Bess Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 Has anyone here have surgery done for TMJ issues? If so, did you need to get an MRI done to see the damage in order for them to do the surgery? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 My BFF had surgery for her TMJ on both sides. It involved something to do with shaving down this disc shaped bone (sorry I can't be more specific). Her jaw was wired shut for about 6 weeks and only soft food for a little while after that. Lots of pain meds. It was pretty much a nightmare. BUT Now that it is over she is SO much better and would totally do it again. Best of luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skissugar Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 I have tmj.. and was told if I had the surgery its not a permanent fix.... I would probably have to have it redone later on in life as well. But that was just 1 military drs. opinion lol.. so take it as you want lol.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam Wilhelm Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 I had TMJ surgery over 25 years ago.......... had no problems with the surgery, and have had no issues since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bess Posted May 17, 2009 Author Share Posted May 17, 2009 Well, I've been having horrible chronic pain for 5 months now. I went to an oral surgeon to see if they could do something. They did one of those circular x-ray things, and he said it didn't show anything in my jaw that surgery could fix. He said I have a muscle problem, not a joint problem, and told me to relieve my stress and then sent me on my way. I've been hearing though, that some things can't be seen by a normal x-ray, and that it might take an MRI to see what's really happeneing in my joints. So now I don't know what to do. Should I try to set up an appt to get an MRI myself and then bring the results to an oral surgeon? Can one even do that? Or do I demand from an oral surgeon to send me for an MRI? I'm confused how to proceed. And I *know* something is wrong with my joint/disk!!! I've had TMJ issues my whole adult life but something is definitely wrong that I've had unbearable pain for five months straight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 Are you wearing a bite guard at night? Ria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelanieM Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 I suffered with TMJ from childhood into my early adult life. I tried various guards and splints and saw multiple specialists for advice, to no avail. Then I finally happened upon a wonderful Osteopath and after only four sessions, my jaw improved dramatically. By six sessions I was completely pain-free, and have remained that way for about 10 years now. I will say that the other major thing that helped me was getting in touch with my body's stress response and learning to recognize when I held onto emotions in ways that didn't serve me. The more I improved my emotional self-care, the more I improved my physical well-being. Best of luck to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoVanGogh Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 I had surgery for TMJ 18 years ago. I had an MRI before. I was told at the time that I would need additional surgery down the line. Knock on wood and all that, so far I haven't had any additional problems. I woke up from the surgery and felt great. Well, I was sore. And horribly swollen and bruised. But my jaw felt great. No regrets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bess Posted May 17, 2009 Author Share Posted May 17, 2009 Are you wearing a bite guard at night? Ria Off and on. I have two types. I don't notice a difference with either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bess Posted May 17, 2009 Author Share Posted May 17, 2009 I had surgery for TMJ 18 years ago. I had an MRI before. I was told at the time that I would need additional surgery down the line. Knock on wood and all that, so far I haven't had any additional problems. I woke up from the surgery and felt great. Well, I was sore. And horribly swollen and bruised. But my jaw felt great. No regrets. Who prescribed your MRI? Was it your oral surgeon, dentist, or regular doctor? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 My dentist did accupressure in my mouth with his finger on both sides for TMJ pain and it worked. I have not had the pain since. It might be worth exploring...:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jensway Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 Bess I was a dental hygienist for 15 yrs. prior to having my son and then staying at home with him. I would highly recommend you find a dentist in your area that specializes in TMJ. Get a second opinion. There are specialists that only work with the TMJ. Do a google search putting in "TMJ + dentist + your state." This should give you some place to start. If for some reason the search does not pan out, then call the nearest dental college school. I'm near Dallas Texas so that would be Baylor College of Denistry. I'm don't know where you are. When you call the college ask them for a referral to a TMJ specialist in your area. I know they would be able to point you in the right direction. Please get that second opinion by a specialist. I have had TMJ in the past and was told I need surgery--sought a second opinion and most of my problems were solved with exercises and a night guard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pajama Mama Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 My special needs son had TMJ surgery last month. They shaved down the bone on both sides. The doc would have placed a wedge on each side if he felt it was necessary but it wasn't. Ds9 was in alot of pain for about 4-5 days. I gave him the prescribed pain meds for about 10 days because ds is non-verbal and can't tell me. I suspect he was feeling better within a week. The specialist that ds went to was an Oral/Maxiofacial Doctor. This type of doc deals with problematic dental issues and any bone related problems in the facial area. This doc had done alot of TMJ surgeries. I would look for such a specialist. He was very through, ordered the scans needed and helped us deal with our insurance who didn't want to pay for the surgery. Ds missed school for 2 weeks and then returned. Life has returned to normal and he's been great. Please feel free to ask any other questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoastmom Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 I know a couple of people whose TMJ problems were helped with cranial sacral therapy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoVanGogh Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 Who prescribed your MRI? Was it your oral surgeon, dentist, or regular doctor? I went to an Oral/Maxillofacial Doctor that specialized in TMJ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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