Could i get a dentists opinion? please??

My jaw has just recently (within the last 4 months or so...) been continuing to act up it doesn't make the noise thats usual connected to a jaw popping though... It almost feels as if it's sliding from side to side... my mom has had her stick open so it could be a family thing... but my pops whenever i yawn or chew food and is just generally uncomfortable no matter where it's lying... My best friend has TMJ and i haven't really asked her too much about it but her jaw seems to act a lot different then mine.... is it still likely to be TMJ or something else completely???


also how much would it cost for the night guard if it is TMJ i don't have dental insurance

Could i get a dentists opinion? please??
Hi, I am not a dentist but a dental nurse. It does sound like a TMJ problem (tempro mandibular joint) The maxillofacial consultant i know always recommends trying a soft food diet for a week to see if this eases the problem. Also try not to over extend your jaw when yawning. As for the night guard the practice i work at charges about £35 for one.


Hope this helps x x
Reply:Typically when you are having a problem with your TMJ (which is the actual joint, not a diagnosis) it is a bi-lateral (both sides) of the joint issue. In a nutshell, your joint has a disc of cartilage in between the jaw and the base of the skull. This acts as a pad to prevent wear of the two bony surfaces when opening. As you open, ideally that cartilage moves in harmony with your jaw as you open and close. When you have TMD (the disorder) it can have various classifications. The most basic is when the jaw opens, that disc doesn't move at the same time or place as the jaw. The resultant popping or sliding as you say is the disc slipping back into its rest position over the jaw bone (mandible). When this is the case, a non-invasive treatment is usually the first approach. I would recommend trying some bilateral massaging of the jaw muscles and some moist heat compresses on the same musculature at least 3 times daily. This is going to reduce the inflammation of the muscles used when functioning and hopefully reduce your pain and soreness. The best answer is going to come from a dentist's direct evaluation of the symptoms and your habits.


To answer the second question regarding night guards, they can run anywhere from $250 up to probably $600 for a custom made laboratory fabricated one (which is the best non-invasive treatment strategy initially). These costs will vary based upon your geographic and demographics and probably with each dentist you see. This is just a ballpark estimate. I hope it helps.

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