Hi Laurie,

I just wanted to let you know that I also have bad TMJ problems, but i got my amalgams removed despite that. It definitely did hurt and stress out my jam, making my TMJ worse for a time, but it recovered. I mean, your mouth is open for many hours, and between putting in the damn, drilling, scraping, etc...there is a lot of tugging going on that stresses it out. My entire side of my head ached when I left, and I think it was all eminating from my TMJ. BUT, it still worked out fine. I just avoided anything super tough or chewy for a little while after that.

I feel like I really lucked out with my doctor and dentist, because they both seem to be minimalists when it comes to testing and treatment - they like to keep it simple and stick to the necessities. In fact, from doing so many readings, I was under the impression that I should have various tests done, but neither of them thought they were necessary. And that worried me at first, but I now think they were right - it can definitely get excessive. My dentist is now trying to convince me to buy a nightgaurd (I truly think for my best interest and not money), but insurance doesn't cover it and they are close to $500...so that's out the window! Unfortunately, the over the counter $12 ones that you mold yourself....they just make my jaw worse. But I will look into getting a good magnesium supplement after reading this thread.

~Tia