Expert: Susan Tannenbam - 12/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: One side only radiating to severe pain in ear sporatically.  Started midway into fitting 2 new bridges encompassing 6 top front teeth and one cantalever.  Dentist frustrated and does not know what to do next.  Keeps refitting/rebuilding bridge - nothing works.  Can tmj occur on just one side?

ANSWER: Your question is can TMJ occur on one side.  I'm not a dentist but have had TMJ pain.  I had it on both sides, but one side hurt more than the other, so I suppose it can occur on one side.  IF you live in the NY area I can recommend Dr. Barry Rozenberg 516-791-4000 if you want an evaluation.
Good luck.

Susan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I live in Florida so Dr. Rozenberg can't help me.  What did you do for your pain?

Answer
Here are some things I have done.
1. Custom made nightguard (hard, not soft) that fits over the bottom teeth.  Only a dentist can fit you for one.
2.ultrasound
3.  THe alpha-stim100, a pain device.
4.acupuncture
5.aerobic exercise (increases endorphins, good for any body pain)
6.TMJ "gel" to numb the pain temporarily, till the other treatements kick in
7. No eating of bagels, carrots, hard or chewy bread

If you look at my past answers,you can get more details.

Good luck.

Susan