Oh fencingdragon, this is a bad one. I'm so sorry and mad that they allow so many quacks out there to masquerade as tmj specialists. They do so much harm.

Are you going to sue the fraud? I'm not a big believer in suing like we hear about in the media all the time, but in this case, I believe you should get at least the $40,000.00 from that charlatan to fix your mouth.

I have never been to a neuromuscular dentist (mainly because there isn't one anywhere close to me) but I do believe they have a good reputation. I don't think the cost is too far out there if they do everything they say they can.

You might want to seek the opinion of a few dental specialists and get some references from former patients of the neuro dentist(s) before deciding on the neuromuscular orthodics. Get 2nd, 3rd and 4th, etc., opinions. Write everything down. Go into appointments with another person for support. Do lots and lots of checking and researching. Don't let anyone do anything to you, though, until the pain has been addressed (bite splint, physical/massage therapy, pain medication, ultrasound, etc.).

I do hope and pray that all will go well. Please let me know, if you can, how everything is going.
God bless...
Carol

Get a referral to your local oral surgery department (which may have a specialist tmj clinic but even if it doesn't, oral surgeons will understand the problem). You will be helped there. Stress the urgency and you may be fitted in as an emergency - that happened with me.

Best of luck and try to keep calm.

I am sorry that you are experiencing the symptoms you have discussed. There are so many avenues of treatment that can leave you confused. However, you are lucky to have a neuromuscular dentist in your area. So many times a bite that is corrected to a position where the muscles we use to chew with are comfortable can lead to a stable healthy life for you. A dentist trained to diagnose and treat to this stable position is a very valuable resource. Most oral surgeons are that - surgeons. Many others suggest night guards that do not offer long term solutions. And some, like you have seen, adjust the surfaces of teeth without information that guides them to a better position. It really comes down to their level of training. Don't be afraid to ask where they get their education. My recommendation is see the neuromuscular dentist.

I have been battling with tmj disc displacement for about 2 years. I also went to 2 meuromuscular dentists who wanted to fit me with an occulsal appliance, then once we found the perfect fit, they would shave down my teeth and cap them all. All for a cost of a few thousands of dollars not covered by any insurance. That was a joke. I actually took a different route. I finally found a doctor that I trust deeply. I would never go to a neuromuscular dentist again.

I appreciate having a great feeling of trust. It's very important. My question is about how you are progressing. Has your symptoms resolved? If so, how was it accomplished?

For those of you interested in reseaching more on Neuromuscular Dentistry...may I suggest you use your internet browser to search for "dental courses at LVI global" You can see what courses are offered by downloading the LVI Course Catalog which you will find at the lower left. Pay close attention to the first few pages where I quote, "Over 83% of LVI alumni have seen an increase in their net incomes." Hmmm.....do I see dollar signs??? If you take these courses then your licensed to practice...hmmmmm.....what about hands on training??? Hmmmm.guess you and I are the guinea pigs. I particular like the course titled, "Understand how to rapidly build trust". That course should pay off, or how about "Motivate patients to want comprehensive treatment without any sales pressure". Just take these courses and then you're good to go....you just have to find a patient who is so desperate to find someone to help them get relief from their TMJ that they will jump at the first dentist who is eager to apply his newly acquired knowledge and theories and take on a new money making venture. Check it out then make your judgment. After my experience I would stay away from them....it's all a bunch of bunk....seek out a reputable TMJ and Orofacial Pain dentist/doctor or a Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who can point you in the right direction. These doctors are usually affiliated with the best hospitals in your area.

I'm in a situation where I did not have TMJ or TMD until I went to a dentist to get four old fillings removed and replaced. Two on top, two on bottom. I've had TMJ pain ever since, even though I've returned to this dentist 3 times to shave the bite and try to get it right. No relief. I don't know what to do. The dentist has tried to offer me an expensive mouth piece... and then told me to go to a craniosacral therapist for 3 visits. Has anybody gotten results with this???? When i spoke to the craniosacral therapist he recommended, I was informed that it would take much more than 3 visits... costing up to $700. Don't know if I believe in it enough to get in debt and take the risk of it not working.

I had an acupuncturist also try to convince me that she got good results healing TMJ with about 6 or 7 visits -- this would also cost around $700. Chiropractors are full of lies and empty promises (they take the same "how to make money" courses in their training too).

I spent $800 on getting my teeth fixed -- I don't have $700 more to spend on stopping the pain that visit gave me, and frankly, since my TMJ started with that, I don't feel like I should HAVE TO pay for pain relief from something he apparently did. I'm starting to wonder if he jabbed and damaged a muscle with the novacaine. Starting to wonder if I should sue. I just wanted fillings replaced, not to end up with what looks potentially like a lifetime of pain and discomfort, or debt from trying to find relief.