TMJ issues getting worse with almost constant pain

[Marz111]

Hi

I have had a diagnosed case of TMJ dysfunction of some time now.  It started with the occasional locking of the jaw and now I have headaches that last for days.  Even without the headaches I feel a constant dull ache.  I feel a grinding sound every time I open and close my mouth  - and even when I talk, and sometimes the jaw locks out of joint.  I can also hear the grinding sound and it feels like there is grit in the joint.

The first attempt to address it was to remove my wisdom teeth in case they were causing the jaw issues, that didn't help.  Next they made me wear a splint in the night time in case the issue was brought on by grinding - that too hasn't helped.  I have given the splint 8mths and it has had no success.

Now, they believe that I have arthritis and I am only 27!  Given that anti-inflamatory drugs are now not very effective (they just dull the pain rather than get rid of it), I was wondering what options there are apart from going in for surgery?  I understand there are low success rates given the need for mobility in the joint.

Should I be going back to the specialist or trying other options first?

Thanks!
Marz

[Marz111]

Thanks.  The dentist I went too specialises in TMJ.  I might take it to my specialist and have him check it.  In fact, when I first got it, it made me ache in the face for about 2 weeks until he did major changes to it.

So frustrating!

[scottma]

Occlusal appliance ( splint , tmj orthosis, night guard) therapy is highly effective for tmd, however, fabrication of effective occlusal appliance is highly technique demanding. Seeing a competent tmj specialist is advised.