Thank you SKY for all your help here, for I am new at this problem and without my insurance covering any thing to do with TMJ / TMD - I am to say the least very skeptical at putting my own $$$ out there if the solution I pay for will not work.

My Primary Dentist has already given me a referral to see a TMJ Specialist / Pain Management (same person), but I had to cancel the appointment for today due to a lack in funds.... I had to pay $180 up front for my first consultation with the Specialist.... I told them that I would reschedule as my funds allowed, maybe in the 2nd or 3rd week of February.

I was told that the mouth guard from the TMJ Specialist would cost me around $900 - is this the same as the splint you talked about? - - - if YES, I guess I should set aside some $$$ from income tax return for this expense.

I have not seen any other doctor for this issue since I got a Dx from my dentist a week ago, but I will look into the physical therapy / massage part of treatment with my Rheumatologist when I see him next Friday.... for he had suggested this for my RA, so I might as well have him included the TMJ in with it since they think my RA is one of the causes for my TMJ, therefore, my insurance will cover the cost for this treatment if it falls under my RA problems. KEWL!! - but sad that we must kind of trick the Insurance Company into covering the cost thru my RA in order to receive the care I so desperately need.
PLUS...... I will be seeing the Neurologist my GP first referred me to when I started to have severe migraines, face pain & numbness, along with swelling of the eyes..... and NOW I know the cause of all this: TMJ & Rosacea (my newest two Dx this month).

Do you think I should see an ENT as well...... for some ppl have suggested this since my insurance will not cover any expense to do with TMJ - but they will cover the cost from other doctors to deal with each individual symptom.

And, YES.... I agree that Stress Management is indeed needed, for I have noticed lately that I tend to clench my teeth real hard when I get stressed or emotionally upset, and then it carries over into my sleep.

LoVe,
Rhapsody -