The TMJ Association - changing the face of TMJ

TMJ Resources - Our Family - Patient Talk

G. T.

I just recently learned from TMJ arthroplasty surgery in January and last month's 3-D CT scans that the supposed "anatomically specific" XXX partial TMJ prosthesis are not at all "anatomically specific," though my surgeon – Dr. XXX, Tampa, Fl. -- claimed they were.

At that surgery, in March 1999, I went through 3-D scans but he evidently (I recently learned) never made the alleged model of the skull in which to test these prostheses. It is called bait and switch and it has happened to God knows how many of us. My jawbones are degenerating under this prosthesis. One side has degenerated more, thus I cannot move my jaw side-to-side or forward so chewing is difficult. It is extremely painful like my head is in a vice. I have headaches and nerves are pinching.

Please, everyone, everywhere, if you ever even think of getting these implants - don't - insist the doctor try his best to restore as much and then manage. If for whatever reason your discs are just far too damaged, make DAMN WELL SURE that your surgeon GETS HARDWARE SPECIFIC TO YOUR ANATOMY.

My jaw is equivalent to walking around with one leg shorter than the other. BE FIRM AND DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN. YOU OR YOUR INSURANCE ARE PAYING OUT THE WAZOO -- AND THIS ALSO IS THE REASON WHY INSURANCE COMPANIES BALK AT COVERING TMJ AND TMJ-RELATED MEDICAL PROBLEMS.

Let the doctor know you will not accept anything but what is specific to your anatomy and secondly demand to see your "model skull." (Silly me, three times I asked to see it and oh, Dr. XXX always happened to "leave it at his other office.") DON'T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF TAKING ANYONES WORD FOR ANYTHING.

I don't know if this will help anyone in the future, but we also must be better consumers. Also, don't fall for the "emperor’s new clothes" thing, just because certain oral surgeons extol the skills of other oral surgeons doesn't necessarily mean they are still on top of their game or they truly are good. Anyone can put in an artificial joint, but to restore/improve damaged anatomy is the true test.

I also am open to e-mails from anyone as to where the best TMJ centers are because I do not feel a full joint prosthesis is in my best interest. These can be removed but I will need bone grafting or grafting under what exists. And yes, it is perfectly okay to seek a doctor who will endeavor to work with you because the bottom line is, it is our body, nobody knows what we go through but us.

Thanks
G.T.