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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Jaw Pain While Eating Food

I have been experiencing ear/ jaw pain for several months now. About a week ago I ended up at er with excrutiating right ear pain. I was told it was not my ear it was my tmj. I have been told I have tmj problems since childhood but never this much pain. It is almost like a twinge like when you eat something sour.
Tue, 1 Jul 2014
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,
Long term TMJ problems indicate a risk of joint damage and further evaluation needed to decide treatment plan. Immediate discomfort to be treated with medication such as the anti-inflammatory medications Tylenol and Motrin. A higher dose of Motrin may be recommended for severe pain. Muscle relaxers such as Flexeril may offer additional relief. Steroids can offer quick relief in severe cases of inflammation. Your dentist must evaluate clinically and prescribe the suitable prescription medication. This includes palpatation of the joint and evaluation of your bite. Moist heat can help relax tense jaw muscles. A night guard is a useful cushioning appliance that is commonly recommended. Avoid stress to your jaw. I recommend a soft diet, maintain dental care, good hydration and balanced nutrition.
When a patients reports TMJ discomfort, I ask for a complete dental history. Do you have or have you had any:
-trauma to the joint including fractures? Any dislocations? Any damage to the disc? recent stress or trauma to aggravate this episode?
-Accidents to the face including auto or sports?
-disorders diagnosed in the joint?
-systemic disease including athritis or autoimmune disease?
-history of orthodontics?
-prior treatments tried such as a night guard?
-any xrays or other studies available for comparison proposes?
-recent dental procedures or major dental reconstruction?
-history and progression of the TMJ difficulties?
-stessful life style? habits that stress the jaw?
I commonly refer patients to the oral surgeon for a second opinion and thorough evaluation of the joint. Cone beam 3D imaging may disclose unseen joint difficulties. Orthodontic evaluation may be recommended to evaluate or change the tooth jaw relationship.
More information would allow additional treatment recommendations. Try my recommendations for treating your immediate discomfort and follow up with a visit to your dentist. There is not a specialty recognizing a TMJ dentist, but you may consider an oral surgeon or a dentist that tends to treat more cases of TMJ disorders.
Thank you for your inquiry. I am available for any additional questions and hope that my suggestions are helpful.




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Suggest Treatment For Jaw Pain While Eating Food

Hello, Long term TMJ problems indicate a risk of joint damage and further evaluation needed to decide treatment plan. Immediate discomfort to be treated with medication such as the anti-inflammatory medications Tylenol and Motrin. A higher dose of Motrin may be recommended for severe pain. Muscle relaxers such as Flexeril may offer additional relief. Steroids can offer quick relief in severe cases of inflammation. Your dentist must evaluate clinically and prescribe the suitable prescription medication. This includes palpatation of the joint and evaluation of your bite. Moist heat can help relax tense jaw muscles. A night guard is a useful cushioning appliance that is commonly recommended. Avoid stress to your jaw. I recommend a soft diet, maintain dental care, good hydration and balanced nutrition. When a patients reports TMJ discomfort, I ask for a complete dental history. Do you have or have you had any: -trauma to the joint including fractures? Any dislocations? Any damage to the disc? recent stress or trauma to aggravate this episode? -Accidents to the face including auto or sports? -disorders diagnosed in the joint? -systemic disease including athritis or autoimmune disease? -history of orthodontics? -prior treatments tried such as a night guard? -any xrays or other studies available for comparison proposes? -recent dental procedures or major dental reconstruction? -history and progression of the TMJ difficulties? -stessful life style? habits that stress the jaw? I commonly refer patients to the oral surgeon for a second opinion and thorough evaluation of the joint. Cone beam 3D imaging may disclose unseen joint difficulties. Orthodontic evaluation may be recommended to evaluate or change the tooth jaw relationship. More information would allow additional treatment recommendations. Try my recommendations for treating your immediate discomfort and follow up with a visit to your dentist. There is not a specialty recognizing a TMJ dentist, but you may consider an oral surgeon or a dentist that tends to treat more cases of TMJ disorders. Thank you for your inquiry. I am available for any additional questions and hope that my suggestions are helpful.