TMJ Archives

Important insight into TMJD and Fibromyalgia

Follow Ups:

• Re: Important insight into TMJD and Fibromyalgia MAI 17:10:02 5/05/01 (1)
  • Re: Important insight into TMJD and Fibromyalgia (Archive in TMJ.) Walt Stoll 08:17:05 5/07/01 (0)
• Re: Important insight into TMJD and Fibromyalgia MAI 16:56:19 5/05/01 (0)
• Re: Important insight into TMJD and Fibromyalgia Walt Stoll 11:28:39 5/05/01 (0)

In Reply to: Important insight into TMJD and Fibromyalgia posted by SangHan on May 03, 2001 at 21:26:38:

Thanks, SangHan.

I would be interested in hearing from anyone doing this about how they are now and how they are in a year. MY bet is that they might get initial benefits but a year later will be back in trouble.

Walt

In Reply to: Important insight into TMJD and Fibromyalgia posted by SangHan on May 03, 2001 at 21:26:38:

Agree with Dr. Walt!

That is bologney!

Fibromyalgia is caused by mercury fillings, TMJ is caused by severe acidityexcept incases of jaw dislocation or mal formation (very rare!).

Have fun with the link below!

• The truth

In Reply to: Important insight into TMJD and Fibromyalgia posted by SangHan on May 03, 2001 at 21:26:38:

Today, there are many reputable doctors (dentists, physicians, and PhDs) who are concerned about endodontic therapy and possbile systemic effects on other organs and tissues in the body. It may even astound most dentists that the organisms which may be present in dead teeth may be impossible to irradicate no matter how well the root canal procedure is performed! These organisms are not actually in the canal portion of the tooth, but in the tiny microscopic tubules which comprise the dentin (the material below the enamel which is more organic than enamel) of the tooth. Herein lies the scientific question: does it matter that these organisms remain viable even after endodontic therapy? Researchers on both sides of this heated issue agree that these organisms do stay alive after root canal procedures, but they can't agree whether this is important or not.

NICO (Neuralgia Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis)

As recent as 1979, a newly described pain disorder was reported. This disorder, which came to be known as osteocavitational lesions (Ratner's bone cavities), produced pain similar to trigeminal neuralgia, both the typical and atypical types. In fact, usually these patients were diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia.

The diagnosis is complicated by the fact that the x-ray examination of the bone is usually normal. Also, NICO produces referred pain patterns which also serve to confuse both patient and doctor. However, just like trigeminal neuralgia, there are trigger areas that, when pressed, produce pain. These trigger areas develop directly over the areas of dead bone. The mandible is affected more often than the upper jaw.

One important aspect of NICO is a history of tooth extraction usually years earlier. Any tooth may be involved. However, lower back teeth seem to be most common. Small areas of bone actually die, producing neuralgia-like pain symptoms. It appears that after a tooth extraction, NICO may develop due to injury of the blood vessels in the area which ultimately results in poor circulation, resulting in bone death in some cases. Pathologically, this is termed osteomyelitis. This bone infection, which can result in bone death, has been known for years. Yet, in the form of NICO, it is a newly described problem.

References:
Meinig GE. Root Canal Cover-Up Ojai: Bion Publishing, 1996 (ISBN 0-945196-19-9).
Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Bouquot JE. Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co., 1995:631-632.
Bouquot JE, Christian J: Long-term effects of jawbone curettage on the pain of facial neuralgia. J Oral Maxillofac Surg1995;53:387-397.
Byron MA. A Clinicopathologic Review of 2278 NICO Cases. Masters Thesis; West Virginia University:1994
Shankland WE: Osteocavitation lesions (Ratner bone cavities): frequently misdiagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia--a case report. J Craniomand Pract 1993;11:232-235.
Ratner EJ, Evins ML: Alveolar cavitational osteopathosis in the causation of chronic pain. J Periodontol 1986;57:593-603.
Roberts AM, Person P: Etiology and treatment of idiopathic trigeminal and atypical facial neuralgias. Oral Surg 1979;48:298-308.
Shankland WE: Craniofacial pain syndromes that mimic temporomandibular joint disorders. Ann Acad Med Singapore 1995;24:83-112.

• Dr. Wesley Shankland, Director, TMJ & Facial Pain

Follow Ups:

• Re: Important insight into TMJD and Fibromyalgia (Archive in TMJ.) Walt Stoll 08:17:05 5/07/01 (0)

In Reply to: Re: Important insight into TMJD and Fibromyalgia posted by MAI on May 05, 2001 at 17:10:02:

Thanks, MAI.

What do you know about odontons?

Namaste`

Walt