There is no doubt that TMJ disorder (TMD) is uncomfortable and annoying. However, if your symptoms are not severe, you might be tempted to simply put up with your condition instead of addressing it. After all, you may be very busy, and seeking care might seem like a hassle. Can you simply live with TMD, or will ignoring it lead to greater problems in the future? In this blog post, you will learn why timely treatment is always the better option.
Will TMD Go Away on Its Own?
Symptoms of TMD might go away on their own, but they are likely to keep recurring as long as the underlying cause remains unaddressed. In fact, the condition can gradually become worse, so you might find that the pain and discomfort intensify with progressive flare-ups.
What Can Happen if You Do Not Treat TMD?
In addition to causing ongoing pain in the face and jaw, untreated TMD can lead to other consequences as well:
- Jaw pain and tenderness may intensify, making everyday activities like eating and speaking more difficult.
- You could develop chronic headaches, migraines, earaches, or neck pain that interfere with your quality of life.
- TMD can be a descending condition, so you might end up with musculoskeletal aches and pains throughout your body.
- Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw may become more frequent, potentially limiting jaw mobility.
- Untreated TMD can contribute to dental problems such as tooth wear, gum recession, tooth mobility, tooth loss, or bite misalignment.
- Sleep disturbances are possible, especially when jaw pain disrupts rest or leads to nighttime teeth grinding.
- You may end up with irreversible damage to your jaw joints, such as cartilage deterioration and bone erosion.
Getting Started with Treatment
TMD can be complex, and unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all” approach to treating it. You may find that there are many dentists offering a variety of different methods to treat TMJ. This can be confusing when you are in pain, to visit multiple doctors that have a wide range of TMJ treatments. Plus, many popular treatments are temporary in nature, such as Botox, Invisalign, jaw exercises, muscle relaxers, or over the counter nightguards.
TMJ is much more than simple facial pain and involves dysfunctional muscle activity such as clenching and grinding of teeth, bite alignment of the teeth, and jaw alignment of the upper and lower jaw. Experience in treating TMJ along with orthopedics and orthodontics is often needed for successful treatment. These are valid questions to ask when you are seeking TMJ treatment.
The good news is that your chances of enjoying successful care are good if you choose the right expert to help you. Look for a dental professional who has training and experience in diagnosing and treating TMD. They can evaluate the cause of your discomfort and tailor a therapy based on your unique needs.
So, can you live with TMJ disorder? Technically, yes — but practically, no! It is much better to seek appropriate care so you can get back to fully enjoying your life.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Tom Hall is a highly accomplished orthodontist with more than 25 years of experience in his field. He has a special interest in the treatment of TMJ disorder, and he has already helped countless patients find relief through conservative care options. If you are struggling with jaw pain and related symptoms, Dr. Hall and our team would be pleased to help! Contact our Houston office at 713-862-8223.