Can TMJ Cause Long-term Effects?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder affects a large percentage of Americans. The disorder causes pain, discomfort, and clicking in your jaws. TMJ symptoms have a slow onset, so only a fraction of people with this condition seek treatment.

TMJ symptoms can begin painlessly, so most people are willing to ignore them. But if left untreated, TMJ can develop into a serious condition, affecting every aspect of an individual’s life.

How can you tell if you have TMJ?

Symptoms of TMJ

TMJ is a general term used to describe pain, discomfort, or other difficulties associated with the jaw joint (the joint that connects the jaw to the skull). TMJ starts with minor symptoms and if left untreated, it can lead to more serious health issues.

Symptoms are mostly felt at night, especially by people who grind their teeth and clench their jaw while sleeping. Signs and symptoms that you may have TMJ include:

• Clicking or popping sound in the jaw joint when closing or opening your mouth.
• Grating sounds in the jaw joint.
• Difficulty opening your mouth wide.
• Ringing or other noises in one or both ears.
• Neck and shoulder pains.
• Earaches.
• Headaches.
• Jaw pain.
• A tired pain in your face.
• Swelling and inflammation around the jaw joints.

You need to visit a reputable dentist to get an accurate diagnosis of TMJ. 

Why You Should Not Delay TMJ Treatment

Some patients prefer using over-the-counter medications to relieve the symptoms of TMJ. While these may offer temporary relief, they usually don’t offer long-term solutions. Pain relievers only numb the pain associated with TMJ but do not treat the root problem.

Pain in your jaws and other symptoms can take a toll on your overall health and may even lead to long-term issues such as imbalanced cortisol rhythms, nightmares, insomnia, and sleep apnea.

To get a long-term solution, you need to schedule an appointment with a professional dentist who will develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Long-term Effects of TMJ

Depression

Studies show that people with TMJ have higher levels of depression. In many cases, TMJ may cause morning headaches that can affect the way you start your day. Muscle and joint pains caused by TMJ can also affect your routine activities, which can induce stress and depression. Studies show that sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and teeth grinding that accompany TMJ can make depression worse.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common symptom of TMJ where you hear ringing noises in one or both ears. TMJ causes jaw joint inflammation that can affect the chewing muscles. Some of these muscles are located near the middle ear and so may affect hearing, promoting tinnitus.

The ringing sound can be so loud sometimes, interfering with your ability to hear external sound and ability to concentrate. Bite realignment and dental treatment may relieve the symptoms of tinnitus. 

Thanks to modern dental treatments, you can get permanent relief from TMJ. All you have to do is talk to an experienced dentist about your condition. During the visit, your dentist will examine your jaw and discuss your symptoms. They may have to conduct some tests such as MRI, CT scan, or a dental X-ray to get an accurate diagnosis. The results then enable the dentist to come up with the most effective treatment plan. 

To know if TMJ can cause long-term effects, visit the Concierge Smile Boutique at our office in Culver City, California. You can also call (424) 404-6400 to book an appointment today.