I am trying to figure out the best way to take care of myself right now and my dentist does not know a lot about TMJ disorders. I was at the dentist today and after about 90 minutes of having my mouth open for some work that was being done, my jaw and temple muscles started to spasm. The pain was sharp and breathtaking. They had me alternate cold and warm compresses on it, and I've continued to do that. The intense pain has subsided but I can tell the area is still "not right."
I was wondering if anyone has experience with this kind of problem and can recommend things that do or do not work. Specifically I wonder if I should make sure to keep stretching the area or if I would be better off to rest it while it heals, and avoid stretching it.
I've had TMJ problems for at least 10 years and they've recently gotten worse; I do need to see a specialist and plan to, but I'm not going to be able to do it in the next few days and I don't want to make myself worse in the meantime. Any help anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.
you bet i've had this problem, for years now. when i have any work done at the dentist. i ALWAYS, always, always use a bite block. this is a rubber wedge, wedged at the back of your teeth. this inables you to rest your jaw on it. instead of holding your jaw open.
i hope this helps
squirrel lady
The Following User Says Thank You to squirrel lady For This Useful Post: adrienne4347 (11-05-2010)
Thanks squirrel lady, this is actually the first dentist I've had that uses the bite block. It is a lot more comfortable than holding my jaw open. But I still had that spasm happen. I was just wondering how I should care for the injury now that it happened. This is new for me.
i can't tell you how to proceed. but if it were me. i go to my chiropractor and have him put my jaw back in line. it isn't very comfortable having that done. but it works for me, every time. this also stops my head aches from time to time.my bite guard REALLY helps to keep it alined , as well as stoping me from grinding at night.you would be amazed how much your jaw can jump the track at the dentist.
good luck-squirrel lady
The Following User Says Thank You to squirrel lady For This Useful Post: adrienne4347 (11-05-2010)
Hi Adrienne....sorry that you had a bad experience at your dentist's office. I would use moist heat...and gently massage the areas...also, you may want to seek out a massotherapist who does intra-oral trigger point release for tmj patients. Make sure that they have lots of experience with that though. If it's ok with your doctor...try taking magnesium lactorotate capsules with advil...start at like 800mg per day...to help aid in relaxing the muscles. BAby your jaw...go on mushy food until the spasms get better. Keep on using heat....it does sound that you have a predisposition to tmd..so when you feel up to it, I would consult with a good tmj specialsit. You may find one close to you on the great tmj doctors thread at the top of this page. Good luck!!
The Following User Says Thank You to Jill 227 For This Useful Post: adrienne4347 (11-06-2010)
This was actually how I was first diagnosed with TMJ because of the pain I had during and after some dental work. IN my experience, it's best not to try and stretch the muscle. I use warm compresses and try to eat soft foods for a couple of days. I also take an anti-inflammatory like Advil several times a day. Sometimes it takes a week for the jaw muscle and movement to feel normal again. As another person suggested, always ask for a bite block when having dental work done and take Advil or Motrin 3 times a day for a couple of days prior to your appointment. That should help but there's nothing that will completely prevent TMJ problems when having to sit with your mouth open for a hour or more. I have broken several teeth and needed crowns due to my teeth grinding which is also what probably caused my TMJ. Whenever I am having a long procedure done, I usually take nitrous during the work which helps me to stay relaxed and cause less spasm in my jaw. Hope that helps a bit. I know how much that hurts. Take care.
