Key West

TMJ symptoms caused by temporary joint strain or minor injury can resolve over time without treatment. However, ongoing TMJ dysfunction generally requires some type of intervention to manage the symptoms long-term.

Factors that influence whether TMJ will go away include:

• The underlying cause - structural issues may not improve without correction.
• Severity of the damage to the joint and surrounding tissues.
• Habits like teeth grinding or clenching that sustain the problem.
• Non-surgical treatments like splints, physical therapy or orthodontics.
• For severe cases, surgical procedures may be required.

While TMJ may come and go at times, the disorder is considered chronic if symptoms persist for more than 3 months. Seeing a TMJ specialist is recommended to identify treatment options tailored to your specific condition and needs. With proper management, most patients find significant relief even if some symptoms remain ongoing.

The duration of TMJ disorder symptoms varies greatly depending on the cause and treatment. Mild cases of temporary TMJ pain may resolve within weeks or months with rest, over-the-counter medications and home remedies. However, moderate to severe dysfunction often becomes an ongoing chronic condition without proper treatment and management.

Factors that influence TMJ duration include:

• The underlying structural problems with the joint and muscles.
• Habits like teeth grinding/clenching that sustain TMJ.
• How early treatment is started after initial onset.
• Response to non-surgical treatments like splints or physical therapy.
• Whether arthroscopic or open joint surgery is ultimately needed.

With a customized treatment plan, most patients find significant relief of their TMJ symptoms within 6-12 months. However, periodic flare-ups are common without addressing the root causes and lifestyle factors. Ongoing management is crucial for lasting TMJ improvement.

TMJ disorders are often managed by a team of specialists:

• General dentists can offer initial pain relief and simple treatments.
• TMJ specialists have advanced training in more complex non-surgical care.
• Oral surgeons may provide arthroscopic surgery to repair joint tissues.
• Orthodontists can correct bite alignment issues contributing to TMJ.
• Physical therapists provide exercises and modalities to address pain and dysfunction.
• Pain management physicians help patients cope with chronic TMJ discomfort.
• Primary doctors may coordinate care and prescribe muscle relaxants.
• Psychologists and psychiatrists can address stress and emotional factors related to TMJ.
• Sleep doctors may advise appliances and therapy for bruxism and clenching during sleep.

TMJ treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach tailored to each patient's specific symptoms and needs. Finding providers experienced in managing TMJ disorders is key to achieving an optimal outcome.

There are a few ways to find qualified TMJ disorder treatment in your local area:

• Search online directory listings for TMJ specialists and orthodontists. Look for providers with advanced training and certification.
• Check with your primary care doctor for referrals to TMJ experts and pain management specialists.
• Contact your dental insurance network to find in-network TMJ providers nearby.
• Ask friends, family members or coworkers if they can recommend a TMJ therapist or dentist.
• Search for local physical therapy clinics that offer specialized TMJ treatment modalities.
• Look into hospital centers focused on TMJ and orofacial pain disorders. Academic institutions often have multidisciplinary clinics.
• Consider remote video consultations with top TMJ specialists if local options are limited.

With some research, you can find both general dentists and dedicated TMJ experts capable of diagnosing the problem and providing both non-surgical and surgical treatment options in your area.

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, can potentially contribute to TMJ problems in some cases. Reasons impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth may affect the temporomandibular joint include:

• Disruption of your natural bite alignment, causing imbalance in the jaw muscles.
• Increased risk of teeth grinding or clenching due to occlusion interference.
• Posture changes as wisdom teeth push into position can stress the TMJ.
• Swelling and inflammation around erupting wisdom teeth can spread to the TMJ tissues.
• Difficulty properly cleaning around wisdom teeth allows harmful bacteria.
• The need for tooth extraction can directly traumatize the joint.

However, many people with wisdom teeth do not go on to develop TMJ disorders. There needs to be an underlying predisposition or additional factors present beyond just the third molars themselves. But it is recommended to have problematic wisdom teeth removed to eliminate them as a potential TMJ risk factor.