Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanAngel
Hi popo
I asked for your advice earlier in this thread, in regards to an odd crease I had in my face after having a wisdom tooth pulled. Unfortunately for me, it wasn't just premature aging, but I guess my muscles were spasming in that side of my face. Over the next few months I developed an earache, headache, neck pains, and a tight feeling on my face and forehead, all on the left side. I noticed I could no longer open my jaw straight. My face also became more lopsided. At this point both sides are kind of messed up, and I look different as the musculature of my face has changed and become strained. I went to a different dentist 3 months later and he said that I had tmj, and that my jaw disc was displaced. He said it would go back to normal in time and prescribed muscle relaxers and jaw exercises, but it got worse. I sought a second opinion from a neuromuscular dentist who said my face and neck muscles were "a mess" from this and fashioned me an orthotic. I wore it for 2 months and my neck and ear felt a bit better but the headaches got much worse. I don't clench or grind my teeth during the day, and both dentists said that they didn't think I did while sleeping as there were no signs of that on my teeth. I have never had any jaw problems before this.
I realize that this may be somewhat outside your realm of expertise, but I was wondering if you know or have heard of anyone who was cured of this, and by what methods they did so. It has been 7 months since the injury, and I'm worried I may be stuck like this for the rest of my life. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
|
Angel, sorry it's taken so long for me to reply.
I have to say that I have no hands-on experience with this type of thing. It's also a bit beyond giving out advice without an exam. Check out http://www.abop.net/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={7B822CB1-8BA9-48B3-89F4-E0CDC19B4345} for a diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain. There are also a few centers in the US that deal specifically with Orofacial pain. I'd highly recommend you see someone at a local dental school. They can more easily take their time to figure out the case that has no easy answer.
I wish I had a better answer. Best to you, and keep us all up to date.