TMJ

[amanda3331]

My daughter is a 14 yr old girl who started her orthodontics at 10 yrs old and had them removed 3yrs later sept.2007.She has been diagnosed with idiopathic condylar resorption and or Osteochondrosis.We,ve been to 4 diffent doctors with 4 different reasons as to why and what caused it and 4 different ways to treat it.One with a Mitek anchor and upper and lower jaw surgery who blames it on hormones. One says to wait until it's done resorbing then do surgery who blames it on arthritis.  One says says to do a Fat Graft in the joint and splint  who blames it on a trauma. One says to use a Functional Appliance with no surgery who blames it on a bad bite. Who do we believe and how do we know which treatment is best ??? Her condyles are 70 % of what they should be.Are there other treatments ??

[Michael H Kirsch, DDS]

Idiopathic condylar resorption is a relatively rare condition and no prospective clinical studies have been done on the various treatment options.

Even within our specialty there are controversies surround both the timing and type of treatment.  My suggestion is to exhaust every conservative option before surgery.  I myself have no personal experience in treating patients with this condition.

Information contained within this reply is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a medical diagnosis or treatment recommendation.  This is not a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Always seek the advice of your own doctor for medical condition. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.