I've been diagnosed with TMJ (Temporomandibular joint disorder) What should I do now?

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 03-11-2010 08:59AM

Bring that X-ray to one of the dental consultations in a hotel bedroom going on around Ireland for the "dentistry" in Budapest or turkey. They will be able to diagnose and treatment plan a full mouth of crowns and implants from it. (even though its distorted badly). Hey this treatment is probably unnecessary but heck its cheap. They wont be worried about your TMJD either....excellent.

marti8 · 03-11-2010 09:10AM

Alejandro Important Liquid wrote: »

Bring that X-ray to one of the dental consultations in a hotel bedroom going on around Ireland for the "dentistry" in Budapest or turkey. They will be able to diagnose and treatment plan a full mouth of crowns and implants from it. (even though its distorted badly). Hey this treatment is probably unnecessary but heck its cheap. They wont be worried about your TMJD either....excellent.

Well, I'm not going to rip off Hungary :rolleyes: Ireland is much more expensive compared to Hungary and Hungary is much more expensive compared to Ukraine. If I am going it is to Ukraine. I'm not getting crowns or implants. The dentist that advertise to western clients are not offering local prices. They are offering reduced western prices in eastern Europe. Arrange it yourself a little further east and you'll get local prices and you'll save much more.

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 03-11-2010 09:20AM

Awe yes even better, let us know how you get on. (I have heard that azerbaijan is cheaper again.....)

Yes it come to that....people know are complaining that Hungarian dentists are rip of merchants....

marti8 · 03-11-2010 09:27AM

Alejandro Important Liquid wrote: »

Awe yes even better, let us know how you get on. (I have heard that azerbaijan is cheaper again.....)

Yes it come to that....people know are complaining that Hungarian dentists are rip of merchants....

Azerbaijan? Really? Have you been?

Or perhaps you have a private dental plan until the plebs? :rolleyes: Would be nice if we could all afford such private plans or if the State actually provided a functioning, fit for purpose med card dental scheme.

Funny that you mention costs in Azerbaijan - I heard Ireland is one of the most expensive countries in the world for dental treatments?

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 03-11-2010 09:30AM

its not the US, UK (private) and many other countries are more expensive....I hear that Azerbaijan are rip off merchants and that you can get a indoriddium blanko photosysthesis filling in Lagos for 1 euro.....

ballsymchugh · 03-11-2010 09:33AM

north korea built a big dental hospital a couple of years ago...

marti8 · 03-11-2010 10:26AM

Alejandro Important Liquid wrote: »

its not the US, UK (private) and many other countries are more expensive....I hear that Azerbaijan are rip off merchants and that you can get a indoriddium blanko photosysthesis filling in Lagos for 1 euro.....

I didn't say it was the most expensive, I said it was one of the most expensive. That is correct, Ireland is one of the most expensive countries in the world for dental treatment.

As for your assertion that the US and UK are more expensive, not so. There may be dentists in both countries who charge more than dentists in Ireland but generally dentists charge less than dentists in Ireland. Why do you think Irish people flock to Northern Ireland?

marti8 · 03-11-2010 10:28AM

ballsymchugh wrote: »

north korea built a big dental hospital a couple of years ago...

How much is a photopolymer filling there?

macco66 · 10-11-2010 06:46PM

Bumping this thread.

Just saying that I was looking for information on Indian Head Massage and I stumbled across this. I've been trying to figure out for nearly two years why I've had these pains in my jaw, face, scalp, neck and shoulders as well as general headache, tinitis and a loss of hearing especially in the mornings (as well as other symptoms). After researching TMJ/D, I've zero doubt in my mind that that is what's at the root of the problem.

Thanks. I've made an appointment with my GP for tomorrow. I hope to hell I can get on the road to getting rid of this for good.

By the way, would a history of bruxism be consistent with developing TMJ?
I've some fairly persistent wisdom tooth pain also.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

flahavaj · 10-11-2010 07:52PM

macco66 wrote: »

Bumping this thread.

Just saying that I was looking for information on Indian Head Massage and I stumbled across this. I've been trying to figure out for nearly two years why I've had these pains in my jaw, face, scalp, neck and shoulders as well as general headache, tinitis and a loss of hearing especially in the mornings (as well as other symptoms). After researching TMJ/D, I've zero doubt in my mind that that is what's at the root of the problem.

Thanks. I've made an appointment with my GP for tomorrow. I hope to hell I can get on the road to getting rid of this for good.

By the way, would a history of bruxism be consistent with developing TMJ?
I've some fairly persistent wisdom tooth pain also.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

It can be yes.

Susie564 · 10-11-2010 09:16PM

Macco66 - those symptoms sound pretty familiar alright. I'm sure I've read somewhere while researching TMJ that bruxism can be a cause of it. My wisdom teeth have been at me a bit of late too but I'm not sure it's connected.
Right now it feels like I'm gonna be in this pain forever! Hopefully that won't be the case.
Good luck with it.

macco66 · 10-11-2010 11:52PM

flahavaj wrote: »

It can be yes.

Cheers

Susie564 wrote: »

Macco66 - those symptoms sound pretty familiar alright. I'm sure I've read somewhere while researching TMJ that bruxism can be a cause of it. My wisdom teeth have been at me a bit of late too but I'm not sure it's connected.
Right now it feels like I'm gonna be in this pain forever! Hopefully that won't be the case.
Good luck with it.

Thanks. I'm really hoping now that the doctor sees things how I do. I'd be honestly over the moon if I was given a proper direction in treating this. After more reading this evening, all symptoms and previous history match up to it as well. I'm just quite aware now, that doctors don't really like people coming in off the street having already diagnosed themselves.:p

Best of luck yourself, Susie564

Big_G · 11-11-2010 01:14AM

macco66 wrote: »

Bumping this thread.

Just saying that I was looking for information on Indian Head Massage and I stumbled across this. I've been trying to figure out for nearly two years why I've had these pains in my jaw, face, scalp, neck and shoulders as well as general headache, tinitis and a loss of hearing especially in the mornings (as well as other symptoms). After researching TMJ/D, I've zero doubt in my mind that that is what's at the root of the problem.

Thanks. I've made an appointment with my GP for tomorrow. I hope to hell I can get on the road to getting rid of this for good.

By the way, would a history of bruxism be consistent with developing TMJ?
I've some fairly persistent wisdom tooth pain also.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Why would you make an appointment with your GP? No disrespect intended to them but they won't know a damn thing about tmj/d. Go to see your dentist.

macco66 · 11-11-2010 11:26AM

Big_G wrote: »

Why would you make an appointment with your GP? No disrespect intended to them but they won't know a damn thing about tmj/d. Go to see your dentist.

Thanks for the advice. I was under the impression that it was more of a generalised medical complaint and as I've visited my GP regarding these symptoms in the past, I'd thought it correct to visit him again.

If I'm not happy with the outcome, I'll make an appointment with my dentist immediately (although I have a feeling that I'll be doing that anyway).

sudzs · 11-11-2010 10:25PM

Big_G wrote: »

Why would you make an appointment with your GP? No disrespect intended to them but they won't know a damn thing about tmj/d. Go to see your dentist.

Would have to agree there. When I first had my symptoms and was at a loss as to what it could be, my GP recommended I rest my jaw! She didn't really know the first thing about the complicated issues with TMJ disorder.

macco66 · 15-11-2010 05:29PM

Well, TMJ is the diagnosis. When I mentioned it, my GP had that 'eureka' look on his face and congratulated me on figuring it out. He's given me the name of two specialists, one on the northside of Dublin, the other on the south. I'm also booked in with the dentist for Wednesday morning. It also occurred to me that these problems started within a few weeks of my last Dentist visit where I had two fillings done, if I remember correctly. I'm wondering if they could be connected. I'm also going to get that book which sudzs mentioned on page one. All the reviews I've read are unbelievably positive.

To be honest, I'm feeling some relief already having just been able to even get a diagnosis. Over the moon actually! I can start taking action now.

macco66 · 19-11-2010 01:47PM

I've been referred by my dentist to a South Dublin specialist who is apparently "the best in the business". However, I've also been told that it wont be cheap (the figure of 400euro was mooted). As I've very little money at the moment having recently had to fold my business, I'm wondering whether I'll receive 400euro worth of benefit from a visit or whether I'll be told to eat soft food, as mentioned on page 2 by a poster who visited a specialist in Cork. Can anyone provide opinion? Thanks in advance.

Susie564 · 19-11-2010 02:25PM

My dentist referred me to a specialist in James', who I saw at a public clinic - so no cost. My dentist told me this guy is at the top of his game also. I'm not sure how it works in terms of who refers who to who but I can PM the name to you if you want.
My understanding is that the treatment in general for TMJ is soft food diet, stretching exercises for the jaw, wearing a splint, and rest also. I'm still in quite a lot of pain, but I think I'm doing everything I can and it's just a waiting game now. I was told I could have my splint made at James' but there would be a considerable wait and so decided to get that through my dentist at a cost of €130. I'm not sure how necessary the visit to the specialist is or how important the splint is in the treatment process (although I do feel I get good relief from wearing it) - others on this forum should be able to advise in relation to that. I am very glad it didn't cost €400!

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 19-11-2010 02:26PM

It depends on wheather you think these will help because with TMD your own attitudes are very improtant the successful threment. I would suggest you might be stressed and this can increase symptoms, so management of stress is very improtant. If paying 400 euro will increase your stress and you dont believe that treatment will work then treatment wont work. Its a very complex area.

The specialist will assess you first, so there wont be a big bill unless you decide to go for treatment with a splint.....usually depends on who you see.

macco66 · 19-11-2010 03:28PM

Thanks to both of you. Susie564, I've also been recommended two names by my GP (aside from the specialist which my dentist has referred me to), one of which is in James', so I'd say it's the same one. He'd said there could be a 6 month wait though. Both of the names work out of the dental hospital also.

fitzgeme, you're 100% correct about the stress. Without doubt, it aggravates things. Unfortunately until recently, I'd been neglecting my stress reduction and relaxation technigues which I've to practice for college. Since I've started again, I can feel immediate help. From what I believe, a splint will only prevent more ware from bruxism or clenching and not reduce TMJ symptoms. Is this right?

Having been practicing TMJ stretching exercises for the past few days, things have loosened up a fair bit (nowhere near totally though). I'm awaiting delivery on that book that sudzs recommended and am already taking a magnesium supplement. To be honest, I'm not sure if a specialist is going to be able to provide a magical cure. If I can educate myself on self help techniques, then I'll gladly opt for that rather than a 400euro bill. I've also been in touch with my physio who has experience with treating TMJ. 400euro would pay for 8 visits to him.

The only thing that is still making me consider the specialist is that he may spot something, possibly with my bite or such, that may have been over looked by my dentist.

btkm8unsl0w5r4 · 19-11-2010 03:33PM

And remember chewing gum is a total no no.....

macco66 · 19-11-2010 03:43PM

Yeah. A bit gutted about that actually. Going to have to start putting my steak into the blender first as well.:(

sudzs · 19-11-2010 08:50PM

Alejandro Important Liquid wrote: »

It depends on wheather you think these will help because with TMD your own attitudes are very improtant the successful threment. I would suggest you might be stressed and this can increase symptoms, so management of stress is very improtant. If paying 400 euro will increase your stress and you dont believe that treatment will work then treatment wont work. Its a very complex area.

The specialist will assess you first, so there wont be a big bill unless you decide to go for treatment with a splint.....usually depends on who you see.

Good point about the stress. Although my TMJ troubles were triggered initially with a compromised bite over just a week or two, now I find stress is a major trigger of an episode. Where I used to get bouts of spastic colon from stress, I now get TMJ muscle spasms instead! :rolleyes:

It's as if the stress comes out in the most vulnerable spot.

Also, strangely enough, my latest bout of TMJ probs was triggered by an earfull of swimming pool water which caused an outer ear infection, "swimmers ear". Also developed swimmers ear for the first time ever when I first had the bite problems which caused the TMJ.

So the whole area is interconnected and no one field of expertise can sort it out imho!

Maybe we shoud rename this thread or start a new one called The Mega TMJ Disorder thread??!!

Susie564 · 19-11-2010 09:21PM

I hate when health complaints are put down to stress.
It's funny that you mention swimmers ear. I was only reading something about that the other day. I was a swimmer as a kid and had countless "ear infections".
I don't grind my teeth but I think I might be a bit of a clencher (is that a word! :rolleyes:). I do find the splint is helping anyway, so I'm happy with that.
Surely a general dentist would pick up any issues with an incorrect bite?

I don't chew gum or eat steak, so neither a problem for me but I am missing crisps

Good for the waistline, I guess!

Susie564 · 19-11-2010 09:34PM

sudzs wrote: »

Maybe we shoud rename this thread or start a new one called The Mega TMJ Disorder thread??!!

Better that than "The Mega Lets Argue Over Which Country Should I Get Treated In And At What Cost Thread"

sudzs · 19-11-2010 09:57PM

I hate when health complaints are put down to stress.

I do too! I wouldn't put TMJ problems down to stress, but episodes can be triggered by it.

I don't grind my teeth but I think I might be a bit of a clencher (is that a word! ). I do find the splint is helping anyway, so I'm happy with that.

Me too! I'm a clencher! And it is definately a word!!!

Is a splint anything like a night guard? I have a night guard and although I never wear it at night, :rolleyes: if my jaw is aching badly during the day I'll bung it in and it really helps. Also applying a small heat pack helps.

Susie564 · 19-11-2010 10:09PM

sudzs wrote: »

Is a splint anything like a night guard? I have a night guard and although I never wear it at night, :rolleyes: if my jaw is aching badly during the day I'll bung it in and it really helps. Also applying a small heat pack helps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occlusal_splint

Good ol' wiki always explains things better than I can. It's a mouth guard thingy but moulded to fit my lower teeth exactly.
I have one of those pillow things that you put in the microwave and it helps more than any drug I've tried. I wear the splint whenever I can really - at night and whenever it's convenient throughout the day. It doesn't always make it all the way through the night and sometimes it's a bit of a hunt to find it in the morning tho :P

macco66 · 22-11-2010 10:50PM

Susie564 wrote: »

Better that than "The Mega Lets Argue Over Which Country Should I Get Treated In And At What Cost Thread"

Ha! Quality:D

macco66 · 22-11-2010 10:55PM

Susie564 wrote: »

I don't chew gum or eat steak, so neither a problem for me but I am missing crisps Good for the waistline, I guess!

Another thing, what's the problem with crisps? That's bad news for me. I've managed to give up cigarettes and also booze for months at a time, but the longest I've ever managed off the crisps is 4 days. They're my crack cocaine!:(

Susie564 · 23-11-2010 07:40PM

macco66 wrote: »

Another thing, what's the problem with crisps? That's bad news for me. I've managed to give up cigarettes and also booze for months at a time, but the longest I've ever managed off the crisps is 4 days. They're my crack cocaine!:(

I just find it's too much chewing for me. I don't even eat them that often, but now I can't have them it's all I want. Crusty bread has had to go too!

I've been diagnosed with TMJ (Temporomandibular joint disorder) What should I do now?

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