Any Options???

[jas80]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I realize this really isn't the most appropriate place for this, but I haven't found many good dental forums.


I'll try to give the short version of this long story...

I am a 24 yo male and for several years (4 or so) I have been complaining to my dentist that whenever I eat a meal, my back teeth get sore. His first reaction was that I may be grinding my teeth at night, but they don't bother me through the night or in the morning...they are fine until I eat.

About 3 years ago I had to have a root canal done on a different tooth. I had this done at a dental school and during one of the check ups on the root canal tooth, I told them of this other, ongoing problem. They did hot/cold tests as well as some test with electricity, but found nothing. Their only thought was maybe it could be the way my teeth bite together.

Fast forward to about a month ago...I got my dentist to send me back to the dental school to the oral pathology dept. The Dr. ground a small part off of one tooth. That did fix that tooth, but the next teeth back now were slightly worse. I went back last week and the Dr. explained that the problem is that only the few teeth in the back touch when I bite down, so when I eat those few teeth do all the work and take all the force of chewing. He said he can't do any more grinding to the teeth. Apparently, the only way to make all the teeth touch like they should is a major surgery where they break the jaw and realign it.

I have a form of Muscular Dystrophy. I assume this is the reason he said this surgery is not an option for me. He came right out and said there is nothing he could do for me.

Needless to say, I'm pretty bummed about this. I am at a loss as to what to do now.

Is the surgery really the only option for something like this?

Any and all suggestion are greatly appreciated!!

 

[aphistis]

It sounds like they're recommending what's called "orthognathic surgery," and like you said, it typically involves cutting and realigning the bones. Frequently, it involves orthodontic treatment (braces) before and/or after the operation. I can't contribute much more than that, but there are several surgery residents floating around here who can probably give you more complete information. Good luck with everything.

 

[Dr.SpongeBobDDS]

Can orthodontics not address the problem? Did they mention braces at all?

If it really is a major issue for you, it may be able to be resolved with extensive crowns. That would be incredibly expensive but it may be a viable option. Ask if you can get an appointment with someone in the prosthodontics appointment; if anyone can take care of your problem without surgery or braces it would be a prosthodontist. 🙂

 

[jas80]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

Yes, Bill, orthognathic surgery is what he called it.

As far as braces, they have only been mentioned is passing. My regular dentist mentioned them once when he was talking about it possibly being bite related. That was a while ago and honestly, I don't really remember what exactly he said. Otherwise, the Dr. I saw just a week ago said braces usually are a part of the surgery. That is it.

The other thing is, other than the root canal and about 2 other normal fillings, I've never had any problems. I'd really rather not have to do anything drastic like crowns as long as there is nothing wrong with my teeth.

It is extremely frustrating to come to such a dead end

 

[Dr.SpongeBobDDS]

Not to make fun of you, but.... drastic??? A couple crowns seems pretty conservative compared to breaking your jaw in multiple places, waiting 6 months to a year for healing and then another ~2 years of braces.

In any case, none of us can really recommend anything over the internet. We're just throwing out ideas here. It just seems to me that you shouldn't have come to a dead end so quickly. The surgery may have been the most ideal treatment, but there are surely other options for you.

 

[jas80]

Sorry...maybe drastic wasn't the best word. I just assumed when you said extensive crowns, we were talking many.

I do realize you can't say anything for certain, having never seen me. I do appreciate your thoughts and I do hope I'm not at a dead end. I just didn't know what the next step should be. That's why I posted here.

 

[3rdMolarRoller]

I realize this really isn't the most appropriate place for this, but I haven't found many good dental forums.


I'll try to give the short version of this long story...

I am a 24 yo male and for several years (4 or so) I have been complaining to my dentist that whenever I eat a meal, my back teeth get sore. His first reaction was that I may be grinding my teeth at night, but they don't bother me through the night or in the morning...they are fine until I eat.

About 3 years ago I had to have a root canal done on a different tooth. I had this done at a dental school and during one of the check ups on the root canal tooth, I told them of this other, ongoing problem. They did hot/cold tests as well as some test with electricity, but found nothing. Their only thought was maybe it could be the way my teeth bite together.

Fast forward to about a month ago...I got my dentist to send me back to the dental school to the oral pathology dept. The Dr. ground a small part off of one tooth. That did fix that tooth, but the next teeth back now were slightly worse. I went back last week and the Dr. explained that the problem is that only the few teeth in the back touch when I bite down, so when I eat those few teeth do all the work and take all the force of chewing. He said he can't do any more grinding to the teeth. Apparently, the only way to make all the teeth touch like they should is a major surgery where they break the jaw and realign it.

I have a form of Muscular Dystrophy. I assume this is the reason he said this surgery is not an option for me. He came right out and said there is nothing he could do for me.

Needless to say, I'm pretty bummed about this. I am at a loss as to what to do now.

Is the surgery really the only option for something like this?

Any and all suggestion are greatly appreciated!!

If you want real advice from real dentist and not us students, try www.dentaltown.com

 

[lnn2]

If you want real advice from real dentist and not us students, try www.dentaltown.com

Good advice 👍 but I doubt that they can give you any good advice without looking at radiographs, in depth exam...

I suggest that you get a screening at dental school. They have specialists such as Prosthodontics to evaluate your occlusion (bite), Perio consult, Ortho screening, Oral surgery consult...The solution(s) to your problem is most likely will be answered by the dental school!

I wouldn't do anything such as crowns or grinding down your natural teeth unless it's needed (I highly doubt it.) It might make it worse in the long run.

Btw, I still don't undertand what the hell the oral path dentist doing, grinding down your tooth. The only time they show up in clinic is when there's funny, weird stuffs growing in your mouth 🙂

 

[jas80]

Inn2...yes, that is what I was trying to say earlier. I'd prefer to keep my teeth natural, if at all possible.

Thanks again for the suggestions, everyone!