If you are living with jaw pain and tightness, then you might be feeling desperate to learn how to cure TMJ permanently. Not only are these symptoms uncomfortable, but they can lead to tooth damage and complications when TMJ is left untreated. If you have been diagnosed with TMJ, then it’s important to work with your dentist to find the ideal treatment solutions for your unique needs.
TMJ: What You Need to Know
In order to learn how to get rid of TMJ, the first step is to understand the condition and the underlying causes. TMJ stands for “temporomandibular joint,” which is located where the jawbone connects to the skull (in front of your ears). If this joint is injured, then it can result in TMJ syndrome, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder.
Not only do you have pain and discomfort in the jaw joint, but a variety of other symptoms can also result from this condition. Common complaints from patients with TMJ include:
- Headaches
- Teeth grinding
- Clenching the jaw
- Damage to the teeth (from grinding and clenching)
- Ringing in the ears
- Neck pain
- Popping or clicking sounds when moving the jaw
- Locked jaw
- Facial pain
You might not notice these symptoms because you have become accustomed to the discomfort. But your dentist can assist with the diagnosis. It’s important to identify and treat TMJ to improve your comfort and also help you avoid complications in the future.
What Are the 4 Stages of TMJ?
TMJ severity progresses when it is left untreated. This condition can be categorized into four stages:
1.Disc Displacement with Reduction: When the mouth is closed, the disc in the jaw joint is displaced. When the mouth is open, the disc returns to its normal position.
2.Disc Displacement with Reduction with Intermittent Locking: Similar to the first stage. But as TMJ progresses, it can lead to the jaw locking when the mouth is open because the disc doesn’t reduce and return to the normal position. Many patients notice clicking noises at this stage.
3.Disc Displacement without Reduction: At this point, the disc is displaced when the mouth is closed and it does not return to normal position. Patients experience a limited range of motion and the reduced motion becomes a chronic condition.
4.Disc Displacement without Reduction with Perforation: Similar to stage three, with additional issues because there is a perforation of the disc or posterior attachment tissues.
Patients with TMJ won’t be able to identify these different stages without consulting with their dentist. The most important thing you need to know is that treatment is most effective when TMJ is identified and treated in the early stages. So, ideally, your dentist will offer early intervention treatments to avoid the risk of TMJ progressing into the severe stages.
How to Cure TMJ?
Has anyone recovered from TMJ? Yes! The good news is that treatments can be used to provide the relief that you are seeking. If you are suffering from TMJ, then it’s time to talk to our team at myDental to learn about treatment options.
There are differing opinions about how to cure TMJ permanently. In most cases, patients need ongoing support and treatment to alleviate TMJ symptoms, which means that there is a debate on the topic: can TMJ be cured? It’s possible to treat the condition so you feel better, but these symptoms can return. For example, if you stop wearing a night guard, then you might notice that TMJ starts getting worse again.
Getting To the Root Cause of TMJ
If you are looking for solutions on how to cure TMJ, then the most important factor is identifying the root cause of your TMJ. Certain causes can be treated to provide a cure. For example, if you have tooth and jaw misalignments causing TMJ, then orthodontic and dental treatments can be an effective solution for people asking how to cure TMJ permanently.
Some of the most common causes of TMJ include:
- Jaw misalignment
- Tooth misalignment
- Teeth grinding
- Improper posture
- Stress
- Sleep apnea
If you can identify and address the underlying cause, then you’ll know how to heal TMJ. Is there a way to permanently fix TMJ? In some cases, it might not be possible to eliminate the cause. However, treatments can still be helpful in alleviating symptoms and helping you feel better.
How To Heal TMJ
Here are some common recommendations to help your jaw joint heal so that you can find relief from the symptoms:
- Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises to reduce stress
- Avoid hard foods and chewing gum
- Use ice and heat therapy to reduce inflammation in the joint and alleviate pain
- Wear a bite guard while sleeping
- Stretch and massage the jaw muscles
What exercises permanently help TMJ? The truth is that jaw exercises can reduce the symptoms, but they aren’t always enough to achieve the results you desire. If you are wondering how to cure TMJ permanently, then it will likely require a multi-faceted approach using jaw exercises, a night guard, a change in eating habits, and any other recommendations from your dentist.
A night guard is one of the most common TMJ treatment recommendations because it alleviates pressure in the jaw. When there is cushioning between your teeth, then it’s unlikely that the teeth will be damaged because the cushioning is preventing the teeth from touching. This treatment is relatively affordable and easy to use. You will receive a custom-fit dental appliance that you should wear while sleeping.
TMJ Treatment is Important
When TMJ is left untreated, it often causes damage to the teeth. Grinding and clenching put high amounts of pressure, which can cause the teeth to crack or chip. Also, untreated TMJ can lead to tooth misalignment problems, pain, and tooth sensitivity.
We invite you to learn how to cure TMJ permanently by talking to our team about treatment options. Additionally, you can discover our preventive dental services. myDental is always here to help. We have several locations for your convenience. Call to book an appointment.