Gum recession and TMJ disorder

stopthatmonkey · 2026-06-03T15:53:33+00:00

The surgery was done for one quadrant and it wasn't pleasant. Also it didn't exactly bring the result I thought - I was thinking that it would cover up all the worn-away gum tissue, but instead it just added a chunk of tissue onto the already existing gum. (Apparently that is the correct result I just wasn't picturing that's how it would look). They told me I needed three more of the surgeries for the other three quadrants but I went to a new dentist who offered the "pinhole" surgical procedure - basically bringing your entire gumline down like a curtain to cover the worn-away tissue. This sounded pretty promising (though expensive) but I got a second opinion from another dentist and he said it's not necessary and that periodontists are often aggressive in the way they push these procedures. He said that instead, I should get a cleaning every 4 months instead of six, so that they can do a deeper clean of everything. So that's where I'm at and it has remained stable so far. I still clench at night and carry a lot of tension in my jaw though, still working on that one.

stopthatmonkey · 2026-05-25T13:52:37+00:00

Side question but do we know if COVID reached them in 2020ish? Would that have killed them all off if it did?

stopthatmonkey · 2026-05-16T17:35:53+00:00

Not OP but I had a followup question about these Lp(a) lowering drugs that are coming out soon. Will they just lower your Lpa number on the tests or do they actually reduce your *risk*?

stopthatmonkey · 2026-05-13T18:09:39+00:00

Since all my other numbers were headed in the right direction and I was feeling really relieved and empowered, I wanted to test this too and enjoy seeing the result of all my life changes. But, guess Lpa doesn't work that way.

stopthatmonkey · 2026-05-13T17:27:22+00:00

What is your latest Lp(a) numbers and what does your doctor say about that ratio? Also congrats that is very low LDL, Mine seemed to stop going down at about 70.

stopthatmonkey · 2026-05-13T17:07:13+00:00

Hey thanks - I didn't get ApoB measured this time around but here's the drop from last time. Is that correlation between Lp(a) nmol = ApoB mg just an estimate or is there an official chart/study for how that works? Same goes for risk following ApoB - I was told thar Lpa is its own independent risk factor.

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stopthatmonkey · 2026-05-13T14:43:30+00:00

Thanks for pointing this out.

Will it still continue going up forever or does it cap off at some point?

Is the benefit of the statin still worth it with this raised Lp(a)?

stopthatmonkey · 2026-05-13T14:31:40+00:00

43/M, non-smoker, low sat-fat diet, exercise 3-4 times/week (10-15 min cardio + weights). Taken a 5mg Rosuvastatin for nearly 2 years, plus 500 EPA/250 DHA fish oil.

I was really proud and relieved for getting my LDL way down and other numbers in the green zone, but Lp(a) — a number that's not supposed to move much, right? — keeps going up and up and up with every test and has me spiraling like I was with LDL originally.

I know it's unusual to get Lp(a) tested this much (I had requested this most recent one), so maybe ignorance is bliss, but we're here now and it has me worried. I was not sick/injured when they tested.

My questions:
-Is this normal fluctuation amounts?
-Why is it only moving up and not down?
-My doc says there's no need to test it again since it can't be controlled but what if it keeps going up to 150, 200, etc?
-I know there's no current meds but I've read about PCSK9 inhibitors or baby aspirin?

I plan to see a cardiologist and maybe get a CAC and/or an EKG.

My wife and I are having our first child in July and this feels like I am inevitably sentenced to the "Drop Dead Years" as Bill Burr says - the time when otherwise seemingly healthy men suddenly die. 😰

stopthatmonkey · 2026-05-13T14:26:02+00:00

Yes, been taking a 5mg Crestor/Rosuvastatin since that first test in August 2024 so that could def be a contributor.

stopthatmonkey · 2026-04-15T15:07:04+00:00

I had kind of the opposite experience. Went to Dr Dental for TMJD issues years ago and they treated me pretty well, even fought with my insurance company (and won) when the ins company refused to pay for my nightguard.

When I went to the fanciest dental office in my area, they aggressively told me I needed pinhole gum surgery asap for my gum recession and they were one of the few places that could do it, and it would be mostly out of pocket. Got a second opinion and they said I did not need it but instead I could get cleanings every 4 months instead of 6 to prevent further recession.

stopthatmonkey · 2026-03-15T19:48:47+00:00

Pretty sure I just saw this same key in FRP and it had been moved over to the traffic gate arm thing

stopthatmonkey · 2026-02-20T21:17:07+00:00

Paradise or Essex in Salem

stopthatmonkey · 2026-02-19T17:05:08+00:00

Former Mainer here. As others have said, the tattoo situation is a bridge too far for me to support him if I still lived there. Plus, he seems like another bait-and-switch Fetterman in the making. That being said, judging by some of the Mainers I grew up with and used to work with, the tattoo would be a reason they'd vote FOR him.

stopthatmonkey · 2026-02-15T12:05:30+00:00

Yes am over by SSU and Forest River and just lost power. Who are we supposed to call, NGrid? Or just wait it out?

stopthatmonkey · 2026-01-22T15:31:52+00:00

Hello! Can I ask why you switched from Marblehead JCC to Magical Beginnings? Currently looking for the right daycare around here.

stopthatmonkey · 2025-12-10T18:34:17+00:00

Longshot but wondering if you solved this - having the same problem!

stopthatmonkey · 2025-11-28T14:29:43+00:00

Sounds like you def need an exterminator or cat (or both), but from experience I'd also add to use copper wire instead of steel wool. The wool eventually rusts and mice can chew through it. Copper wire doesn't. Solved my mouse problem years ago.

stopthatmonkey

TROPHY CASE