My dentist wants me to go to yet another doctor - one who specializes in TMJ and craniomandibular disorder (whatever that means). He thinks I am having some teeth/jaw problems along with the TN. I was tested by a few doctors for TMJ before I was diagnosed with TN and it was ruled out. There is a stiffness in my jaw now when I try to open it all the way (I couldn’t have my teeth cleaned today because of that and also my teeth are too sensitive). I’m wondering if the stiffness is normal since I’m only 9 weeks out of MVD surgery or if my dentist is really onto something. Have any of you had anything like this? I would appreciate any thoughts on this. Thanks. I hope everyone is having a pain-free evening!
Jamie
Jamie…you are only nine weeks out from the MVD and your head and nervous system has been drilled, twisted and pounded on during the surgery…as long as your jaw opens enough to get something to eat or drink is all you should about for awhile…with my TN I have these wave of pain that roll across from the front of the teeth up left to the back so a teeth cleaning entirely out for me…your buddy in San Diego…Vic
Jamie,
I would not have even thought of going to the dentist that soon after MVD. I go now but I am always so scared of going. I need a crown on my TN side but I have put it off since November. I am still having TN pain so I am concerned about getting the crown because the dentist has to press the crown on very hard to make it stay on.
I didn’t have stiffness with my MVD.
Liz
Jamie I am having the same problem. immediately after the surgery i had difficulty opening my mouth very far. When i opened my mouth it was actually moving over to one side. I thought my jaw was dislocated. I have a difficult time trying to open enough to eat some items. Right before i had the mvd done i went to a specialist and had him check me for TMJ which was ruled out that I did not have it. I went back to him after the surgery and he said that it is the muscles in the corners of my mouth. He said that they are not gentle in the least when they are putting the tube down your throat add to that the fact your mouth is propped open like that for hours. My surgery was 6 hours. He gave me a small rubber thing to use several times a day to bite down on until goes from bad to gone and then over a period of probably 6 months it will be back to normal hopefully. Cant wait because I cant even eat a grilled hamburger unless i cut it up into small pieces. My teeth are sensitive too for some reason.
I had a tooth worked on in January and right now I still have a temporary crown that I need to have the permanent crown put on. No way am I letting anyone near my mouth for a while. I just have to be careful with the temporary crown. Dental work means shots, a long time with your mouth open, etc. For me I am already in pain, why make it worse. My nuerosurgeon said absolutely nooooo dental work for a long time that involves shots because it would just inflame the tn even worse.
I sent you a message a week or so ago with my phone #. Would love to talk to you. If you do miss me just leave me a message. I tend to sleep odd times. Take care .