I went to the dentist today (for a cleaning) and she is convinced that she can heal my TN by treating me for TMJ disorder. I truly think the biggest part of my pain was trigger by some dental work I had and she believes it is due to having TMJ disorder. Has anyone tried this? Any luck? It sounds so appealing, but I don't want to throw more $ at something that won't help.

Thanks for any feedback.

Debbie

I had a facial pain dentist try to convince me that my TN pain was due to TMJ. I let him do anesthetic injections which gave me a little relief for a night, the first full nights sleep I had in months at the time, but the bottom line, according to two of my neurologists, is that TMJ doesn't cause TN. It can aggravate it, just like any dental work, sinus infection, cold, etc..., but TMJ doesn't cause TN. If you haven't already seen a neurologist, I'd suggest you do so to get a definate diagnosis and some piece of mind.
Take care, Ellena

Thank you for your reply. I was leary of this from the time she started talking but didn't want to rule it out if it were possible. I am a therapeutic massage therapist (as a hobby) and know I have had instances where clients have seen many doctors and physical therapists, and then I can help them right away. It always seems like a no-brainer, but I think the difference is that I can get in there and "feel". Just didn't want to pass on a no-brainer for myself, if you can understand. I am seeing a neurologist and am just sick of the meds. It has only been 2 months, but I am so slow to react to things I am off of work and no one will let me drive. I guess I am grasping at straws. Thank you again.

Take care of yourself,

Debbie

The next time you see your neuro, bounce it off of him. I get really aggravated each time a new person tries to explain my pain by blaming something else for it or gives me some rediculous advice to "cure" TN. I've heard more stories from therapists and such that it makes my skin crawl. I don't mean to be so firm about it, its just that the condition is hard enough to handle without others trying to muck things up or give false hope for a cure. I know its tough trying to find the right meds for you. Hang in there and if you aren't getting enough relief or the side effects are too much, communicate that to your doctor. There are a lot of meds, and combinations of meds to deal with this horrible condition. I'm dealing with the aftermath of radio frequency ablation to the facet joints in my neck and I've increased some of my meds so I'm a little grumpy and in more pain. Hopefully I don't sound/write in a similar fashion. If so, please cut me a little slack, Ellena

I agree with this 110%. I've been through this whole song and dance.

Went to the dental specialist who diagnosed TMJ. Which I do have, and then he also diagnosed TN, which I do have. I got the whole "This will resolve your TN if we fix the dentistry" song and dance. To the tune of $6,000+ for braces!

Or they could have broken and reset my jaw (NO THANKS).

Then came the Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. I called my dentist to advise. I've not heard from my dentist again about 'correcting' the TMJ to fix the TN.

My neuro and another neuro I saw while mine was out both indicated the TN is not related to anything but my MS, which is affecting my cranial nerves, not the other way around with the mouth/teeth etc.

Bless you both for your responses. And I completely understand about your "mood". I got very irritable with the dentist when she started pushing me about going over the questions. I know I am so sick of this after 2 months, I don't know how you all do it but guess I will be learning.

Take care and you are in my prayers,

Debbie

I'm sure that TN CAN be related to other factors. Just saying in my case, it was first pinned on the TMJ, but I went on to find out that I had MS and that's ultimately what's causing my TN.

I guess the important message is, always get a second opinion, and trust your gut instincts. We know our bodies better than the doctors or specialists do.

I have had TMJ since age 17. In my mid 20's it was very severe. I had a night guard made and things improved somewhat. Luckily, with age, TMJ tends to improve. So I was totally prepared to hear that my TN was caused by TMJ. I had one dentist totally ignore the TN pain all together, and prepared an estimate of all the dental work I required, to the tune of $4,500. Since I'm one of the lucky people who have excellent and very strong teeth and rarely even have a cavity, I was prepared to ignore his dx.

I hate to hear about people who spend $1000's on dental procedures, only to realize there is nothing wrong with their teeth!

You've gotten great advice hear. TN and TMJ are NOT related. And anyone who's ever had both can tell you the pain is completely different.

Before I was diagnosed with atypical TN I thought I had TMJ I was young am still young (33)I had a dental splint that fit on my bottom teeth, I had a traditional bite guard 1st then the bottom teeth splint, cold laser therapy, invisalign for bite alignment, then this summer an NTI which I still wear. I am not saying don't try it as someone who lives in constant pain I say try anything ANYTHING!!!! I would try anything. I still would. I still wear the NTI just to not make anything worse. I know that I do clench and grind so I am sure it is not a total waste but I am not pain free.

I have a click in my jaw so I am not sure if I am just lucky enough to have TMJ and some sort of atypical TN or what. But I recently found out I also have a herniated disk C-5 as well as L-4 with nerve root compression but thats another story and why I found this group yours is just the first message I read though so HI!!! nice to meet you all.

I'm young as well. 32 in a few days. I was told with the TMJ that I have arthritis in the jaw (at age 30).

My TN has been pretty awful the past few days, but I haven't noticed much amiss with the jaw or TMJ... hrm!