TMJ suffering

[Bassem1979]

Hi

Newly diagnosed with TMJ and looking for some advice. But of background

14 weeks ago I went to the dentist and had my lower bottom back tooth removed, a few days later I developed dry socket which lead to a server infection. My whole neck swelled and I could not open my mouth due to the swelling. I was put on 2 lots of antibiotics, very slowly in all about 6 weeks the gum healed then out of the blue I had only what I can describe as a funny turn, omg it was awful I felt dizzy, vomiting my head was all fuzzy my arms and legs didn’t feel right and I went to the hospital where surprise surprise said ear issues but also anxiety. Yes I was anxious who wouldn’t but I knew I was not right. A few days later my own GP said I had an inner ear infection more antibiotics. I was told the feeling and symptoms could last 6 weeks or more. A few weeks later I experienced another attack again went to the hospital, again was told my ear and anxiety and to monitor.

last Friday I had enough and went back to the doctor saw a lovely doctor after he examined me and listened to my symptoms said I think you have TMJ well these are my symptoms

Jaw pain, ear pain, temple pain, headache, inner cheek and tongue discomfort, metallic taste and fuzzy/lightheaded headed

Taking for long periods and eating a big meal make it worse

My anxiety has gone through the roof am not my self, am not suicidal but am so fed up. I ve been told it can heal its self but am so frightened it won’t.

Any advice?? Sorry for long post thanks for reading x

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

Hi Bassem1979

Sorry to read about your difficulties. Our guide on TMJ and tinnitus is here - tinnitus.org.uk/understandi...

[bridgeit]

Hi Bassem. Dry socket is a nasty tooth extraction complication and clearly the entire process of tooth removal has caused problems for you.

Before you read on, please note that I have no medical training, just certain life experience that I share on this forum from time to time which might or might not be of use to the recipient.

It sounds to me from your story as though the tooth removal (wisdom tooth?) has adversely affected a nerve in quite a big way. There are plenty that run underneath and very close to wisdom teeth. Nerve irritation, or damage, can be extremely painful, long-lasting and requires a) an accurate diagnosis and b) a recommended treatment plan which might include medication (for neuralgia) time and rest (of the jaw). If you have developed trigeminal neuralgia, this is probably one of the most painful manifestations of nerve irritation.

I think you should go back to your dentist and explain that you're in significant pain, it's causing you serious difficulty getting on with your life and that you think your tooth removal could have badly affected a nerve. Your dentist can refer you to a maxillofacial specialist in a hospital, which I think they should have done already given your issues.

If you cannot get to see your dentist, see your GP again and ask for a referral to a maxillofacial specialist for full investigation and assessment of your jaw issues.

I don't think ENT is the appropriate specialism for you given your situation, but do remember that I'm a layman and not medically trained.

I hope you get some sensible medical advice soon and that things improve for you.

PS. If I had a pound for every misdiagnosis of "anxiety" that I've known over the years as a direct result of perfunctory medical examinations, I could buy a Rolls Royce outright. "Anxiety" should never be a substitute word for the phrase "I don't know what's wrong with you", but it far too often seems to be just that!