Articular Disc Disorder

1. 75

   blessedmommyposted 16 years ago

   Has anyone had this?  I haven't been able to open my mouth all the way for about 3-4 years.  At the present, I can only open it about 1/4 inch wide. (No joke)!  I finally broke down and saw a dentist who in turn sent me to a mouth and jaw surgeon.  He says that my articular discs in my jaw joints have been displaced  and that I'm looking at surgery.  My question is has anyone else ever had this problem and if so how did you feel after surgery and was it pretty successful?  What method did you have done? (Joint replacement or bone removal)? My surgeon wants to do the bone removal method on me.

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   1. 51

      Be wellposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      I was diagnosed with the same thing, articular disc disorder of the temporal mandibular joint, three months ago.  I wish my dentist had sent me to an oral surgeon in the first place, but by the time I discovered who to see, my jaw was also locked, I could open it a little more than 1/4 in but not mcuh,and I was in terrible pain.  In order to avoid surgery, I opted for a physical therapist that specializes in jaws and I have had remarkable results.  I also had a mouth guard made and wore it everyday, except when eating or drinking, for 1 month to correct my occlusion. I now wear it every night and sometimes during the day. I have been told that this condition will probably always have to be managed.  I did not like what I read about the possible side effects of surgery.
      
      Let me know how you are doing with this problem.

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2. 60

   packerpackposted 16 years ago

   Sorry to say but I have no idea about this but thought to reply just to wish you all the best and wish that you overcome this problem soon. Take care.

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3. 73

   Curious Travellerposted 16 years ago

   I have never even heard of this problem before but I had to go in to hospital some years ago now to have impacted wisdom teeth removed. Basically, at one side, the bottom one was growing down the way and the top one was growing up the way, instead of vice versa. They told me beforehand that they may have to dislocate my jawbone in order to effectively perform the procedure but fortunately this did not prove necessary. Have you ever had a procedure like this performed that may have caused your problem?
   
   Good luck with your treatment.

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4. 79

   ngurecoposted 16 years ago

   I would think a physical therapist would do well. Get a second opinion from three or more other doctors. The few cases I have seen, I would avoid surgery if possible.

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