Wellness

[AngelPuppy1]

I have been having a strange problem. Ever since I went to the dentist a couple of months ago, this has been plaguing me. I started getting pain through my ears, the sides of my head -- almost eye level, and in through my jaw line. Sometimes it is horrible pain and at other times it is a dull ache.

Every time I have gone to the dentist, they tell me they have trouble with me in doing any kind of exam or procedure because my mouth is so small and I cannot open very widely. With my last exam, I went to a new dentist and they were so thorough and doing so many things --- I kept trying to open my mouth wider and wider. Since then, I have been having a problem. Is this a coincidence that I have been having this problem ever since then?? Hmmmm... Never had this before.

Any how --- for those of you who have TMJ --- does this sound like what this might be?

I also have a feeling that my upper jaw and lower jaw are not connecting properly. At times, especially with the right side of my upper jaw, it seems almost like it kind of sticks in place and I have to wiggle my jaw around to kind of get it to go back in place and then it makes cracking noises. I also cannot eat hard or tough things as it hurts and gives me pain in my ear, upper cheek and jaw area.

To see about what could be wrong -- do I go back to the dentist? Or where? Also, if it is TMJ, exactly what can be done for it?

Thanks so much. I was waiting and hoping this would dissipate on its own, but it does not seem to be doing so.

[Nighthawks]

I had TMJ 30 years ago. I had horrible headaches and pain in my lower neck and across my shoulders. I went to a dentist who does occlusal adjustments. I had the adjustments done about every 3 months for about a year and the pain went away and has never come back.

[piperbay]

My chiropractor gave me relief for my TMJ. Many nights I would wake up with ear pain. If you have a good chiropractor, I would certainly go that route.

[lolakimono]

1) You need a bite prop when you go to the dentist. This will help with keeping the jaw open without strain.

2) If you had any fillings, it may be that they are "high" and you need to have them adjusted. I had this happen and the pain was excruciating until I got it adjusted.

3) Try ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories until the pain goes away, and warm compresses will help.

[equss]

Hi, I went to a dentist for tmj and he would grind on my teeth which was temporary relief and unpleasant. I got instant long lasting relief through bodywork...I would suggest Rolfing or someone that does structural integration(which is essentially deep massage). Cranio sacral would probably work too. I have refereed other people and it has worked for them. Your symptoms do sound very much like mine but there is also the possibility you have some type of infection/inflammation going on so I wouldn't let it go on too long to try something. If you open your mouth and push the long way(from the jaw joint directly down it helps release thos stron muscles and can allow your jaw to move back to proper alignment. Sure couldn't hurt anything to try if you do not use too much pressure.

My TMJ would flare up after the dentist too but no more.

[pattypeep]

Angel, I could have written your post. I experienced everything you wrote and then one day, my mouth could not close for a few minutes (after yawning or something), then it got to where I couldn't open it wider than placing one finger between my teeth. I had to go to a specialist who did an MRI and the whole nine yards to the tune of $7,000. The "rocker" portion which allows the jaw to open and close is shot. He kept asking me if I was sure I wasn't in a car wreck or been hit in the jaw or something. No. He made plates to wear at night and adjusted them every few weeks. I now can place two fingers between my teeth comfortably, but that's all. Still have pain and it's difficult going to the dentist and holding my mouth open for very long. The dentist puts a child's bite block in my mouth while working on me.

[NanaS]

I also have been told by my dentist that my mouth is small (although my hubby would beg to differ, lol) Its painful to have to sit in the dentist chair for a long period of time and hold my mouth open. They DO HAVE a little block that they will put into the back of your molar area which supports your open jaw and takes pressure off that mandibular joint . It really feels good when they put it in place, it just sits between your upper and lower teeth.

[nagrom]

AngelPuppy1, I had suffered with a similar problem that after twelve years of not going to the dentist I developed a cavity and tooth ache. My husband drove me to the dentist and blocked the entry way so I couldn't escape. That dentist changed my life. He told me that new technology was developed and could fix my problem. When I opened my mouth to eat a hamburger it locked open frequently. All I could think of was I don't want to go the the ER drooling, unable to speak, eyes watering,nose running mess. Might I add it was very painful. That was my life. The new dentist I visited instructed me over the phone how to massage and manipulate my jaw back into place. This all started after I had my impacted wisdom teeth pulled. Anyway I was sent to a specialist an hour's drive from where I live. He said I can fix you. That was in 1981 when the term temporal manipulate joint disfunction was new. My new specialist recommended surgery. It was hard to get approval for this new condition as the insurance couldn't decide if it was dental or medical. After they did decide it was medical and approved surgery. I had it done. They went inside the joint and moved the disc back to the correct position shortened the ligaments to prevent this from reoccurring again. What happened is similar to a joint dislocation. I have not had a problem since. I can open my mouth two fingers wide and never felt better. It turns out this happened because when my wisdom teeth were pulled that dentist dislocated my joint. Nowadays I don't hear of surgeries to fix the problem but it sure worked for me. Good luck. Please keep us posted.

[AngelPuppy1]

Thank you very much for your posts. When it first started, it was really horrible. The pain was so bad, I couldn't stand it. It was all through my ears, the sides of my head, my neck and shoulders. I'm thinking --- is this part of the fibro? Or what? I have so many medical conditions that I don't know what to attribute to what any more.

I had the same dentist for many years and never had any problems. Then, I had to go to different one, and the problems began.

So, I'm not exactly sure where to go now. I might call this dentist's office and tell them what happened. I am sure they will not think it's anything they did, but it has to have been.

Is this something which will get worse--- or can it go away eventually by itself?

[lolakimono]

Angel,

Tell them that you suspect that your filling is "high" and they can check it with special paper that you "grind" on to check the bite.

If it is not corrected, it will get worse.

If it is only the musculature, you can treat it with acupuncture or sometimes chiropractic care. If you Google, there will be a wealth of information about the types of foods NOT to eat when you have a flare up.