Treatment for TMJ Disorder

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My doctor has been unable to find a cause for my headaches. They are debilitating, especially in the morning. It’s kept me from being the mom I want to be. At my last visit, my doc suggested I see a dentist and ask about TMJ Disorder. He called it a “Hail Mary”, because he doesn’t know what else to do for me. I did see my dentist and mentioned what my doc said. He told me if I have headaches in the morning it is because of TMJ and I’ll need to have a full-mouth reconstruction. He had the business office write me up an estimate. It will cost me a fortune. Before I invest in this, I just want to make sure this is the correct course of action. Should I move forward or get a second opinion first?

Ellen

Dear Ellen,

An illustration with a close up of a TMJ Joint

There are many causes and solutions to TMJ Disorder

While a full-mouth reconstruction is a legitimate treatment for certain cases of TMJ Disorder, there are other treatments. Treatments which are much less invasive. Which treatment is used, depends on what the underlying cause is. You need the right treatment for the right cause. If that is the right treatment, it requires a dentist with exceptional training in both restorative and neuromuscular dentistry that is not gained in dental school. Because of that, I am going to suggest you get a second opinion by someone with the right training.

Sometimes, those headaches in the morning are caused by your clenching or grinding your teeth. Many patients don’t even realize they are doing it because they only do it at night. It is hard to know what you are doing in your sleep. A full-mouth reconstruction wouldn’t even help that issue. Instead, all you would need for this is to wear a night guard while you slept. It’s a simple and comfortable mouthpiece that is worn over your teeth.

Finding a Qualified Dentist to Evaluate Your TMJ

What you want is a dentist who invested time in post-graduate training. There are several schools which have great TMJ training. Here are a few of the best:

  • The Dawson Academy for Advanced Dental Study
  • The Las Vegas Center for Advanced Dental Studies
  • The Pankey Institute
  • The Kois Center

A dentist who has studied at one of these institutes will be qualified to both diagnose and treat you. It may be something simple, such as I mentioned earlier. If it turns out that you do need a full-mouth reconstruction and it requires putting a dental crown on every tooth, you will need a dentist with an additional qualification. Because this treatment is a combination of fixing your bite and creating a new one, you’ll need someone who is also skilled in cosmetic dentistry. I’d look for someone who has reached accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Store Bought TMJ Device

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I’m in the middle of cancer treatments, which comes with thousands of dollars in medical bills. I think it’s the stress but I suspect I’ve started grinding my teeth again because my TMJ is acting up. When I first had it, the dentist made me this device. I no longer have the device but noticed the stores have something similar that’s a one size fits all. Could I just get that? I don’t have a lot of money right now and I need to deal with this jaw pain.

Harriet

Dear Harriet,

a woman holding her jaw from TMJ pain

First, let me say I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I know several people with cancer and it’s not an easy treatment plan to deal with. You’re in our thoughts. Second, I understand the cost issue. Here’s what I’m going to suggest.

If the absolute only thing you can afford is the store bought mouthguard, get that. It’s better than nothing and will at least protect your teeth from the grinding. However, because of its poor quality, you will grind through it and need to purchase them multiple times until you stop grinding.

However, TMJ devices are a tad different than just a mouth guard. While a mouth guard protects you from grinding, the TMJ device will reposition your jaw to a healthy position if it’s out of alignment. The store-bought device will not do that.

See your dentist to find out if the jaw pain is from the grinding or something to do with alignment. If it’s grinding and you want to stick with the store bought device, go ahead. If it’s alignment, you’ll need professional treatment.

There are insurance policies that will at least cover it partially. If your insurance won’t cover it, you can try Care Credit. It’s a medical credit card that allows you to get the treatment and then pay off the cost in low-interest payments. No-interest plans are also available.

Dental Care and Cancer

Most doctors will let you know this, but it is extremely important you keep up your regular dental care during your cancer treatments. Chemo and radiation play havoc on teeth. You’ll have unexpected cavities, even if you’ve never had any before if you don’t get regular treatment.

A small bit of prevention will protect you from needing dental crowns or worse.

This blog is brought to you by East Cobb Dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.