I have/had something called TMJ. It has to do with a disc in the joint of the jaw and it caused me to have an ear ache for over 12 years. I had my teeth pulled in 1996. I was terribly swollen for over a week and received no relief from the ear ache. After the swelling went down, I have not had an ear ache since. I clenched my teeth. I could control it during the day but not at night when I was asleep. I had tried the mouth pieces and they were $1500.00 ea. and I could completely bite through one in a week. My DH already had dentures and suggested that I keep some of the bottom teeth and do a partial on the bottom. It took about 6 months but I can not even tell now that they are dentures. This may not be right for everyone but I am so glad that I did.
