Jaw pain

Hello I have been using an oral device (jaw advance) for a year and a half now. C pap was of no use for my tongue problem. It was meticulously made to suit my mouth and I got used to it pretty soon- never liked the thing though...who does! Every 15 days I would skip a night. Well it's been over a week now that my right jaw is SO painful that I dare not wear it any more at least for now. I have also noticed that in the last 6 months tierdness is creeping back. At first I thought life would change. My sleep was monitered for driving licence renew and the result, weating the bite was perfect. without it I was borderline last stage. Had a nose and throat op as well to make things better. Now what can I do??? The jaw pain is so bad! I woke up one morning with the right side hurting as if blocked. I have tried a couple of times since to get through the night but at 4am I just pull it out and bear the pain. Can't chew or close teeth. Any similar experiences?? Thanks Mary

I am a dentist working in dental sleep medicine. First, I would tell you not to try to use the appliance again until you seek professional help. A dentist who is well-version in the evaluation of TMJ problems needs to check you out and tell you your present status. The dentist who delivered the appliance should, theoretically, be able to do it, so, that would be a logical place to start. If he can't, look for someone better trained in TMJ. There is no way that I can help- you long distance, except for one thing. If you have the kind of oral appliance where the level of mandibular protrusion is adjusted on both the left and the right sides, it is possible that it got out of adjustment in such a way that one side is now protruded more than the other. If that happened, it would typically cause TMJ pain on one side. Again, don't attempt to fiddle with it yourself. Seek professional help. Arthur B. Luisi, Jr., D.M.D., The Naples Center For Dental Sleep Medicine.

Thank you for your reply and advice

In the meantime I did return to the dentist who made my device. He loosened it a little and checked my jaw. He said that the joint seemed fine but the muscle was tense. He prescribed a medicine to sooth and relieve the muscle for 5 days. It helped a little and I have since been wearing it - on and off. But my jaw still hurts. I can't clench my teeth properly and even my speech has been affected ( people say certain words are not clear) after the Christmas hols I shall seek further help and update the situation. The device is only forward fixed.

It has healed on its own now. Needed time. Was due to jaw & teeth grinding duri g the night

How did you solve the teeth grinding?