Untreatable jaw pain?
Looking for a small miracle.
Been suffering from right TMJ pain (directly in or around the joint only) for 3 years. 2 MRI’s show anterior disc displacement with reduction on both sides. Nothing else. No muscle pain, no pain upon palpation. Diazepam has helped a bit. No other prescription or non-prescription pain med, muscle relaxer, nerve (neualgia) pain, or anything has helped. Tried hard splints – second one is a Gelb 4 which brings the condylar head down and a bit forward.Helps to reduce the disc popping a bit, but NO pain relief. Range of motion is fine in all planes.
I am out of conservative options, but I will not stop looking. No oral surgeon wants to treat me (understandably), because they don’t know what to do. Tossing around the idea of Sodium hyaluronate injections, but the first oral surgeon is concerned it won’t work and it is risky to potentially damage the joint further with the injections.
I am open to any suggestions. Non-reversible surgery is not an option. Thank you!
P.S. No advice given will be taken as medical advice (this is your disclaimer). If advice is given that sounds plausible, I will consult a doctor before proceeding.
Sincerely,
36 years old and suffering way to much.
Thanks, Pen Press. In regards to Oral Surgeons, I have been to four of them. Most have said they can’t help me, or don’t want to help me because of the complexity. There are no specialists I have found. One told me he could surgically break off my condyles and reattach them. To his credit, he told me I should refrain from that surgery. They are even reluctant to do any injections. I understand their hesitation, as treatments are tough and relatively unproven. I guess my answer is, thus far, I’ve exhausted the oral surgeon route. Thanks for your answer! 
Go to an Oral Surgeon who specializes in TMJ problems….
Just because they are Oral Surgeons doesn’t mean they know it all……
July 31st, 2010 at 4:01 am
Go to an Oral Surgeon who specializes in TMJ problems….
Just because they are Oral Surgeons doesn’t mean they know it all……
References :