor or TMJ Dentist should be able to determine what will work for each individual, (sometimes a compilation of techniques and complimentary treatments) be able to apply this appropriately and change midstream if you are not responding as you should.
Assembly Line Treatment aka One Particular Method "does not" work for everyone. We may all have TMJ problems, but we are all very different.
So many questions about TMJ.. So why is it so hard to be treated! 
