TMJ Yikes!

conlt · ‎03-16-2010

I started suffering from ear fullness, headaches, and vertigo in July. I went to urgent care 3 times and was treated 3 times for an ear infection. I still had issues. I finally saw an ENT doctor who diagnosed me with TMJ and Vertigo. I went to physical therapy and they fixed my vertigo but I still have TMJ symptoms that come and go.

Ear fullness, itchiness, ear pain, headaches, jaw pain. I also saw my dentist. Both therapy and my dentist think it is the muscles in my face, neck and shoulders that are causing the problem.

I have been going to massage. I can't believe the problems that TMJ causes. Sometimes, I am just miserable. Anyone experience this?

D Kay · ‎04-20-2010

I would go to an oral surgeon who treats TMJ problems. It may be related to the misalignment of your bite or clinching and grinding of your teeth at night. Or the joint can deteriorate over time and require surgery.

On It · ‎03-15-2021

I was diagnosed with TMJ in 1993. I was fitted with a Tanner Splint by a dentist who specialized in treating TMJ. This was after he put crowns on 8 teeth to repair the damage I had done by bruxing.

I would see the physical therapist for an appointment. After leaving the therapist, I went to the dentist for an adjustment of the splint. It took months to get my body in alignment and have the splint adjusted for the last time. It is worth the effort. Symptoms disappear when the jaw is in the correct position.

cheriere · ‎12-01-2023

@On It I completely understand & agree. I have ruined teeth due to tmj. I've ALWAYS been a terrible teeth grinder at night. Tried all the at home boil & wear devices to no avail. Even after having expensive crowns to fix many, the problem of tmj was never fully addressed so now I'm in the unfortunate position of have no to get some implants. Better believe when I leave the oral surgeon's office this time I will have the device to align my jaw correctly.

msgb · ‎08-30-2010

I have had TMJ for over 30 years and I have spent money on the appliances for your mouth. I now wear one at night that is acrylic and while not pretty it does help to a degree.

I did the PT for TMJ but it did not work--at least for me.

I have fibromyalgia which many times is part and parcel with TMJ.

It has been a lot of trial and error with finding a dentist and oral surgeon that helps with this. I have also been denied insurance coverage for this as the insurance comes back and states that it is cosmetic. I have had doctors state that I get migraines and other issues due to TMJ and it is not cosmetic. But if I want to feel any better I do go see the dentist etc.

I do hope that you are able to find some relief.

On It · ‎03-15-2021

Finding the right appliance is critical. My regular dentist made me two that were not a Tanner Splint. I threw the first one away. The second was slightly better, so I kept it as a backup. I finally found a doctor trained to fit Tanner Splints. His lab had to remake it after a botched first effort, but it is as close to my original as I am going to get here in West Texas.

Even with a splint you will probably brux at times. At least you are grinding plastic and not teeth. When I got my first splint, I wore it round the clock. It was only removed to eat or brush my teeth. That seemed critical to keeping the alignment from the PT and the splint in place. At some point, I was told I could begin only wearing it to sleep. I think it was months, but I cannot remember. My splint is on my bottom teeth and does not show. It affects my speech slightly.

meem120 · ‎03-09-2010

Get a mouthpiece. It worked for me and at times I couldnt even open my mouth it was so bad. My Dr said go to a sporting good store and get a mouthpiece for football that protects teeth. Its like a gel piece and you dip it in boiling water cool for a minute and make the mold fit your teeth. You can do it several times if you think the fit isnt right. It worked for me and saved hundreds of dollars. I would try that first before spening a bundle on something from the dentist. I only wore mine at night to sleep. I guess i was grinding my teeth at night and didnt even know it.

conlt · ‎03-16-2010

Several years back, my dentist said to wear a mouth piece for grinding. I did for a while, then stopped. I have been wearing the mouth piece again and feel a little better. I was very annoyed yesterday with the headaches.

I had a lot to do and was very tired. I slept ok, Today, I feel tired again. I go for a sleep study on January 3, 2024. Maybe that will be telling. I stopped wearing my cpap as per MD instruction because I could not tolerate the pressure setting.

I have lost 88 pounds since my last sleep study. Not sure if I still have sleep apnea but recently found myself dreaming and biting down on the mouth piece.

I have tried to reduce my stress and hoping that helps too. At least the fullness in the ear comes and goes now. In July, my ear always felt full. I thought I was losing my hearing.

Weird symptoms with this.