TMJ help?

[jennx]

I am 15 years old, and I have severe TMJ. I've had it for about 3 years now, only it's at it's worst now.  I have headaches everyday, earaches, jaw pain, popping when I open&close my mouth,etc. Everyday is a struggle. I have trouble chewing, and my jaw gets tired after chewing on say, a piece of steak (i know i should be avoiding that). It's honestly really bad.  I had a bi-lateral MRI of my jaw, and this revealed significant damage to my joints.  My oral surgeon doesn't want to put me through surgery yet because he'd like to try physical therapy. If that fails, I will most likely be put through surgery.  Can you try to explain what the sugery will be like, as what will be done, wiring if any, and recovery?  Any reply would be amazing.  Thank you in advanced.

[TMJDoc]

Please find a dentist well trained in the conservative tmj treatment.  You're case should not be difficult for an experienced tmj specialist--admittedly we are few and far between.  Surgery does not have a spectacular track record, but can be necessary for some.  But at 15 years of age that is an extremely invasive procedure for a situation that sounds common in my practice and is treated conservatively with predictable results.  Look at the Academy of Craniofacial Pain website referral area and find someone in your area that has some experience.  Even if you have to drive a distance it is in your best interest to do conservative therapy by dentist/physical therapist team before even contemplating any surgical procedures.  I won't be your oral surgeons favorite person, but I do this for a living and have treated thousands of cases--successfully and without surgery in 98% of the time.  Good luck.

[Fatkat68]

Hi
I have had numerous TMJ surgeries.  Both of my discs were displaced and the original surgery was to put them back where they should be.  After numerous surgeries I ended up with total TMJ replacements.  There is no wiring involved and too be quite honest I suffered no pain.  Your symptoms were very similar to mine.  I tried therapy at the start and for me it was a waste of time.  I had no scarring and no one would know that I have had at lease 8 surgeries.  

I have no pain and great mobility and can eat anything!
Good luck...find yourself a good TMJ specialist.
K