A strange question or not?

[DragonFinger]

Hello everyone.

I'm thinking this question would best be answered by a Dentist, but perhaps others might know. Not sure how to word the question, 'cause it might seem quite weird. This is not from a personal experience, but rather my sister (some years ago).

For what reason would a Dentist recommend a patient to go see a Doctor about a jaw problem? At least, I assume it was a jaw problem. Unfortunately, I cannot ask my sister and the details aren't very much, I know. Any ideas people?

 

[JJones86]

Hi.

It's hard to know based on the details, but here's what I'm thinking.

You can go to a medical doctor for jaw problems, if it's a joint problem, if it's a bone problem or if the dentist wants the medical doctor to make a referral of some kind. Maybe a referral for x-rays or to see a specialist.

I've seen my medical doctor for jaw pain. They can prescribe muscle relaxants, but so can dentists. My doctor really didn't know what to do about it. I ended up seeing a specialist because I needed a corrective surgery.

I'm not sure why your sister was referred. Do you know if she had pain? Or if the jaw was locking or not functioning properly?

JJ

 

[gentledental]

Hello everyone.

I'm thinking this question would best be answered by a Dentist, but perhaps others might know. Not sure how to word the question, 'cause it might seem quite weird. This is not from a personal experience, but rather my sister (some years ago).

For what reason would a Dentist recommend a patient to go see a Doctor about a jaw problem? At least, I assume it was a jaw problem. Unfortunately, I cannot ask my sister and the details aren't very much, I know. Any ideas people?

Are you based in the UK??? I'm a dentist and I have to say jaw pain is poorly understood both by most dentists and medical doctors. I know that sounds silly but believe me, it happens all the time. Usually a patient says they get jaw ache and the dentist will say maybe you're grinding your teeth at night and doesn't know what to do so a referral to hospital is made. Then a soft bite guard is made an it does hee haw to the patient.

 

[carole]

Gentledental does hee haw mean it does nothing ?

 

[gentledental]

Gentledental does hee haw mean it does nothing ?

Haha yes hee haw in Scotland means nothing. The soft guard is usually prescribed but actually it makes things worse

 

[DragonFinger]

Honestly, I'm not sure if she had jaw pain or not. I know she was getting treatment done on her teeth, and this is when the Dentist advised her to see a Doctor. So the Dentist may have advised her to see a Doctor, because they themselves had no idea? Is it possible to access dental records, as you do with medical/GP records?

I also know that I have a 'rare' condition or what have you, the Dentist once told me that one of my teeth is close to the nerve endings that control feeling in one side of my face? That pulling it could cause one side of my face to become numb. Unfortunately, I have to take the chance of pulling that one, 'cause I have an abscess.

And yes, I'm based in the UK.

 

[carole]

Haha yes hee haw in Scotland means nothing. The soft guard is usually prescribed but actually it makes things worse

I thought it might. Funny you say that I have had a guard for some months now and it hasn't cured my jaw. I don't know that it has made it worse but I am hoping it protects my teeth from the clenching and grinding I do.

Thank you

 

[carole]

Honestly, I'm not sure if she had jaw pain or not. I know she was getting treatment done on her teeth, and this is when the Dentist advised her to see a Doctor. So the Dentist may have advised her to see a Doctor, because they themselves had no idea? Is it possible to access dental records, as you do with medical/GP records?

I also know that I have a 'rare' condition or what have you, the Dentist once told me that one of my teeth is close to the nerve endings that control feeling in one side of my face? That pulling it could cause one side of my face to become numb. Unfortunately, I have to take the chance of pulling that one, 'cause I have an abscess.

And yes, I'm based in the UK.

You can get a copy of your dental files from your dentist, there will be a charge usually it used to be something like £10.00 for digital ones and £50.00 for the paper ones. You just request a copy from your dentist and they will let you know when you can pick them up. Everything should be in your copy including x rays pics.

I have tmj and if my jaw doesn't improve then my dentist will refer me to the hospital for them to have a better look.

The surgeon will take great care when removing your tooth so try not to worry too much, although it is a worry I know. I would ask your dentist to refer you instead of trying to do it themselves unless they are used to dealing with your condition. The good news is that the abscess will be cured with extraction. Could your tooth not be given rct instead so that you could keep it.