The TMJ Association - changing the face of TMJ

TMJ Resources - Our Family - Patient Talk

Dennis

I had severe headaches and jaw pain for just over a decade before going to see an oral surgeon in Brentwood, TN. My paths to find a cure included innumerable types of medications, steroid injections, splints, botox injections into the jaw, physical therapy, chiropractic treatments and prolotherapy/trigger point injections. In the fall of 2002 I had about given up on curing my chronic jaw pain. Sadly, I had resolved that my life would be no more than painkillers and muscle relaxants. While reading various information and posts on the internet, I came across an oral surgeon in Nashville that specialized in the treatment of TMJ. I read up on this doctor and found that he had advised the National Institute on Health about disc replacement surgery. Further articles pointed to his success stories. When I first visited him I explained my history and asked for his advice. Almost immediately, he suggested total (bi-lateral) disc replacement. I asked if we could start with a less invasive surgery (arthroscopic) but he was firm on total replacement. I had the surgery less than a month after my first visit. Over the next 3-4 months after the surgery, I improved slightly. A few months later, my jaw began to seize up like it never had before while also popping in and out of the joint, which also had never occurred before. The doctor sold me a splint (the fourth different kind I would now use). My visits became fewer and fewer until I stopped going almost a year ago it was pointless. Two years later, I am in more pain than I have ever experienced in my life. I met with this doctor recently. He asked if I’d been wearing the post op splint and keeping heat on the joints. I’d worn the splint for nine months, but having no success, I had given it up. Heat, I explained, I continued to use daily to try to calm the seizing pain. After our short, (five minutes) meeting, amazingly, he said there was nothing else he could do. In my opinion, he tried to put the blame on me for not being cured. In summary, I would like to warn all of those in TMJ pain seeking a solution in surgery. Don’t jump into the process out of hope from years of pain like I did. While money was not an issue in my case but rather a cure, consider the costs. TMJ disc replacement can cost more than $20,000. Research your doctor, his patient follow-up and his accountability. I wish someone had warned me. Best wishes in finding a cure to your pain.