Would like to know is there any real answers to this TMJ dilemma??????

[seekandfind46]

I just don't understand how anyone can make a sound decision with this problem.  You talk to Maxillofacial Surgeons and they want to do surgery, if there is problems like a badly displaced disc.  Then you hear surgery is the last resort no matter what in fact they try to avoid it altogether.  I've even heard of the most horrific stories of people who had their disc's taken out, or joint replacements and are in the same agony..  Then they tell you to go to an orthodontist that deals with TMJ or is into neuromuscular dentistry.  Then I hear of many who have splints or orthodontic work and are still having pain or are in more pain with more problems and some that have had to have total mouth reconstruction because of the orthodontic splints they were given, and the after effects, also with no end to their pain. Is this because there just isn't enough good specialist who really know what they are doing.... Then you run into certain ones that tell you it really has to do with CNS and muscles in your jaw, that need chiropractic work, or massage therapy or a number of other alternative treatments, many claiming to be TMJ-TMD specialists.... I am so discouraged with the whole thing. Who can you trust???? Where do you turn for constructive answers?????  There is a whole lot of people out there in terrible pain, and for some reason no one wants to pay attention to this problem, many in the medical shun you or just plain ignore your symptoms like they don't exist....  There needs to be more research and funding put into this...  So many doctors tell you they have the answer, but I don't know if its due to lack of experience, expecially with knowledge or expertise with splints or orthodontics, as I have read of endless amounts of stories on these sites of  patients with no relief to their pain, even though they have gone that route, many spending countless amounts of money they could ill afford to spend....... I've even been to some Doctors who promise to solve your problem and then say afterwards they are not sure it will have success, after you started up the treatment....All I know is where I am living try finding someone who knows what they are really talking about here in Ontario, Canada.  Even if you do find any type of specialist they are a rookie.....Its really is a shame that people are suffering like this, and there just isn't enough being done by the way of getting funding and more research to better understand this problem no matter how complicated it is......  Would like to hear from others on this.....

[seekandfind46]

Hi Joan,

I sent an email to you, don't know if you got it.  You best bet if you live in Kitchener is to get a maxillofacial surgeon in TOronto.   Have you been to an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doc yet, they usually are the ones to diagnose this in the beginning.  They will refer you to a maxillofacial surgeon or your general practioner will once you get a diagnoses. The best ones are in TOronto.  Dr. Gerald Baker that works through Mount Sinai is the one I am seeing.  He is the only one you may get an appointment with, the other one that is trained with him is so booked up you will be waiting years to see him.  Try getting an MRI done somewhere in your area, or else you will wait a full year to get one in TOronto, that is what has impeded me in this TMJ game here in Ontario.  Although they have better equipment, you will be in pain a whole year, unless you can go to the US to get one.  SO many people having to do that now, its pathetic.  I also had an accident, and was driving a friend's car with no insurance of my own, so have to wait for things to be resolved, and it could take years.  Its all so frustrating, but the point is you have to keep pushing. Hope this helps..

Seekandfind46

[Fatkat68]

Sorry to read your comments.  I have been really lucky with my Specialist.  I started having the discs put back in and then replaced and eventually had total replacements.

He was great and talked me through every bit of the treatment.  Finding someone with the knowledege and more importantly someone you trust doesn't seem that straight forward.

I have just been very lucky and have been totally pain free for 10 years.
Good luck

[joan41]

Hi.  I am also located in Ontario and I've just been diagnosed with TMJ.  Have you found anyone to help you with this?  Also, what city are you in?  I'm in Kitchener and would like to avoid all the hassles you've been through, if possible.  Thanks

[TMJDoc]

I think I've addressed most of this in another response, but wanted to add that the MD's are not trained to recognize TMJ problems and dentists are not trained in school to treat them.  There are a lot of symptoms common to other conditions that mislead MDs.  The ENT's in my experience are the ones that recognize it the best.  When I lecture or teach I start with three 'sayings':  The less you know the more normal your patients look.  You don't know what you don't know.  And, If the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.  I believe you're experiencing all of those things.    TMJDoc