Ent Update - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

ms_west · 07-19-2007, 09:46 AM

Quick History: My 12 year old dd was riding a bike, the bike pedal came off, she went airborne over the handle bars, and has been dealing with jaw problems for over a year. She has headaches which cause vomiting, shooting pains down the jaw, forehead pain over the jaw, jaw pops across the room, she has thrown out her jaw 2x swimming, 4 times eating, 2 walking, 1x doing a Tae Kwon Do move.

2 months ago approximately we saw an orthodonistist who made her a mouth splint. For three weeks she wore it 24/7 then the ortho told us to go to nighttime.

Because it was an accident, they told me to see her primary. Primary referred her to ENT.

ENT told us this morning that her jaw is dislocated. What is the difference between dislocated and TMJ? He said that he can't do anything for us that she needs to see an oral surgeon ASAP. He also told us that this may not be covered by insurance ?????????????

What is your spin on this? What should we do???

Thelma-Louise · 07-19-2007, 01:34 PM

Immediately go to an OS - the jaw is dislocated similar to what happens when a knee or shoulder become dislocated - its not in the socket at all. Hopefully not too much damage was done in the interim. TMJ is more about where the joint is located or its position and how its funtioning in terms of allowing the condyle to move.

Chances are as an accident it should be covered. And this is not really a dental issue - its medical since it involves an injury to a physical joint. TMJ is often considered dentally related and is often something that evolves over time - although it can be caused by injury as well. When you go to the OS ask them to obtain pre-approval from both your medical and dental insurance cos - this may be able to get covered by medical insurance.

ms_west · 07-19-2007, 02:12 PM

Thank you. I have to wait 48 hours for decision from Kaiser.

I have been told that she should not wear her splint as it is not doing anything to help her. Does this sound right to you Thelma in your non-medical opinion? She says it feels better when she wears it.

I just want to do the right thing for her.

Thank you so much for answering each one of my posts. This is very scary for us -- I have read so much about this TMJ and it is not pleasant -- I am worried about her long term.

Thelma-Louise · 07-19-2007, 06:08 PM

If the splint is aleviating some of the pain or just making her more comfortable - personally I would think then, despite what they said that it must be helping in terms of keeping the dislocated joint in place or is preventing bone on bone contact. If it caused more discomfort or pain, then I would agree with it, but its not and at this point she needs whatever helps her.The reason you were probably told to stop using it was for fear that it could actually cause further damage.

ms_west · 07-19-2007, 07:14 PM

Thank you Thelma. It does appear to be helping which is why I have conflict over stopping it and have decided to leave it in.