just diagnosed with TMJ...what do I do now?

[joan41]

Hi.  I just found out that I was diagnosed with TMJ after seeing an orthopoedic surgeon as a result of an automobile collision fourteen months ago.  Ever since the collision I have experienced neck and jaw pain (much worse on the left side than on the right), constant headache, constant ringing in ears, intermittent ticking in right ear, dizziness, loss of balance, facial twitching, and difficulty chewing and swallowing.  The symptoms are getting worse over time.  I am not being treated by anyone, just had an assessment initiated by my lawyer.  Is there anything I can do to make the symptoms less severe and/or any specialist I can ask my family doctor to refer me to?  Thanks

[seekandfind46]

Hi Joan,

I wrote to you, don't know if you got the notes I sent through here and if you check your inbox on here you will find a note I wrote to you.  I don't know if the insurance will cover you, but you mentioned you are in Ontario, so for you to see a maxillofacial surgeon, there are a few in the hospitals.  I am seeing one at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.  Consultations aren't covered but surgeries are.  The thing is it is better to start with a dentist first before anything else.  A dentist that specializes in TMJ-TMD.  Try asking the TMJ doc on this for referrals, he has given them.  He says he has collegues here in Ontario.  I have been busy with pre-op appointments, but still unsure if I want that procedure at the end of NOvember, but I do want to know precisely what is going on in there.  I just put on paper what I didn't want, such as having my discs touched.  He says to me they won't go back into place, I will need them removed from what he saw on the MRI, but I don't want to do that unless absolutely necessary.  I am also under Therese46, I can't always get in here under that, but can always get on as seekandfind46, so you can get me on here under that name.  You can also contact me by email if you choose.  Not always sure what is allowed on here, some sites have moderaters that decide what can be on here and what cannot.  Not sure about his site.  I live in Burlington, so I would say Toronto is your best bet to find anyone. More selection there. Hope this helps.

Seekandfind46....

[joan41]

Thanks for your response.  I have been to the dentist and she referred me to an oral surgeon, but the oral surgeon is not covered by insurance and I can't afford to pay for it.  I will ask my family doctor for a referral and then perhaps I will be able to get treatment.

[Brookesaff]

Hi Joan.
I am sad to hear about your accident...I hope the rest of you is okay (and anyone else that may of been in the car). I am not a doctor, but i have been in the same situation as you.
Firstly you should go to a GP to get some pain medication and/or anti-inflammitrys, to get the pain under control. Then you should find a dentist (with a TMJ interest, if possible). The dentist will then organise some Xrays, CT scans and possibly an MRI to find if your joints are normal. The dentist may then fit you with a occlusal splint. Occlusal splints are said to improve symptoms of upto 80% of patients. Only about 2% of TMJ sufferers require surgery (I am in that two percentile!). If you are dissatisfied with the treatment from your dentist, finding an Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon or neurologist may be the next step.
I hope this helps you and I hope you find the cause of your pain and discomfort.
Brooke :)