Will TMJ Ever Go Away?

TMJ is a condition that affects the jaw and the muscles around it. The disorder can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, and difficulty chewing or opening the mouth. There are a number of things that can contribute to the development of TMJ, including teeth grinding, misaligned jaws, and arthritis.

If you suffer from TMJ, you may be wondering if the pain will ever go away. Well, there is no specific answer to the question of whether or not TMJ will ever go away. How quickly TMJ resolves usually depends on the severity and the underlying cause of the condition. For some people, the mild to moderate TMJ with reversible cause improves with time and self-care, while for others, it may become chronic and continue to cause pain and discomfort. Depending on the cause, there are treatments available that can help to alleviate the symptoms of TMJ and prevent its recurrence. Let’s dive into the causes of TMJ and see how if your TMJ will ever go away.

Clenching or Grinding 

There are many different causes of TMJ, but the most common is due to clenching or grinding your teeth. This can be due to chronic stress or anxiety, and it can also be a symptom of bruxism or other sleep-related movement disorders.

• If your TMJ is secondary to stress, anxiety, or bruxism, it will eventually go away when you will be able to treat and manage these triggers.

Misalignment of The Teeth

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, misalignment of the teeth is one of the primary causes of TMJ. When the teeth are not properly aligned, it puts undue stress on the temporomandibular joint, which can lead to pain and inflammation. In some cases, misalignment of the teeth can also cause the jaw to become misaligned, which can further exacerbate TMJ symptoms.

• If you are experiencing TMJ symptoms secondary to teeth misalignment, it is important to see a dentist for proper alignment of the teeth. Studies have shown that TMJ, due to this dental condition, is usually curable.

Arthritis

Two main types of arthritis can affect the jaw: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the more common type, and it happens when the cartilage in your joints starts to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in your joints.

• Arthritis is difficult to treat. If you have TMJ secondary to arthritis, it will be challenging to treat and cure the condition. NSAIDs and other treatments can provide symptomatic relief.

Jaw injury

Injury to the jaw can lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. This can happen due to a fall, car accident, or another type of trauma. If you have suffered an injury to your jaw, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that they can assess the damage and give you the appropriate treatment.

• The good news is that most TMJ problems can be surgically treated successfully. However, some injuries will continue to cause pain even after the surgery.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether or not TMJ will ever go away. It is a complex disorder with many potential causes. While there is no cure, it is clear that for many people, the condition can be managed successfully and may even improve over time. With proper treatment and self-care, it is possible to experience significant symptom relief and a good quality of life.