The temporomandibular joint (or TMJ) is a critical hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. When it becomes strained or misaligned, the result is often pain in the jawline and surrounding areas, as well as a clicking sound when opening or closing your mouth. While some people are able to manage their TMJ symptoms with at-home treatments, others need more extensive care to alleviate the discomfort and prevent permanent damage. The answer to does tmj go away depends on the cause of your TMJ and its severity, but most symptoms can be reduced with the help of a professional.
Most TMJ symptoms are caused by stress, clenching your teeth, or bad posture. In addition, some patients are prone to this condition because of an underlying medical problem like arthritis or a dislocated jaw. TMJ may also develop as a result of an injury, such as whiplash or a traumatic jawbone knockout. These types of injuries are sometimes mistaken for TMJ because the symptoms are similar and include pain in the jaw area, limited movement of the jaw, and clicking or grating sounds when opening and closing your mouth.
When you start experiencing TMJ symptoms, talk to your family healthcare provider or dentist about the pain and its frequency. They may suggest that you try at-home treatments, such as icing the jaw area or applying heat or cold to reduce inflammation and swelling. They might also recommend avoiding chewy or hard foods, using a softer pillow while sleeping, or practicing relaxation techniques to ease the stress on your jaw.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe over-the-counter or prescription medication to relieve the pain. These options can range from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to muscle relaxants, which are particularly helpful for people who clench and grind their teeth. Some medications might even change how your body interprets pain, which could help to ease your TMJ symptoms.
If at-home treatments don’t ease your TMJ symptoms, you might be referred to a specialist like an oral surgeon or orthodontist. They can suggest jaw braces or other oral appliances, as well as a variety of surgery procedures to fix your TMJ. The most invasive procedure is a TMJ arthroscopy, which involves inserting a camera into the mouth to diagnose and treat problems like a damaged or misaligned jawbone.
Whether your TMJ symptoms will go away on their own or require treatment is entirely dependent on the underlying condition and its severity. Mild cases of TMJ can often improve with time and some self-care treatments, while severe conditions like bruxism or arthritis can require long-term management or treatment to ease the pain and avoid further damage. If you are suffering from TMJ, don’t wait to see a doctor for relief! Make an appointment today.