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Question:
Clicking turning to pain: I am 21 and about 8 years ago my jaw started to click when opening very wide.
After about a year it began to click when I chewed on something hard and progressed within 6 months to almost constantly when I chew or open my mouth about half way or more.
I asked my dentist who told me it is normal, due to the fact that I have had a LONG dental history. He also said probably the only way to fix it is surgery to reset my jaw.
Is there something I can do before surgery to try and avoid it? Is there some type of specialists I can go to? I can't really afford the surgury but the pain is becoming unbareable. ... Visitor from WI
Answer:
I am not sure what dental history you are referring to but perhaps you have had trauma or pain from prolonged opening?
Well, first of all it is important to realize your jaw joint is a joint like your elbow or knee, except that it rotates and translates.
This means that it isn't a ball and socket like a hip but it rotates and after opening about half way the jaw slides down the eminence of the skull and the mouth opens wider. You have probably got a damaged disc.
The jaw rotates and when it translates the bone pops off or on to the disc or cartilage. Your dentist may know a TMJ specialist or be willing to treat your symptoms by making you an NTI, mouthguard, best bite discluder or other splint to take the pressure off of your jaw joint.
Surgery is only indicated in a very small percentage of people with the problem and I would doubt you fit in that category at this stage.
You may need stretching, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories and a splint for several months or even years before surgery should be undertaken.
Wisconsin Reconstructive Implant Dentistry
Richard Winter, DDS MAGD
Winter Dental Associates
5323 W. Hampton Avenue
Milwaukee Wisconsin WI 53218
(414) 464-9021
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