Tmj possible .... support

[Scared all the time]

So since my molar extraction in January I’ve been having jaw joint pain that hasn’t gotten any better. I’ve been to my dentist, talked about it with both the orthodontist and Endodontist and got no where. I saw my gp today for it to rule out any other possibilities and he thinks tmj. Is doing xrays if the joint ect. This all happen after the extraction I had no issues prior. My question is what has everyone done to help?

 

[Scared all the time]

No one?

 

[Sol]

I'm sure someone will come a long with a more detailed answer about TMJ but I can share something that happened to me a couple years ago. Noticed one tooth being kind of sensitive and then later on in the week I rested my jaw in my hand and my jaw felt bruised. Wasn't entirely sure what was happening so I made appointment with my dentist. They checked my jaw, my bite, asked about stress, etc. They mentioned I was most likely grinding my teeth at night. During that time I was very stressed out about work.

They recommended trying to gently stretch my jaw muscles in the evening and try to de-stress before bed (easier said than done). Was also told that using a warm wet wash cloth would help with the pain. The warm wash cloth felt really soothing on the sore muscles. The dentist mentioned I might need a night guard if the grinding continued to protect the teeth but so far no repeat of what happened with the sore jaw so fingers crossed.

 

[geos]

Here are some suggestions:
1. If your pain is severe, apply ice
2. Apply moist heat. After 10 minutes, take an ice cube and massage it over the tmj. Reapply the moist heat for 2-3 minutes.
3. Adapt your nutrition (soft diet and avoid hard and chewy food). Also cut food in small piece and mostly use the back teeth to masticate.
4. Avoid excessive chewing (so don't chew nails, pens, cheeks). Also avoid resting your jaw in your hand or holding your telephone with only your shoulder.
5. Some exercices that are hard to explain here
6. Avoid sleeping face down. If your pain is mostly on one side, sleep on your back on on the side that is fine.

 

[Scared all the time]

Here are some suggestions:
1. If your pain is severe, apply ice
2. Apply moist heat. After 10 minutes, take an ice cube and massage it over the tmj. Reapply the moist heat for 2-3 minutes.
3. Adapt your nutrition (soft diet and avoid hard and chewy food). Also cut food in small piece and mostly use the back teeth to masticate.
4. Avoid excessive chewing (so don't chew nails, pens, cheeks). Also avoid resting your jaw in your hand or holding your telephone with only your shoulder.
5. Some exercices that are hard to explain here
6. Avoid sleeping face down. If your pain is mostly on one side, sleep on your back on on the side that is fine.

I’ll give it a try! Thank you!

 

[geos]

Oups just noticed 6 should be read as:
Avoid sleeping face down. Best would be to sleep on your back. If you can't, sleep on the side that feels better.

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Hi,

As a general rule, I would recommend whatever causing pain, noise, friction and clicks from the joint.
A night guard (not a hard one, better soft or semi-soft) can also help.
The TMJ is a very complex area and very difficult to diagnose. I would let it be seen and treated by a specialist for that.

 

[Scared all the time]

Hi,

As a general rule, I would recommend whatever causing pain, noise, friction and clicks from the joint.
A night guard (not a hard one, better soft or semi-soft) can also help.
The TMJ is a very complex area and very difficult to diagnose. I would let it be seen and treated by a specialist for that.

I have talked to both my dentist and how about it I think a nightguard (a good one) is in my future. Thanks for the reply!