I am 23 years old. i need surgery for my tmj. one doctor said that he won't touch me because i have the jaw of a 90 year old and that was a few years ago. who can help me?

Rarely: It is rare that one requires surgery for problems with the tmjs. I agree that a consultation with a competent oral surgeon who has experience operating on the tmjs is recommended.

Second Opinion: You need to get a second opinion with a dentist with specialized training in TMJ and craniofacial pain. Prior to any surgical approach you should get conservative treatment before any surgical procedure is done. Surgeries have limited success and are irreversible once done. In fact i would recommend three more consults. It would be more than worth it to get educated to make informed decision.

90 year old TMJ: Don't fall for off hand remarks like that. Your jaw is likely arthritic but not 90 years old. Go to a TMJ specialist and see what they say. There is non-surgical treatment for TMJ that is successful at any age and with any type of arthritic tmj. The goal is comfort. You will not reverse arthritis but you can make it livable.

Several opinions: When it comes to any type of jaw surgery, i would get several opinions. Jaw surgery is very intricate and complicated.

See Expert surgeon: Make sure you see the best possible surgeon. In your area, I would see the TMJ surgeon at one of the Ohio Dental School Oral Surgery departments.