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Question:
My brother had his wisdom teeth extracted 1 1/2 months ago. He is 37 and is in general good health. A serious infection followed on one side of his face. After tests, it was treated as an anaerobic infection and the Dr. prescribed Flagyl.
When the infection was gone, he was still unable to open his mouth. An MRI indicated that both of his jaws were dislocated. The Dr. did a procedure that manipulated the bottom jaw back into place. Initially, it was thought to work, but his jaw is once again unable to open to any more than insert a straw and sip. He is able to insert only about 3 or 4 popsicle sticks.
The Dr. now thinks that perhaps the meniscus is no longer there and needs to be replaced through needles into both sides of the face. He can just barely open his mouth enough to take miniscule bites of food. Any information or insight you may have would be appreciated.
Answer:
I would avoid surgery at all cost. First, you need proper x-rays and MRI to
find out where the disk is and how much damage has been done. Even with
severe damage you can get back to normal if you are treated by a dentist who
understands TMJ decompression strategies and functional orthodontics.
You need some muscle relaxants (Flexeril 10 mg. twice a day) to get the jaws
open enough for an impression, in order to make a Gelb appliance. The
appliance will help to get the healing going. In the meantime, a
chiropractor may be helpful.
Get some tongue depressors, wrap 1,2, or 3 together (as many as you can to get them between your BACK teeth) and start using them like a wrench to slowly start opening the jaw by "jacking" the back teeth apart. You have to find a way to open up the molar teeth in order to get the disk back in. Find a TMJ expert in your area who can help. Also, use ice for 10 minutes, then the vice routine, then hot packs, then massage the facial muscles deeply, then repeat. Let me know how it goes, but I know you will get better.
Editorial Staff
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