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The Long-Term Damage of Untreated TMJ

July 6, 2021

Many people are dealing with symptoms of TMJ, but not everyone seeks dental treatment in time. Even though this dental condition might seem minor, the symptoms can worsen and potentially cause long-term damage to your teeth if you don’t talk with a dentist about treatment options.

What is TMJ?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is when the jaw joint becomes irritated and inflamed. Typically, the pain and irritation will start in the jaw, but it can eventually move into the ears, mouth, teeth, shoulders, head, neck, and eyes.

There are a variety of symptoms of TMJ, and the best way to get an accurate diagnosis is by talking with an experienced dental professional. Other common symptoms of TMJ include clenching or grinding your teeth, a popping jaw joint, headaches, and neck tension.

It is common for people experience most of their TMJ symptoms at night, because they clench their jaw and grind their teeth while they are sleeping. Then, residual pain and inflammation continues throughout the day, causing discomfort and pain for the patient.

Don’t Delay TMJ Treatment

Some patients take the approach of self-medicating to relieve the symptoms of TMJ. Over the counter pain relievers might provide temporary relief, but these medications aren’t a good long-term solution. Keep in mind that pain relieving medications simply cover up the symptoms instead of treating the root problem.

If you want long-lasting relief from TMJ, then you need to schedule a consultation with a TMJ specialist right away. Delayed treatment might result in a variety of dental problems, including premature wear and tear on the teeth, tinnitus, and jaw problems such as a locked jaw or severe pain and popping.

Another problem that might occur is unsymmetrical muscle development and function, because TMJ patients often favor one side of their mouth over the other. As a result, the chewing might even cause swelling on one side of the face since the jaw isn’t used in a balanced way.

Relief from TMJ Pain

Modern dental treatments have made it possible to treat TMJ in many different ways, and the best thing that you can do is talk with a dental professional about your individual situation. We will gladly schedule a consultation with you, where you will have the opportunity to talk with our experienced team to learn more about TMJ treatments.

For more information, we invite you to call our office right away. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we will work hard to ensure that you can enjoy excellent dental health. Call us today to schedule your appointment with a TMJ specialist!

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