Expert: Susan Tannenbam - 4/1/2007

Question
Hello Susan; I have tmj and I am not sure where to go with my issues. I suffer neck pain. I seems to be focused on the cord that runs up the left side of my neck. I am wondering if that is a symptom of tmj also i have two partial plates in my mouth which leaves me a total of 13 teeth of my own. My dentist doesn't want me to get full dentures but can't afford to spend any more money on root canals etc. My biggest question is whether dentures will make my TMJ worse or maybe even help it.
Can you help me with this or perhaps point me in the right direction.
Thanks so much.
Cheryl

Answer
Cherl:  Mmost dentists don't know this but TMJ can make it feel like you have a horrible toothache and many of them perform root canals and extractions that are not NEEDED!!! This is what happens:  CLenching/grinding causes muscles around the facial area, jaw joint, neck, upper back,  to become very tight and therefore, sometimes, painful.  This pain is often REFERRED INTO THE TEETH AND GUMS which makes it FEEL LIKE y ou have a toothache but there is NOTHING wrong with the tooth!  I also have had root canals and extractions before I realized this!!  I had a very good physical therapist that explained the whole thing to me.  I don' know why dentists do not learn this in school!  Anyway, everyone with TMJ should be aware of it.
I suggest you call a dental school in your area to see if they have a TMJ department.  This doesn't mean they'll have great dentists there, but you have a better chance of getting good treatmen this way then just going to a dentist that doesn't have a lot of knowledge and experience with TMJ (most don't!).  I use someone good in NY but I don't know if you live in the NY area?
I don't know if dentures would help or hurt the TMJ as I am not a dentist.
Here are some things that are good for pain that I have used?
l. acupuncture.
2. muscle relaxer (temporary usage)
3. don't over use advil.  there was a study which found that too much use of advil can cause MORE PAIN.  stop u sing this type of pain killer if you have pain.  it could be making it worse.
4.ultrasound: done by  a physical therapist or dentist (mine does this )
5.numbing "gel" for painful areas
applied topically.
6.go to www.alpha-stim.com to read about this pain device.
I use it when needed.
I hope this helps.
good luck