My TMD Journey | November 2026
Living with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) has taught me something I never expected: three specialists can evaluate the same patient and recommend completely different treatments.
After more than two years of pain, imaging, appointments, physical therapy, medications, and even surgery, I recently decided to seek a third opinion.
I wanted to share what I learned, what each specialist recommended, and the financial realities that come with these decisions.
Why I Sought a Third Opinion
My journey began in September 2024 when my right jaw joint suddenly slipped while I was talking. What started as one frightening experience eventually turned into daily pain that has significantly affected my quality of life.
I’ve experienced headaches, ear pain, ringing in my ears, muscle spasms, difficulty chewing, limited jaw movement, and pain that extends into my face and neck.
My imaging has shown significant joint damage, and in March 2026, I underwent a right TMJ arthroscopy at Mayo Clinic.
During that procedure, my surgeon identified a perforation in my articular disc, grade 3 cartilage damage along the joint’s articular eminence, and mild inflammation.
Despite treatment, my symptoms have continued.
After receiving two very different surgical opinions, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed another perspective before making such a significant decision.
What I Learned at My Third Opinion
In October 2026, I met with Dr. KB at his practice in Arkansas.
Unlike my previous consultations, this visit introduced a completely different approach to managing my condition.
A new CT scan was performed, and I learned that my left jaw joint had also worsened compared with earlier imaging.
This was particularly discouraging because my right joint had always been my primary concern.
Dr. KB discussed chronic disc displacement without reduction, a condition where the cushioning disc is displaced and does not return to its normal position during jaw movement.
Rather than immediately pursuing another surgery, he recommended a treatment program focused on changing my jaw’s positioning and attempting to improve joint function.
His recommendation involved:
Two oral appliances: One for daytime use and another for nighttime use, designed to position my lower jaw differently.
Platelet-based injections: A series of three treatments using components derived from my own blood, intended to support healing and reduce inflammation.
A six-month treatment program: Monitoring my response and making adjustments throughout the process.
One important thing he explained was that this treatment is not guaranteed to work. The goal would be to improve function and potentially buy my joints more time before additional surgery becomes necessary.
It was encouraging to hear that another option might exist, but it also left me with an even more difficult decision.
Comparing My Three Treatment Options
After consulting three specialists, here are the recommendations I’ve received.
Option 1: Total TMJ Joint Replacement
Dr. SB | September 2025
My first oral and maxillofacial surgeon recommended total joint replacement because of the advanced deterioration and instability of my joint.
This procedure involves replacing the damaged joint structures with artificial components.
He believed the damage was severe enough that preserving the natural joint was no longer the best option.
Additional airway concerns
During this consultation, Dr. SB also identified an obstruction affecting my airway. He recommended maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), which moves the upper and lower jaws forward to create more space for breathing, at the same time as my total TMJ joint replacement. This meant his surgical recommendation addressed both the damaged joint and my airway concerns, making it a more extensive procedure than joint replacement alone.
The financial reality: This was not an affordable option for me because the surgeon did not accept insurance.
Estimated cost: $63,000+
Option 2: Disc Removal With an Abdominal Fat Graft
Dr. JF | Mayo Clinic
My second specialist recommended removing the damaged articular disc and placing a fat graft taken from my abdomen into the joint space.
This approach would allow me to preserve my natural joint rather than immediately replacing it.
However, the procedure is not expected to restore my joint to normal. My surgeon has explained that I may continue to experience pain, joint noises, and limitations even after surgery.
The hope is that addressing the damaged disc will help preserve my joint and improve some of my symptoms.
Looking Ahead: One important part of this recommendation is that the disc removal and fat graft may not be my final surgery. Dr. JF has discussed the possibility of eventually needing a total joint replacement, depending on how my joint progresses. The goal of the initial procedure is to address the damaged disc, preserve my natural joint for as long as possible, and hopefully improve some of my symptoms. However, I understand that a replacement may still be necessary in the future.
The financial reality: Insurance authorization has been a significant hurdle. My original insurance denied coverage, but I now have different insurance that includes TMJ benefits. I’ve also received financial assistance approval through Mayo Clinic.
Estimated cost: Dependent on insurance authorization and financial assistance.
Option 3: Oral Appliances and Platelet-Based Injections
Dr. KB | October 2026
My third specialist recommended delaying surgery and trying a six-month nonsurgical treatment program.
This would involve daytime and nighttime oral appliances designed to change my jaw position, along with three platelet-based injection treatments.
The intention is to improve joint function and potentially delay more invasive surgical intervention.
However, there is no guarantee that it will work or prevent future surgery.
The financial reality: The treatment program would cost approximately $7,500 out of pocket.
Unfortunately, that is a substantial expense, especially after everything I’ve already spent trying to manage this condition.
Three Recommendations at a Glance
Three Recommendations at a Glance
Treatment
Approach
Cost
Total joint replacement
Replace the damaged joint
$63,000+
Disc removal + fat graft
Preserve the natural joint
Insurance-dependent
Appliances + platelet injections
Nonsurgical management
$7,500 out of pocket
These are the recommendations and financial circumstances specific to my case. They are not universal treatment estimates.
The Hardest Part Isn’t Just Choosing a Treatment
When you’re living with chronic pain, people often assume the decision is simple: find a doctor, get treatment, and get better.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way.
Every treatment comes with uncertainty.
Will it reduce my pain? Will I be able to eat normally again? Could another procedure be necessary later? What happens if I spend thousands of dollars on treatment that doesn’t work?
And then there’s the financial burden.
I’ve already spent thousands of dollars on consultations, appliances, physical therapy, imaging, and other treatments. Some have helped temporarily. Others haven’t helped at all.
It’s incredibly difficult to make medical decisions when your options are also determined by what your insurance will cover and what your family can afford.
Right now, I’m leaning toward continuing with Mayo Clinic because of my insurance situation and the financial assistance available to me.
But even that decision isn’t easy.
I know surgery may not eliminate my pain. I also know that doing nothing isn’t a realistic long-term solution.
Why I’m Sharing This
When I started The Forgotten Joint, I wanted to create something that helped people understand the reality of living with TMD.
Not just the medical terminology or treatment options, but the emotional, physical, and financial toll.
My experience with three specialists has reinforced why education, patient advocacy, research, and better access to treatment are so important.
Patients deserve clear information about their options. They deserve access to qualified specialists. And they deserve a healthcare system where financial limitations don’t determine whether they can receive necessary care.
I’m still trying to figure out the best path forward.
I don’t have all the answers, and I can’t tell anyone which treatment is right for them.
But I can share what I’ve learned along the way.
If you’re facing multiple opinions, I hope my experience encourages you to ask questions, understand the risks and limitations of each recommendation, and advocate for yourself.
Sometimes the most difficult part of living with TMD isn’t getting a diagnosis. It’s figuring out what comes next.
Thank you for following my journey and supporting The Forgotten Joint.
Because no joint should be forgotten.
Medical disclaimer: This article shares my personal medical experiences and the treatment recommendations I received. It is not medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with qualified healthcare professionals based on individual circumstances. Platelet-based injections and jaw-repositioning appliances have varying levels of evidence and are not guaranteed to prevent surgery or reverse joint damage.