To Whom This May Concern,

Dr. Pinero has asked me to write this paper about my experience with TMJ, to inform anyone, it is a serious disorder and can cause a lot of pain and discomfort that can be remedied.

I was first diagnosed years ago when I was 17, at which point a condilectomy was performed. That's when the doctor, oral surgeon, shaved away the top portion of the condile, in the jaw. This was suppose to fix it. Well it did for a number of years. Then I started noticing my chin was disappearing. I didn't think too much about it, but did wonder a bit. Then I started experiencing headaches, neck pain and swelling, on one side of my face. This didn't go away, the swelling. I was going to the chiropractor for the headaches and neck pain which helped, also I was getting a lot of sinus infections, so I would go to my doctor, get an antibiotic, and the swelling in my face would go down. All this was well and good until it got to the point where I was going all the time, I was getting tired of making appointments.

My jaw did not crack or lock like it had done at first, when I was a kid, and I think I mentioned it to my regular dentist. He recommended I see a TMJ specialist, oral surgeon, who he referred me to. I also had to have my wisdom teeth removed. Well it turned out I had not a lot of confidence in him or his associates diagnosis, splint therapy, pain therapy, and finally surgery. I went through the pain therapy, psychological testing , and physical therapy, thought that would take care of it cause I certainly didn't want anymore surgery, not after the last time. Didn't work, so I picked out another doctor, he told me the same thing. Oh boy! Well the headaches were getting so bad I had no energy left other than to go to work and that was it.

I finally decided that maybe the doctors were right in their diagnosis, but I really didn't trust them so again I went to another doctor, Dr. Pinero. He took the time and effort it took to explain to me why my jaw was a problem, how it was effecting the rest of my body. And it was. None of the other three dentists did this. I went through the splint therapy", I was amazed as to how it worked. I had no more headaches, yes it took awhile cause I was in such bad shape, but it did work. I have no more headaches. He explained to me how my bite was all wrong and the options that I had to pick from. Orthodontics, surgery, reshaping and crowning of my teeth, or wearing the splint for the rest of my life. I chose orthodontics and surgery. I have yet to have the osteotomy. (Be aware my insurance does not cover osteotomies. Still arguing with them.)

I should tell you about my daughter also. She was complaining about her jaw locking, headaches, and lack of energy. This business of TMJ is hereditary. So off to the dentist we went. Even though to look at her, she has a perfect smile and set of teeth. Even the orthodontist I took her to said I had nothing to worry about, she had a perfect bite. Well she was fitted with a splint, the headaches went away, more energy returned, and sometimes even her disposition improved, she's 15. She wore her splint for 3 or 4 months, that's all it took. Her lifetime correction, hopefully, was the reshaping of a few teeth.

Cost? Yes it's a little expensive, but both my daughter and myself think its worth it.