What Happens if TMJ is Not Treated?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) involves a series of symptoms affecting the joint responsible for opening and closing the mouth, affecting various muscles and nerves in this region.
Through dental treatment, it is possible to treat this condition that causes significant symptoms, which can directly interfere with a person’s quality of life, such as:
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Recurring migraines
- Clicking sounds in the jaw area
- Tinnitus (in more advanced cases)
These symptoms can become debilitating, since migraine attacks, when accompanied by temporomandibular joint pain, are excruciating and prevent the person from performing simple tasks throughout their routine.
What happens if TMD is left untreated?
Emotional factors, such as anxiety and stress, are directly linked to TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), since habits resulting from these feelings, such as bruxism, can overload the joint and trigger the aforementioned symptoms.
People who are constantly exposed to stressful situations, for example, tend to unconsciously clench and grind their teeth, and this affects the temporomandibular joint, either through nerve compression or the applied tension.
Because of this habit, dental treatment focuses on addressing the cause rather than the symptoms of TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder). Therefore, a detailed diagnosis is essential for a good prognosis.
Besides emotional problems, other factors can cause TMD, such as facial trauma, poor posture, and habits like nail biting, excessive gum chewing, or even constantly leaning on the jaw.
What is the treatment for TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)?
Treatment for temporomandibular joint dysfunction will depend on the cause of the problem, considering that this condition occurs as a result of other primary factors affecting the joint.
Through diagnosis using ultrasound, infrared thermography, and electromyography —specific imaging tests that allow for the identification of TMD—it is possible to determine the appropriate treatment based on the information obtained.
When determining the appropriate treatment for temporomandibular dysfunction, treatment is provided through the use of occlusal splints if the problem is related to bruxism or through measures that relieve muscle tension in the region.
Multidisciplinary follow-up, with specific exercises alongside a physiotherapy professional in conjunction with dental approaches, is also necessary to strengthen the muscles in the area and prevent symptomatic episodes, such as migraines and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
What happens if TMD is left untreated?
If TMD is left untreated, symptoms progress, leading to more frequent flare-ups and disrupting daily life, disrupting the person’s routine and quality of life. They will be unable to go to work or live normally when affected by these flare-ups.
Due to the increased presence of symptoms, you can have difficulty eating, which can affect your diet and communication. Therefore, treatment for the underlying cause of the problem and measures to prevent further damage to the joint are essential.
Because the joint is directly connected to the skull and, consequently, to the cervical spine, the pain can also radiate to the neck area and may also be accompanied by swelling in the jaw area.
Having regular dental check-ups or periodic cleanings, as well as reporting any discomfort in the jaw area to the dentist, are measures that prevent not only TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), but also other problems related to oral health. Contact us today for more information and to set up your consultation for TMJ and any other oral issues.
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