Hi All,
I am 24 years old and have been grinding my teeth at night for about 5 or 6 years that I am aware of. Last year, I got a customized bite guard from my dentist and have been wearing it every night since. About six weeks ago, I began to get an intense feeling of pain/pressure on the sides of my face, extending up into my head and causing extreme side headaches. I also noticed that the muscles in my neck and shoulders were quite painful. Initially, it was periodic, but after a few days, it became constant. Since it has been constant, I have developed a locked jaw (28mm max opening), significant popping/crunching/snapping noises, ringing in my ears, and sinus pressure.

I went to see a neuromuscular dentist who recommended a $6,000 course of treatment that would include almost weekly trips to his office, a lower splint, and numerous splint adjustments. Unfortunately, my health insurance won't cover any of this treatment, so my dentist referred me to an oral surgeon, who recommended arthrocentesis.

I am very hesitant to consent to this procedure without first exploring non-invasive options such as physical therapy. Am I correct in this belief, or is arthrocentesis really such a common and/or useful procedure that it makes a good first choice?

Any ideas you have would be much appreciated - all I can think about right now is having these symptoms for the rest of my life, maybe getting worse, and am feeling pretty hopeless.
Bella