TMJ, Toothache, or Something More Serious?

[happyonetwo11]

I was hoping for somebody to shed some light on this problem I have been experiencing for about eight month. I've been suffering from TMJ/TMD disorders in my left and right jaws since 2019. I had a dental crown placed on one of my upper left molars in February of 2024. This crown was placed over the only cavity I have ever had. That cavity was first discovered in 2009 and was filled. The filling broke in 2018 and was filled again. This year, I had the crown put in, and it cost me over $1,000.

After the placement of the crown in February, I have been having horrific tooth pain in that tooth and other teeth around it, lip pain, jaw pain, ear pain, chin pain, and even neck and shoulder pain on the left side. I also suffer headaches and pain behind my left eye. The pain gets worse around my period.

I have seen three dentists (one of whom was a TMJ specialist), a chiropractor, and my primary care physician. I've been told that I grind or clench my teeth at night, which I don't think I do. I have never done this in my life, and the pain does not usually occur in the morning but rather in the evening or after meals. I was told to get a mouth guard, so I got one. It seems to fit fine, but I haven't gotten any relief.

I am currently going to a pain clinic where I am receiving pain-numbing injections. I've only had two treatments, but they haven't been very successful. The pain clinic prescribed an antidepressant medication for pain, but I haven't seen/felt any results from that either.

Last week, I went back to the dentist that put the crown in. They took the crown off and put a temporary one in. They said food was building up in the first crown. They did everything they could to make the temporary one fit better. The pain went away for a few days, but now it is back in full force.

I am at my wits' end here. I don't have any other medical problems outside of mildly high cholesterol. What could be causing this TMJ, toothache, or perhaps more serious condition?

[rabbits65]

I’m sorry to read your suffering so badly. I had TMJ some years ago and it was with me about 3 months and cleared up on its own. We are not doctors/dentists on here. I think you must try and find another specialist to help you further. I had to have a few teeth out in my mouth , sometimes it is the last resort

[happyonetwo11 in reply to rabbits65]

Thank you. I am consulting with a number of specialists.

[Nothing_but_books]

What's different in your life since this problem started? For instance, are you taking any new supplements or meds?

[happyonetwo11 in reply to Nothing_but_books]

Nothing is different. I am not taking anything new.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to happyonetwo11]

I hope you get some help with the pain soon.

[Batty1]

if the pain went away for a few days after the crown was removed and the crown had food collected underneath … The crown does not fit properly and this is causing you issues … I had a crown put in last year and I have issues with pain and its because my dentist shaved down my tooth too much and the crown is agitating the nerves and Im looking at a root cannel to correct what the dentist screwed up.

[happyonetwo11]

Yes, I am thinking they shaved it down too much. Interesting. I will ask my dentist about that.