Jaw Pain and new filling

[AllyA]

I recently had my upper wisdome teeth pulled and a week later had some aching my oral surgeon said I overworked my mouth and put me on a soft food diet.  Two weeks later I was in a 4-wheeler accident.  Two weeks later had a filling redone.  Following week I started PT for my injuries from the accident.  Then I had my lower filling redone.  My tooth wouldn't numb after two seperate injections so we decided to continue without any more injections.  My mouth has been sore ever since.  My dentist said I probably needed a root canal but it was possible it was TMJ.  I went to the oral surgeon who said the X-ray of the tooth looked good and he didn't think I needed one but that I had lots of clicking and popping in my jaw and it was probably TMJ.  I have been on anti-inflammatories for 6 weeks now and the pain seems to get a little better but I have times when the pain in my ear reminds me of some of the worst earaches I had as a child.  The pain is all along the nerve that was injected to numb my tooth.  Is it possible that this nerve was overmedicated and is kind of trying to get back to normal or do you think it sounds more like some sort of damage?  The pain goes down into my neck and it feels like into the glad under your jaw.  I am tired of hurting and taking meds.  My orthopedic surgeon said its possible its TMJ but he thinks it is more from the accident and that I should see an anestiologist to have my nerve injected with cortisone.  I am VERY cofused and frustrated that each have a different diagnosis.  Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.  Thanks!

[sameboat]

I got TMJ after the endodontist hit my nerve twice with the needle practically sending me through the roof. Of course, he denide it had anything to do with this. I was in EXTREME pain for nearly a month to the point I was wishing the pain would go away or I that I would die. I would rather suffer the pain of giving birth than go through TMJ pain again! No one could offer me a solution. I tied 2 other dentists, another endodontist, a ear nose throat docter....nothing! I was about to drop out of my Kung Fu classes due to the pain when the Grand Master offered to try and help me using what he called "Showlin Healing techniques". I was very skeptical but he was not charging me for it and I had no where else to turn so I tried it. Three sessions later. "I'M Healed!". I still get a painfull jaw when I visit the dentist (holding my mouth open for long periods of time) or when I am under extreme stress but nothing coming close to the pain I was experiencing back then. I am sold on this healing technique. Another name for it is "Healing Hands". It was high energy emitted out of the hands as heat and combined with deep tissue massage. You might find one in your area. Also, I was told UCLA has a medical department dedicated to TMJ. Try giving them a call if you are in the area.

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

You seem to have a lot going on. TMJ dysfunction has many different causes. The pain you are experiencing can be attributed to the TMJ or the tooth that was worked on. i don't think it has any relation to the injection at this point.The antiinflammatories may work in the short term but I believe that the cause of the problem must be addressed. My suggestion is that you see a doctor(dentist) who specializes in TMJ problems.You can call your local dental society for a referral or if there is a dental school in the area that might be a good place to go.