"Best" TMJ doc? Harvard/Mayo Clinic ect.?? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

kvtip · 01-17-2009, 11:21 PM

Hi all, I've been in splint treatment for over a year and I can barely say I'm more than 40% better(even with alot of physical therapy), and while that is progress I could of sworn my doc (and alot of other people say) that symptoms usually go down within 3-6 weeks of starting treatment

and for some reason I still feel as if my bite is "off", and instead of sticking to this doctor who I am pretty confident in, I think why not try another second opinion even if it's an expensive one

so yea long story short; has anyone tried to seek out the most well known TMJ doc, or docs or anything for treatment and how did it go?

CaydenJ · 01-18-2009, 01:36 AM

If you feel at unease with your current situation and what you're looking for is a second opinion I think a University orofacial pain clinic would be a good start.

Thelma-Louise · 01-18-2009, 10:22 AM

I wish I knew what "best" meant? I have been to so many reputable drs and specialists - even went to Dr Gelb in NYC - and to be honest, it seems like the more well known they are the less likely they were in resolving my problem - maybe b/c they are so busy writing books, teaching and doing seminars and patting themselves on the back. I too have often thought about going to a well known university or clinic - like Tufts or Harvard or Mayo clinic - I think one member here is actually being treated at Tufts - so if you do go I would be interested in what you find out or think of them.

Since you still feel your bite is off and your dr is not addressing or recognizing this - I would be inclined at this point to seek other opinions too. Do not be surprised however to find 2nd and 3rd opinions that differ vastly or disagree with your current treatment. Its b/c most of what drs are doing in treating tmj is based on theory only at this point. Although I too have read most people see improvement within several weeks to several months - many of the drs I have been to have told me its more likely to be several years. I am on my 4th dentist now.