TMJ Support Group

Hi PlanAhead,

I am sorry to hear that your daughter has had such a difficult time, she must be fairly young to have such difficult challenges. I also saw Dr. L Wolford. Then, I got a second opinion from a surgeon in San Francisco. They both wanted to do complete jaw replacements. So, I saw another surgeon in Rochester, MN at the Mayo Clinic. His name was Dr. Eugene Keller. He wanted to take a much less invasive route and explained the reasons why. He was very conservative in his plan. Then the FDA report came out saying they were cautiously investigating the various joint replacement companies because the failure rate was so high and the companies were reporting higher success of the replacement joints then patients were reporting. So, I am still in a holding pattern, and mostly on a soft diet with lifestyle changes. I wear a mouth piece that helps a lot. I would recommend you get another opinion and be very cautious with another surgery. It is such a life altering surgery if it doesn't work. The patients who have successful surgeries and after care are very fortunate. I wish your daughter the very best. It is a painful condition and process.

Sorbil

My jaws joints are much better now. The relief was immediate. The biggest problem for me has been losing the teeth. I would think that Dr. Wolford would be an awesome doctor and would be able to help you with the understanding about tooth loss. I had mine done in Fayetteville AR by another dr. Many other dr's warned me about potential bone loss but Dr. Bolding did not say that. I really don't know why this occurs. It is just something to watch out for. Dr. Wolford is the very best. I think your daughter is in great hands with him and you. I didn't have anyone looking out for me and that is why I have had so many problems. Soooooo, just ask him about the tooth loss and bone loss. I would love to hear what he tells you if you don't mind. I can't get in to see Dr. Bolding, so, I have no answers. Good luck to you and your daughter. If you want my contact info, you can email me and we can discuss this at greater length. I do understand your concern.

Cyndee and Istar21,

Thank you for sharing your experiences! My daughter had bilateral total temporomandibular joint replacement along with the repeat orthognathic surgery on her upper and lower jaw yesterday. It was a 9 hour surgery, she was in recovery for 14 hours until moved to her room. She has been in pain, but they are trying to tweak her pain meds to make her more comfortable. Dr. Wolford has been great, and will visit once or twice a day. I can't believe his stamina. He also had a young surgeon, Dr. Allen, to assist, who is learning this complicated surgery from Dr. Wolford. My daughter will be hospitalized here at Baylor for 3 - 4 days, then we will be staying in the area, visiting the doctor each day, until we leave on the 20th. So far, there hasn't been any complications, just the expected -- pain, swelling, and issues with her bite due to the muscle weakness, etc. She is on a liquid/soft diet now.

Istar21, I will ask Dr. Wolford about the tooth and bone loss possibility, when I see him next. I don't know if there's any way to tell at this stage whether my daughter will be experiencing that. I have heard that is always a potential complication.

I'll keep everyone posted regarding her progress and what complications, if any, she experiences. Thank you so much for your help and advice!

Hi,

I am 21 years of age from Australia. Through out the year I was told that I needed corrective jaw surgery. I have had braces put on and was one strep closer to haveing my surgery. However a couple of days ago I went to see my doctor for a check up, and within two months my jaw bone has started to degenerate, leading them to believe I have to have a joint replacment. Im just wondering how long the recovery is for people and what are the scars like?

Hi Kristin089,

I am sorry you are having such difficulty with you jaw joints. It sounds like it's been quite an ordeal. I have not had the surgery, but some on this site have and I am sure they will respond to your questions.

I am wondering how 'planahead' daughter is doing after her surgery. I have heard good things about Wolford and would like to hear how the recovery is going.

Hi ... I am new here. Are there any current discussions about bilateral joint replacement going on? I had this done in 1992, and feel like an orphan now. I am not finding much support for those who have had implants for as long as me. Just trying to find someone to bounce things off of.