Skip to content

18 Important Questions to Ask Before You Have TMJ Surgery

Having jaw surgery can be daunting, but if you go into the experience knowing what to expect, and being prepared for everything you will be going through, it will be a much smoother experience. Sharing tips with your fellow patients is also a great way to learn, since those who have been through the procedures can tell you what it was like and what they would do differently. Here are a collection of questions you need to ask when you are considering having TMJ surgery:

Know the Basics

  • Why do I need to have this procedure?
  • Exactly what surgery are you recommending?
  • Are there any alternatives that are non-surgical?
  • Will my insurance cover this?
  • If not, how much will it cost?

 

Make a Pros & Cons List

I suggest making a list of the pros and cons of having the surgery. The following questions will help you put this list together.

  • What are the benefits of having this surgery?
  • What are the risks?
  • What would happen if I decide not to have the operation?
  • What are the success rates for this procedure? What are the success rates for any alternatives?
  • What will happen if it does not work?

Read More »18 Important Questions to Ask Before You Have TMJ Surgery

TMJ Travel and Holiday Tips

With the holidays right around the corner, it is time to start planning on how to deal with the stress that comes from the whirlwind of activities during the season. Living with chronic pain can be difficult some of the time – but during the… Read More »TMJ Travel and Holiday Tips

How to…Prepare for Your First TMJ Dentist or Doctor Appointment

TMJ dentist appointment
Before the Appointment

  • If this is a specialist, make sure you have obtained the proper referrals from your primary care doctor
  • Call the specialist as soon as you have the referral in your hand to see what their process is for new patients. Some specialists need a lot of paperwork, records, and will not see you (even if you have a PPO) without a letter and formal referral from the referring physician.
  • If appointments are being scheduled months out for new patients, ask to be put on the cancellation list.
  • Do you have a detailed health profile? If not, this would be a great time to make one, be sure to include basic information, risk factors, current issues, past surgeries, any medication you are on, (include herbs and vitamins), family history allergies etc.
  • Get copies of your health records and any imaging.
  • If you have had an MRI, CT Scan, or xrays done, get copies sent over to the new doctor. This will give him time to read them in advance.

Read More »How to…Prepare for Your First TMJ Dentist or Doctor Appointment

Tip Tuesday – Ergonomics for TMJD Patients: Part Three – Sitting at the Computer


Welcome to part three of our ‘Ergonomics for TMJ Disorder Patients’ series! This week, we’re covering how you should be sitting at the computer.
Your feet should always be able to reach the floor! If you don’t have a footrest, tape up some phone books (who uses them these days anyway, LOL?). Even a backpack could work in a pinch.

You should be sitting up straight, but not too straight… experts say that the back of the chair should slope slightly at an angle of 100 to 110 degrees. Your back should feel supported. If it does not, you can purchase lumbar support.. just make sure it fits you (and your chair).
Place the monitor in front of you with the top of the monitor just above eye level. If you wear bifocals or trifocals, see if you can get a pair of glasses just for being on the computer so that you aren’t constantly moving your head and eyes to accommodate your glasses.
Read More »Tip Tuesday – Ergonomics for TMJD Patients: Part Three – Sitting at the Computer