How Long Does It Take for TMJ To Go Away?
How Long Does It Take for TMJ To Go Away?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the skull to the lower jaw (mandible). The TMJ are joints on each side of the jaw. They consist of bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The TMJ controls the jawbone and aids in jaw movements such as chewing, talking, yawning, laughing, and opening and closing the mouth. To feel your TMJ, place your fingers in front of your ears and open your mouth.
Unfortunately, you can develop problems like pain in your temporomandibular joint. These can happen due to several conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, jaw injuries, and chronic bruxism. TMJ syndrome can cause discomfort or problems in nearby areas like the head, ears, and neck. Contact our dentist in Ohio if you suspect that you might have a TMJ disorder.
What Causes TMJ Syndrome or Disorder?
Numerous factors can cause TMJ, including:
- Trauma. TMJ trauma has two types: macro trauma and micro trauma. Micro trauma results from internal factors such as chronic teeth grinding and clenching. Chronic bruxism causes significant inflammation of the membranes that surround the joint, causing jaw and facial pain. Macro trauma results from external factors such as a blow to the jaw during sports or car accidents.
- Osteoarthritis. Like your other joints, the jaw joint is also vulnerable to arthritic changes. Arthritis changes in the TMJ can result from natural wear and tear of normal aging.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can cause persistent inflammation in the joints. It’s also common in TMJ, especially among young children.
- Infection of the TMJ
- Bone deformity during birth
- Certain cancers
Signs of TMJ Syndrome
Symptoms of TMJ disorders to watch out for include:
- Persistent ear pain, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Pain in the facial muscles
- Pain in the jaw joints. The pain commonly occurs when chewing, talking, and yawning.
- Persistent headaches, dizziness, and migraines
- Clicking, grating, or popping noises or sounds when moving the jaw
- Facial and mouth swelling on the affected side
- Jaw locking
- Unable to open your mouth fully
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Poor dentition
The sooner you can seek TMJ treatment, the sooner you’ll receive relief from your discomfort. Seeking early treatment gives your dentist a better chance to address the underlying condition and prevent long-term complications.
How Long Does TMJ Last?
How long the symptoms of TMJ last or the severity of the disorder may vary from person to person. Some pain and discomfort can last for a few days and heal independently. Some may take longer, based on the treatment you get.
Still, seeking treatment is essential to ensure you address the underlying problem. Since TMJ also negatively affects your normal oral functions like taking and chewing, seeking treatment can eliminate the discomfort and restore your quality of your life.
TMJ Treatments
Based on symptoms, the dentist can recommend the following treatments options:
- Orthodontic treatments. If orthodontic problems like tooth misalignments cause the TMJ disorder, the dentist can recommend traditional braces or Invisalign to align your bite. The treatment can take six months to three years, depending on the severity.
- Dental Appliances. Chronic teeth grinding and clenching is a key cause of TMJ disorders. Your dentist can recommend a customized mouth guard to reduce jaw pain and other effects of bruxism. You may have to wear the mouth guard daily.
- TMJ Therapy. A therapist can offer massage and stretching exercises around the jaw and neck to reduce stress and tension around the TMJ. It offers instant results but might take several months to show long-term benefits.
- Dental work. The dentist can recommend teeth extractions if the pain results from dental problems such as overcrowding. Oral surgery can also help correct jawbone abnormalities and eliminate TMJ symptoms. Recovery can take several months.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you looking for TMJ treatment in Ohio? Contact daily DENTAL & bracesbar to begin your treatment today.