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Arthrocentesis Post op?

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I Had My Arthrocentesis Today!
April 2nd, 2010
Hi. I just had Arthrocentesis yesterday where he went in and tried to move right disc back in place bc it was stuck and preventing me from opening mouth and was wondering from those who had this done how they felt after? When I first came out of it the doc measured me and i was at 40mm opening which was an improvement from before. Now it seems to be smaller again . It is really tight though and he has me doing this excercise where I am basically slowly opening mouth with fingers to stretch it out. Its also still swollen there, naturally, but do you think thats why I cant open as wide right now bc its tight and swollen, while I could before bc I was still feeling effects of numbing and anestesia? Only other issue I have now as well is I cant completely close mouth so teeth touch. Now I know we never want teeth to touch but its difficult to chew food, will this calm down after a few days? Any help or thoughts would be great, I would like like to think it will get better.
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johoho
replied April 15th, 2010
Hi Chicklet,
I just had arthrocentesis today!

I have experienced much of the same after-effects as you, though I imagine by now you've got it all worked out. My bite was opened quite a bit too, but only for a few hours. Now it's back to normal.

I'm worried I'll have to get the procedure done again. It was.. painful. Or just really, really strange feeling and sounding. Did you hear / feel crackling and stuff as well?

Regarding the teeth touching thing, my dentist said that it would feel like my right side won't meet up (the affected side) but that that would go away soon.

Here's to possible relief!
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tsrodeogal
replied April 24th, 2010
Hello! Where you instructed to chew after arthrocentesis? I just had mine done on the 6th of April and was instructed to be a on a liquid (no chew) diet for 6 weeks while doing splint therapy. I was also instructed to strech every hour with 10 repetitions. I was in a farrar splint for 2 weeks post-op now I am in the tanner splint for 4 more weeks. Yes I do hear crackling on my "bad" side when I strech.....but my MD said that was normal.
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TMJconfused
replied April 24th, 2010
I hope you guys keep us updated on your progress I'd really like to know how it's going
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tsrodeogal
replied April 24th, 2010
To shed some hope for those of you considering arthrocentesis; I was locked closed at a 23-25mm. During arthro the surgeon got my opening to a 50mm. One week after surgery with stretching I was only opening to a 35mm. Today (18 days post op) I am at a 46mm and was instructed to keep my streching at this number (not to strain to go any higher). So it is possible to increase your number in those first few weeks post-op if you are dedicated with streching your jaw. I did not have any pain prior to procedure, nor do I have it now. We shall see what the next 3 weeks brings....trusting God will heal as He see''s fit.
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johoho
replied April 25th, 2010
I just went back to the dentist for my followup. It''s still too early to tell what the procedure has done, as my bone is a little bruised. Dentist said my opening had improved by 5mm... which is great, but it''s still 30mm, also the appointment was on a particularly "good" day. Just as sore as before. Going to see him again in 3 weeks.

For now he has prescribed 600mg motrin regimen which I have not yet started.


Man. I hope I don''t have to get arthrocentesis again.
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