You have a TMJ disorder (also known as TMD), and it is rather bothersome. But you can’t help but wonder whether it’s worth investing in treatment. Will your disorder get worse with time, or will it mostly stay the same? What can happen if you don’t treat your TMD?
Since TMD has to do with the physical alignment of the joint connecting your upper and lower jaw, your symptoms likely won’t improve with time. In fact, you might start to experience one of the following discomforts.
Chronic Facial Pain
Some types of pain do go away on their own. But if you have TMD, the source of your discomfort isn’t a sore muscle or simple injury. The problem is your jaw joint is experiencing excess strain, either due to anatomy or less-than-ideal habits.
While the problem still exists, your brain will continue to receive pain signals from the nerves in that area, to the point where they become chronic. Without treatment, surrounding muscles and ligaments can also become strained, leading to more frequent headaches and general facial pain.
Dental Damage
Let’s say bruxism (grinding and clenching your teeth) is contributing to your TMD. Then the extra stress will wear down your pearly whites faster than normal. As grinding and clenching chips away at your enamel, your teeth will gradually become weaker, and might even fracture or break. A nightguard treatment can protect your smile while also relieving the strain on your TMJ.
Ear Problems
What does a joint near your mandible have to do with your ears? As it turns out, a lot! The TMJ is actually located just below your ears, so if it’s misaligned, it can actually make your ears ache. Not only that, but a TMD can also cause tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears. In some cases, ear aches and tinnitus can even make it harder to hear or process the sounds around you.
There are many good reasons to treat your TMJ disorder. For one thing, this condition can result in some pretty serious long-term health issues. For another thing, pain relief alone makes the investment worth it!
About the Practice
Dr. Amanda Hyland is our TMD expert here at Hyland Dental. She’s completed over 200 hours of continuing education courses for TMD treatment and orthodontics, and is dedicated to helping her patients find pain relief through quality dental solutions. If you’d like to explore your TMD treatment options, contact Dr. Hyland and Dr. Hempen’s office at 507-387-3249.