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678100 tn?1245978921

TMJ Flare Up

I have had TMJ since I was 11 or so and had a night guard made when I was 13.  The night guard did give some relief but my parents medical would only pay for one per life-time and so I couldn't get another when I got older and outgrew it.  I have not had alot of pain since then but two weeks ago I had some dental work done.  A root canal and two fillings done at the same time.  I was in the chair for about 2 hours.  Since then I've had terrible pain and have been downing Tylenol and Advil like crazy.  I unfortunatally used up all my dental coverage, even have to wait until January for the crown, so I can't even go get a new night guard.  Is there anything I can do to help with the pain besides drugs?  I find that I get it when I eat and when I've been clenching my teeth more than usual, which would mean all the time.  I get terrible pain in the muscles around my jawline everyday now.  It will run down my neck and into my shoulder, invariably causing migranes.   Please help, I have to wait 6 months for relief.  Then I don't even know if I will be able to get the crown and the night guard.
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875426 tn?1325528416
Regarding the pain medication, when I went to a maxillofacial specialist when I could hardly open my mouth, ibuprofen, not tylenol, was what he said would help, and only if I took it faithfully, cyclically for so many weeks (check w/your doctor for what's right for you).  You might try massage and see if you can find a physical therapist who specializes in TMJ dysfunction.  I found acupuncture helped some if they put the needles in the jaw joint point, but if they put the needles up in a TMJ point in my head, it could give me a nasty migraine.
Helpful - 0
657053 tn?1246561123
Dental visits suck when you have TMJ. My dentist always does my work in small sessions because he knows how painful it is to keep my mouth open for a long time. Even with small sessions he has to give me pain killers to take home.

Your situation *****. All I can suggest is avoid chewy foods and apply heat & cold to your jaw throughout the day. It probably won't take the pain away but it will help make things a little better. I have to do this often because my jaw is frequently sore. :( I wish there was more that could be done but as far as I know there isn't.

Good luck!
Helpful - 0
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