I'm a 33 year old mom of two who had 2 root canals done on May 13, 2007. Immediately after the procedure, I developed pain in my jaw, my face, ringing in my ears, dizziness, trouble with sinus, and headaches. My first reaction was to go back to the dentist who performed the work, with no relief, of course. A few weeks pasted,I thought it would get better, but no relief. I was missing work, and in extreme pain everyday. Finally, July 7th I went to an urgent care at my regular doctors, and was given motrin 800, and muscle relaxers. She did mention TMJ, but said she didn't believe it was TMJ. Still no relief, pain everyday, and seemed to be getting worse. I decided to go to another dentist, get another opinion. At this time I still wasn't sure I was suffuring from TMJ, and was having pain in all my teeth, along with all other previous mentioned symptoms. The dentist x rayed my teeth and the root canal work, said he couldn't find anything, but was very concerned why I was getting no releif. he referred me to an endodentist( I had no idea what that was) but went anyway. She examined my teeth and said she was 85% sure I needed addition root canals on the same side as previous. I left there so confused and in more pain, of course, becasue she had been opening and closing my mouth. At that point I decided to do my own research and found out I was not alone. I cancelled the appointment for more dental work, sure that the pain was coming from TMJ. I finally saw my regular dr. yesterday, and was sent for an X ray of my jaw. Last night, I was in extreme pain due to the x ray. I'm suppose to get results from her tom. and after reading everything on here, I'm still confused on exactly what she can do for me. She said she was going to refer me to an Oral Surgeon, and find a TMJ specialist through our health plan. I have tried the night gaurd and it seems to make me in more pain the next morning. I was wondering if the TMJ applaince I have read about is the same thing or something i need to get from a TMJ specialist? can anyone help me out, and give me hope that this pain will someday get better?Thank you for any help, I just want to be a mom and enjoy my life again, pain free.
So sorry to hear you are going through this pain. I do want to commend you and doing your own research and really asking the tough questions and waiting before getting more dental work done. Many of us have had numerous surgeries and procedures before getting the TMJ diagnosis. I hope your x-rays give you some answers.
In the meantime, for some relief keep taking the ibuprofen and the muscle relaxant. Moist heat can help tremendously. And, don't be afraid to ask for help from family and friends ... the headaches and pain can really make it hard to function.
If you do find out it is TMJ make sure to keep on top of the insurance situation and possibly the legal situation with the dentist who did the root canals. Sometimes insurance is reluctant to pay for splints and other TMJ treatments. It's hard to try and make the calls when you're brain is clouded by pain, but you'll likely be happy you did when the bill comes.
Regarding the night guard, did you have one specially made? I had to go through three different ones before I found one that worked. Be careful with ones from the drugstores, they've been known to do more damage than good.
And, be hopeful. If it is indeed TMJ, the fact you're catching it early can make recovery much quicker.
Thank you so much for your advice. I'm actually at home from work again, due to the pain. My kids are both with friends and I'm trying to keep positive about all this, as I cry while typing this. I don't like talking to anyone about the pain, because I'm not the type of person who takes help or sympathy from others very well. I like to be strong and take care of things myself. I appreciate your concern and will do as you say regarding the insurance and research. I actually had to go to the Dr.s because my dental insurance is at max.due to all this. I'm waiting for tom. and hoping the Dr. can help and puts me in the right direction. As far as the night gaurd it is only from the drug store. The original dentist, who caused this, suggested it, and said if it didn't help she could make me one, but of course my insurance would not cover it, and it would be a couple hundred. Well, I never ended up going back there and did feel comfort with the new dentist, but have run out of any dental insurance for the remaining year, and there's where I ended up yesterday, with my Dr. I should be able to get one fitted correctly with my Dr. don't you think? Well, that's what I'm hoping for. Is that going to give me relief? I don't wear the store bought night gaurd, it is obvious to me that it is doing more bad then good.As far as the motrin and muscle relaxers I have been on them continualy since may and will continue to take them, but I do have concern about taking them for so long. With out them though I can't take the pain. I have many thoughts about the dentist who I know FOR SURE caused this, but I figure I have to get the diagnose from my Dr. first and then see what my next step can be. It is so depressing to me to read about the pain all these people are suffering and to know, some was perventable. I know not everyone develops TMJ from bad dental work, but how unfortunte that so many have. There has got to be something I can do to hold this dentist accountable. Again, thank you so much for caring. I feel better just getting this out, and knowing others do understand the pain and how it affects your everyday.
Hang in there! Keep your mind off of how long you have been going through it, and when you get treatment - off how long you have had it. You will find in time where you can go and what you can read online to give you that extra encouragement
Take the NSAIDs. I hate taking those and the relaxants too but it will give you a chance to heal - both mentally and physically.
Im sorry that you hurt, you and I seem to be in similar situations.....time wise.....I started hurting in May, and it only quit for a week, my symptoms have been changing and confusing the issue. I had an x ray last week, Panarex, and they said my teeth all look good, including the root canaled tooth where the pain started. I hate taking motrin, and muscle relaxants don't agree with me, and I am seeing a TMJ dentist/dr, but he initially said it wasn't TMJ.....so you can see my dilemma. I have done reading on here and some of my symtoms coinside with others.
I was wondering where you aching started in your jaw, by the ear, or under the teeth on the jaw line, and have you had any feelings of swelling in your glands? OR did you get a low grade fever at all?
I can tell you that TMJ is treated as Medical, and billed thru your medical insurance. I also noticed that you are in Temecula....Loma Linda is a great teaching hospital, and dental school, so you maybe able to seek help there.
You said that the endodontist said that you should have more root canals? That is an odd diagnosis...is this via x ray or tooth testing? Either there is a problem visual or ??? Of course in my situation they say everything is great...but i still feel pain.
This is really getting me down, and i can relate to your situation....i feel like i have lost all zest to do anything, as improvement and diagnosis is idol...nothing for sure. I wear a nightguard and have for years, but possibly a new splint will help me, what ever that contraption is..Hope you feel better.....Lynda
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