How Long Does TMJ Last?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, often referred to as TMJ, is a condition that causes an uncomfortable feeling in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. TMJ affects millions of people and can really be an annoying condition to deal with if not properly treated. 

In this blog post we will explore how long TMJ disorder can last, while also giving some valuable and useful information that touches on symptoms of TMJ, strategies for prevention, causes of TMJ and more. 

The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull. This hinge joint is a huge part of why our mouth is able to function properly. It helps us chew, speak and even yawn. That’s why dealing with TMJ disorder can be hard to live with because it affects many daily and routine activities. 

Common Causes of TMJ Disorder

• Jaw Misalignment: If your teeth or jaw becomes misaligned this can place too much pressure on your joint, which can lead to dysfunction.
• Bruxism: More commonly known as teeth grinding, this bad habit can really strain jaw muscles and cause discomfort.
• Trauma or Injury: In the past you may have had an injury caused by direct impact to the jaw, whether it be from playing sports or a motor accident. If not checked out the lingering effects from the injury can create TMJ disorder.
• Arthritis: If you have a degenerative condition such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, this may be harmful to your joint causing limited mobility and discomfort.
• Stress and Muscle Tension: Being under emotional stress or anxiety may contribute to jaw clenching or other muscle tension on the temporomandibular joint, which can worsen TMJ symptoms.

Common Symptoms and Signs of TMJ Disorder

• Headaches or migraines
• Limited jaw movement or locking
• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Earache or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Difficulty chewing or discomfort while biting
• Neck and shoulder pain

Each of these symptoms all have different levels of severity and they can come and go over time. If you notice yourself experiencing a combination of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a dental or other healthcare professional.

Treatment Options

• Jaw Exercises
• Physical Therapy
• Stress Management
• Medications
• Oral splints or mouth guards
• In the most serious cases, surgical options include Arthrocentesis, Arthroscopy and joint replacement

How Long Can TMJ Disorder Last?

TMJ disorder is categorized as either acute or chronic, depending on each patient’s symptoms and the duration of symptoms. There are multiple factors that can change the length of TMJ disorder, including:

• Underlying Cause: If your condition is stemming from an issue such as stress, your time dealing with TMJ-related soreness may resolve more quickly once that stress disappears compared to other chronic conditions.
• Timely Intervention: Catching signs of TMJ disorder early and deciding to seek earl treatment can potentially shorten its duration. That’s why getting a prompt diagnosis is important.
• Treatment Approach: There are a few different treatment options and approaches people may consider for TMJ disorder. More conservative approaches, such as making modifications to your exercise routine or stress management techniques may take longer for you to see results to invasive treatments like surgery. 

What is the Difference between Acute and Chronic TMJ Disorder?

Acute cases of TMJ disorder will usually last for a shorter time period. The symptoms can subside in a few weeks to a few months, depending on the specifics.

On the other hand, chronic cases of TMJ disorder can persist for long periods of time, often going longer than six months. These types of cases have more severe underlying causes and may require ongoing maintenance to fix.

Natural Progression and Timeframe of TMJ Disorder

There is no definitive timeline for TMJ disorder. It all usual depends on individual circumstances and how effective your chosen treatment was. If care is managed properly, many people often see an improvement in their symptoms within a few months to a year. In some cases, TMJ disorder can actually resolve on its own if it is an acute case. However, we highly recommend getting any jaw pain checked out with your dentist.

Experiencing Symptoms of TMJ Disorder? Contact Mint Dental!

If you notice that you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to contact Mint Dental and schedule an appointment with our team of dental professionals.

Managing your TMJ disorder will help you live a more comfortable and happy life, so don't hesitate to find out what treatment you may need.