TrixiT

Hi Everyone,
I have a non-reducing displaced disk and a tad of arthtitis. My dentist sent me to an oral specialist.(DDS,MSD,MS). She says to ice, take meds and over time, scar tissue will build where the disk was and act as the cushion. She says that the pain levels will then go down. She did say it would take a long time and is prescribing me Hydrocodone and Flexeril for now.

AND THEN..........

I went for a second opinion from an orthodonist(again my dentist suggested him and says he's amazing...and deals with 75% TMJ in his practice.) Well as you can imagine, he says splint and perhaps braces route...I did spend about 1 hour with each of them and both did a thorough exam. By the time I was done with him, my head was spinning. Both Dr's have a good reputation, I felt totally taken care of by both etc. The orthadontist says he will need better x-rays to fully diagnose (I brought him one from the first dr. but the ones he'll order are more specific) And he said he'd give me 45.00 credit since I brought him one to look at so I don't feel like he's motivated by money...so the million dollar question is....what to do. The only thing I didn't agree on was the Ortho doesn't believe in prescription pain killers says they mask the pain...duh but in order to function until this is resolved then they are needed. I couldn't go to work right now without them and therefore couldn't work and wouldn't be able to pay his bill. lol

Have any of you heard of success by just leaving things alone? I've read all the posts about splints/braces and that sounds like a good way to go...but I've never read any posts from people saying they did nothing.....

Your opinions are much appreciated.

If you'll indulge me, one more question please....Why the incredible sinus pressure at times? The earache is my worse problem but somedays I feel like an alien is going to jump right out of my sinus area!(and no I am not some kind of science fiction nut.) lol

By the way, seems I've been a big DAY clencher my entire life and the Ortho says my problems started in my early 20's and finally surfaced a few months ago.(I'm now 41) I don't clench anymore now that I am aware but do now wear a regular night guard just to be sure and so far there is absolutley no wear on the splint. Thanks for your time. The information gathered on this website has been helpful and comforting. I'm in the Seattle area and if the Orto is as great as he seems I'll post his name.

Thanks again for your input.

TrixieT