Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 9:36 pm
Since you've been suggested to read my story a couple of times I guess I'll touch base with you. First, I've been to Easley and considered moving there about fifteen years ago. My wife works in health care. I'm a gear head at heart. In many ways we are alike. I too suffer TMJ issues. I went through splints and found them to be a great help for about six months. Then my TMJ pain reappeared but in a different spot. The TMJ pain was so bad at times I found it hard to drive. I over medicated myself with OTC meds often enough that I suffered the intestinal damage the warning labels speak of. I needed to do something about the TMJ issues or I would have life changing consequences. TMJ issues don't get better on their own.
At first, I did not consider ortho work. I have a root canal and didn't think ortho was possible. I've since learned differently. I found one ortho who I have great faith in. She told me that ortho would not cure my TMJ issues but would reduce the pain from an eight or nine to a three or a four based upon reports from past patients. After eight months it was suggested I consider surgery. I wrestled with that option. Finally, I realized that if I was going to do this, I should do whatever to get the best result. I don't want the recovery involved with the surgery, but, want the type of results that others have had with surgery. Therefore my teeth are being moved in position for surgery. I'm hopeful to have surgery next summer.
After 14 months of treatment I can tell you my TMJ is still very active. I can now handle the pain with a heat pad for about 10-15 minutes. Not always convenient but I have not needed the pain relievers I was dependent on prior to braces. While it seems strange to be almost 50 with braces, I can tell you the reduction in TMJ related headaches has increased my productivity. I'm happier and can deal with not only my 9 and 6 year olds better but I can handle a Pack of Cub Scouts.
I'd offer you these words of advice. Visit several orthos. It would be nice if Clemson had a College of Dentistry. AS for the cost of surgery, it is scary. The suggestion of monthly payments is good. Another consideration would be to look at your wife's medical insurance. The type of surgery that you need would be covered by medical and not dental. I do not know if your previous injury would either help or hurt getting the surgery covered.
Finally, if all else fails, build a Riddler winner. Sell it. Buy a new house and pay for the surgery.
At first, I did not consider ortho work. I have a root canal and didn't think ortho was possible. I've since learned differently. I found one ortho who I have great faith in. She told me that ortho would not cure my TMJ issues but would reduce the pain from an eight or nine to a three or a four based upon reports from past patients. After eight months it was suggested I consider surgery. I wrestled with that option. Finally, I realized that if I was going to do this, I should do whatever to get the best result. I don't want the recovery involved with the surgery, but, want the type of results that others have had with surgery. Therefore my teeth are being moved in position for surgery. I'm hopeful to have surgery next summer.
After 14 months of treatment I can tell you my TMJ is still very active. I can now handle the pain with a heat pad for about 10-15 minutes. Not always convenient but I have not needed the pain relievers I was dependent on prior to braces. While it seems strange to be almost 50 with braces, I can tell you the reduction in TMJ related headaches has increased my productivity. I'm happier and can deal with not only my 9 and 6 year olds better but I can handle a Pack of Cub Scouts.
I'd offer you these words of advice. Visit several orthos. It would be nice if Clemson had a College of Dentistry. AS for the cost of surgery, it is scary. The suggestion of monthly payments is good. Another consideration would be to look at your wife's medical insurance. The type of surgery that you need would be covered by medical and not dental. I do not know if your previous injury would either help or hurt getting the surgery covered.
Finally, if all else fails, build a Riddler winner. Sell it. Buy a new house and pay for the surgery.