TMJ Support Group
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ syndrome, is an acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment.
I have TMJ, several years now. Everything has been GREAT since some PT in 07. Lately at night and noticed today, during the day I clench real tight and it is causing a lot of problems. I have severe dental phobia and don't want to go to my dentist yet-any suggestions? I am trying to use a heat pack twice a day. Never clenched before. TMJ is due to the disc being too far forward which causes a very limited opening and one day the dentist jerked me open and wham there I was in pain for the first time. But like i said all has been well since 07.
I did see my dentist after I was diagnosed and all she could offer me was a bottle of pain killers, bottle of muscle relaxers and a $300 nightguard that they sell cheap at the drugstore.
My specialist fit me for a night appliance and a day appliance. When I put my night appliance in it is (I mean literally) impossible to clench at night or grind. My problem is I clench during the day and I have to work on not doing it.
When I finally do go to the dentist it's going to be with someone that understands TMJD and is going to beable to help me without making my jaw worse.