Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain And Discomfort When Diagnosed With TMJ

Posted on Wed, 12 Oct 2016

Question: I have TMJ, and I grind. Both trigger pain and massive bodily discomfort, so I decided to wear a mouthguard from Dentek. I tried a couple of different guards like Luna Mouthguards, which soften and mold to the teeth. I liked it but it didn't provide the relief I sought. The mouthguard is designed with two blue separators aligned, and seems to work the best, despite the size of it, the lisp I have wearing it, and the aching of my teeth and jaw. I take bayer, ibuprofen and a prescription.
Anyway, I have been wearing it for about two months now and my bite is definitely different from the wear on my teeth. Some are sharp and set the bite as it now is. I am definitely worried about the lasting effect because I wear the mouthguard all day, every day.
Can simple cosmetic surgery fix the way my teeth want to sit upon eachother? Or do I need braces, which is still no guarantee for my TMJ problem? I cannot afford surgery but am unwilling at the moment to not wear the mouthguard in fear of the pain and discomfort.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
TMJ seems to be due to grinding of teeth..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain as you have teeth grinding habit along with TMJ..

However TMJ is commonly seen to be caused due to teeth grinding habit or Bruxism..

So first of all to reduce the pain and discomfort caused due to TMJ, you do not need to go for cosmetic surgery, rather you need to get treated to reduce your Bruxism habit..

It is commonly stress related, therefore stress relieving exercises, meditation and if needed medicines can help.

But first of all consult an Orthodontist and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and x Ray of the jaw joints has to be done for proper diagnosis..

Wearing of mouth guard can help in relieving TMJ pain but is appropriate only after the diagnosis of the cause..

Aa of now take anti-inflammatory painkillers like Ibuprofen..
Take a soft diet and avoid excessive mouth opening..
You can also avoid Stress and take sufficient sleep..

Any further questions are welcome..

Regards..

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng