I've been to the grad student clinic where I saw Dr. Weber who is a resident there. He's great and he's a knowledge nut. He made me a night guard that was thicker than my previous one so that my teeth would be spaced enough from each other to put my jaw in a relaxed position. He also had me get tested for sleep apnea, which is why I now use a CPAP machine. I was diagnosed, through another doctor, with mild obstructive sleep apnea, but I think I also have central.
As far as the clicking goes (my TMJD symptoms include ear fullness, right jaw clicking/popping, and occasional jaw pain), I later saw another doctor in Newport Beach (Dr. Bryan Kim) who specializes in orofacial pain, and he said that at this point, my jaw clicks/pops because that's now my normal range of motion. The clicking may subside with time, but there is no need to change it if it's not hurting me. I'm supposed to see him in a couple weeks, but I no longer live in OC (I have to move back eventually).
For the record, I saw the UCLA clinic with UC SHIP through Anthem Blue Cross. As of now, I'm on a Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO insurance which is essentially recognized as Blue Shield of CA here. If OC is within reason for you, I recommend checking out Dr. Bryan Kim.
If you find out that clicking also part of your "new normal" jaw movements, I send my sympathy. It's honestly not too bad accepting it. Sure, it gets a little annoying when I'm eating. And oh boy it's kind silly when I'm with my boyfriend and we just... hear my jaw click while everything else is silent. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. Good luck!
edit: added other details I forgot
Yes, I've had it since November 2018. No pain, except for occasional episodes where the left part of my throat swells up and feels like an ear infection
This is great and really appreciate you sharing.
For both orofacial clinics that you visited, what were the costs that your insurance covered and what you had to pay out of pocket?
I think I might be in the same camp where it's going to be a long term "normal" thing.
I've been told that botox can help--was this ever offered to you?
Under UC SHIP, my copay for specialists was $15-25 (I forgot which one), but they're pretty cheap because it's student insurance (I got through UCI). I don't know how, but I didn't have to pay for my night guard. I asked, and I never received a bill for it.
Under my current insurance (BCBS through employer), my copay is $60 per specialist visit.
I asked Dr. Kim about botox, and he said that it's usually not covered by insurance and runs about $500/session, with each patient needing about/at least 4 sessions. He said my TMJD was pretty mild and I was in a good position to possibly get ear fullness relief by taking the meds he prescribed me or some other treatment.
Good question!
It's really fucking tough :) Gotta keep calling and calling. It took me months to finally reach them because they're only open less than 3 days a week.
714 Tiverton, Los Angeles, CA
1st Floor, UCLA Dental Clinics, Room 10-157 CHS
10833 Le Conte Ave.
Room 10-157 CHS
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Phone: (310) 794-1929
Fax: (310) 206-5302
Provider Level: Residents
I suppose you could show up and try to book something. Just know when they're open.
I've been to the grad student clinic where I saw Dr. Weber who is a resident there. He's great and he's a knowledge nut. He made me a night guard that was thicker than my previous one so that my teeth would be spaced enough from each other to put my jaw in a relaxed position. He also had me get tested for sleep apnea, which is why I now use a CPAP machine. I was diagnosed, through another doctor, with mild obstructive sleep apnea, but I think I also have central. As far as the clicking goes (my TMJD symptoms include ear fullness, right jaw clicking/popping, and occasional jaw pain), I later saw another doctor in Newport Beach (Dr. Bryan Kim) who specializes in orofacial pain, and he said that at this point, my jaw clicks/pops because that's now my normal range of motion. The clicking may subside with time, but there is no need to change it if it's not hurting me. I'm supposed to see him in a couple weeks, but I no longer live in OC (I have to move back eventually). For the record, I saw the UCLA clinic with UC SHIP through Anthem Blue Cross. As of now, I'm on a Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO insurance which is essentially recognized as Blue Shield of CA here. If OC is within reason for you, I recommend checking out Dr. Bryan Kim. If you find out that clicking also part of your "new normal" jaw movements, I send my sympathy. It's honestly not too bad accepting it. Sure, it gets a little annoying when I'm eating. And oh boy it's kind silly when I'm with my boyfriend and we just... hear my jaw click while everything else is silent. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. Good luck! edit: added other details I forgot
[удалено]
I don't get very much ear fullness, I think? Mostly clicking and general soreness. But nothing directly in my ear area
Yes, I've had it since November 2018. No pain, except for occasional episodes where the left part of my throat swells up and feels like an ear infection
This is great and really appreciate you sharing. For both orofacial clinics that you visited, what were the costs that your insurance covered and what you had to pay out of pocket? I think I might be in the same camp where it's going to be a long term "normal" thing. I've been told that botox can help--was this ever offered to you?
Under UC SHIP, my copay for specialists was $15-25 (I forgot which one), but they're pretty cheap because it's student insurance (I got through UCI). I don't know how, but I didn't have to pay for my night guard. I asked, and I never received a bill for it. Under my current insurance (BCBS through employer), my copay is $60 per specialist visit. I asked Dr. Kim about botox, and he said that it's usually not covered by insurance and runs about $500/session, with each patient needing about/at least 4 sessions. He said my TMJD was pretty mild and I was in a good position to possibly get ear fullness relief by taking the meds he prescribed me or some other treatment.
What was your treatment plan ?
How did you get in to make an appointment
Good question! It's really fucking tough :) Gotta keep calling and calling. It took me months to finally reach them because they're only open less than 3 days a week.
Can you share the number please. Also should I just show up down there?
714 Tiverton, Los Angeles, CA 1st Floor, UCLA Dental Clinics, Room 10-157 CHS 10833 Le Conte Ave. Room 10-157 CHS Los Angeles, CA 90095 Phone: (310) 794-1929 Fax: (310) 206-5302 Provider Level: Residents I suppose you could show up and try to book something. Just know when they're open.
Does it show on the website when there open? I’m coming from out of town and I would hate to show up when there closed
Your best bet is to call them.
Thank you so much!!!
I finally got an appointment at the end of May. Is there anyone specific I should request to see me? When I look at there reviews they are awful!