Have you ever had a jaw issue or TMJ when going to dental exam?

I've avoided dentist for years because my TMJ can be painful if I keep my mouth open wide or too long. On top of that, I have a misaligned jaw. I know I need a cavity filled so made an appointment. They assured me I can take breaks if I get an X-ray or if it's filled. I'm still really on edge. Anyone else go through this?

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Thevy29 · 41-45, M

A dentist accidentally dislocated my jaw when I was a kid.. Last year, I must have dislocated it again when sleeping. It was pain like I had never felt before and it took 4 days before I found a doctor who 'googled' my symptoms and came up with the answer... But it feels better now.

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@Thevy29 Oh no that's terrible..mine is not dislocated , as a doctor once felt it when it first became misaligned, in the ER. This condition doesn't typically cause me pain but I get vertigo sometimes. I guess the doc said inflammation around the ear muscle, connecting to jaw area, will cause vertigo. It's horrible but was a lot worse two years ago when my jaw first misaligned.Im hoping it will not act up during this visit ughh

Heartlander · 80-89, M

@Coralmist the vertigo in my case goes along with uneven ear pressure. Pinch your nose, close your mouth and blow out your ears (called valsalva I believe) and if both ears don’t clear at the same time you may be treated with a few seconds or more of vertigo. If you just ate, that may cause you to throw up.