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Do I Need Full-Mouth Reconstruction to Fix My TMJ Disorder?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I was visiting my hygienist and we were chatting as usual. I happened to mention that I had been suffering from a lot of headaches over the past few months. I wasn’t looking for help with them, just talking.

Well, she goes and tells the dentist what I said and, next thing I know, he’s messing with my jaw. He said he feels certain that I have a TMJ disorder and that I need full-mouth reconstruction to fix it. I was beside myself. I’ve never even heard of something like that. Then, to make matters worse, the assistant brings me in an estimate and says my insurance probably won’t cover this so-called necessary treatment and that to cure my headaches, I’ll have to pony up more than I make in a year. It sounds like snake-oil to me. Is there any truth at all to this or is he just trying to make a quick buck? —  Monica in Alabama

Monica,
In all fairness, your hygienist has a responsibility to let the doctor know any medially-relevant information that you tell her, even if it’s only in conversation. In this respect, she was no-doubt looking out for your best interests. Moreover, headaches are indeed a symptom of TMJ disorders, so they were spot-on with that as well.

It doesn’t sound like they took the time to explain why you received the diagnosis, though. A TMJ disorder occurs when the temporomandibular joint isn’t working properly. That’s your jawbone. Most commonly, people begin to experience pain in the jawbone as a result of grinding or clenching. Sometimes they do it while they sleep, so they’re not even aware of their habit. Other times, people clench while agitated and don’t realize it. Malalignment can also cause issues, too. Any of these things can affect the wear on your teeth and cause pain throughout your mouth, jaw, head and neck. If left untreated, a lot of damage can be caused, and it becomes more difficult to manage.

Typically, a full-mouth reconstruction is needed when the problem has been on-going. Doctors usually try to treat TMJ disorders conservatively at first, perhaps with a bite splint to wear overnight. However, we also don’t know the root cause of your issue, nor do we know the extent of the damage, so it’s impossible to say whether full-mouth reconstruction is warranted.

Technically, there are no TMJ specialists. Nevertheless, you can find a dentist in your area who has spent extra time studying conditions related to it. If your treatment plan and estimate sound excessive, there’s a very good chance you’re right. Find another doctor who has the additional training and experience needed to provide you with a solid second opinion.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

 

I think I developed TMJ after getting a crown

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently had a crown placed on one of my molars. It was a very long process from prep appointment to when the crown was cemented. I spent a lot of time in the dental chair with my mouth wide open and now my bite doesn’t feel right. I’ve been having headaches, stiffness in my jaw and pain in my face. I’ve researched my symptoms and they sound a lot like TMJ. Could getting the crown have started this? — Steve in Montana

Steve,
There are several things that can create joint/muscle symptoms, and that includes a poorly fitted crown or other dental restorations. Even if your dentist says your crown is properly fitted, it changes the bite and can cause TMJ (which is usually the result of malocclusion or the misalignment of teeth). Be sure to have your dentist check the tooth in question and do a complete bite evaluation. If he can make any slight adjustments, that may fix your problem. When your bite is even on both sides this keeps the disc of the jaw joint in a natural, comfortable position. It may not even be the restoration, but rather the amount of time you had to keep your mouth open during the appointments that put strain on the muscles and disc in the joint.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Tinnitus caused by TMJ?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I am looking for an answer to the ear pain/noises/tinnitus that I have been experiencing in my left ear. It is difficult to pinpoint because the sounds and volume are not consistent, but it seems that the clicking gets louder and more bothersome late at night because my muscles tend to tighten up, causing head spasms. I work out regularly and also notice a throbbing or vibrating on the right back side of my neck when I run and it feels like something is not aligned. I recently had an MRI to rule out sinus issues or a tumor, so I think my next step is to see a dentist to determine if TMJ is causing my tinnitus.

Mark in Los Angeles

Mark,
What is unfortunate about TMJ is that the symptoms can vary from person to person and many times other dental conditions can cause the same problems. The symptoms you describe – the tinnitus, as well as the bothersome noises/clicking in your ear, tightening of your muscles and general feeling of something being out of alignment – do sound very much like TMJ.

While diagnosis of TMJ is an important first step, it can be an extensive process and treatment can be quite expensive. That is why it is imperative to find a dentist, like Dr. Delaune, who specializes in TMJ that can study your medical history and perform a thorough examination your face and jaw, including x-rays or other imaging studies and tests.

Do your homework… any dentist can claim they are a TMJ specialist, but they might not have much expertise at all. The only way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to visit a dentist who is trained in TMJ treatment and diagnosis. When you find a potential dentist, ask about his or her credentials or extra training/education in regards to TMJ as well as for testimonials from other patients who have been successfully treated. You will want to keep all of this in mind before spending a lot of money on a dentist who may not even solve your problem.

Read more about TMJ disorder on our website, plus learn about Botox, which is a new treatment for TMJ.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

Ears have been ringing for 4 nights. Do I have TMJ?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My ears have been ringing for 4 nights in a row. Before that they would ring every now and then. I am wondering if I have TMJ. THanks Deidre

Deidre – TMJ disorder can affect your ears. It can cause pain or sensitivity in your ears or tinnitus—ringing in your ears. Tense jaw muscles can affect the ears and cause ringing or vertigo.

But ringing in the ears is not the only sign of TMJ. Head and neck pain, jaw pain, and headaches are some of the other symptoms.

The only way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to visit a dentist who is trained in TMJ treatment and diagnosis. Make an appointment for an examination.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

TMJ issues and bad crowns

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Hi. About eight years ago, I had crowns placed on all of my teeth because I grind them terribly. Well, now I’ve worn down the crowns. My jaw hurts and clicks and it’s crooked. The ugly crowns have messed up my gums. I’m not sure that I gained anything with them. – Vickie, Kenner, LA

I was able to find a neuromuscular dentist that recommended an orthotic. The orthotic has made my bite worse, so the crowns are worn out. I know that a prosthodontist can expertly place the crowns, but after some research I’m wondering if I should go to a cosmetic dentist instead, so that my crowns will look natural. What am I sacrificing if I choose a cosmetic dentist?

Vickie – You’re right. A prosthodontist can expertly place the crowns and a cosmetic dentist can make them look natural. But you don’t have to choose between quality and appearance. You can find a dentist with expertise in placing porcelain crowns and who practices the part of cosmetic dentistry. He or she should also have experience in treating the TMJ disorder.

Carefully review the website of a cosmetic dentist. Does the website indicate that he or she places crowns? Do the smile gallery show pictures of natural-looking crowns? Does the dentist have experience in treating the TMJ disorder? Have a consultation with him or her to determine the extent of the dentist’s experience. Ensure that your questions are answered. If you need assistance locating a cosmetic dentist, mynewsmile.com can help.

This blog is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.