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Old 01-18-2007, 01:24 PM   #354 (permalink)
popo
Psycho
 
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.
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