Does TMJ Pain Ever Go Away on Its Own?
- Posted on: Nov 15 2023
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. While many use ‘TMJ’ to refer to issues surrounding the joint, medically speaking, issues corresponding to the TMJ are known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
TMD can vary in intensity, ranging from mild discomfort to incredible distress that may lead to debilitating migraines. If you’ve been experiencing pain with your TMJ, it may not be due to TMD. Acute pains can exist and may resolve on their own. But how do you tell the difference? If you’ve been experiencing jaw pain and wonder if it’ll resolve independently, here’s how to tell.
Common Symptoms of TMD
Issues with your TMJ can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Jaw and facial pain that may radiate to the shoulder or neck
- Jaw stiffness can make jaw movement difficult
- Jaw popping or clicking
- Headaches and migraines
- Visual disturbances, including eye pain and blurred vision
- Ear pain or ringing in the ears
- Misaligned teeth that improperly fit in the mouth
TMD can lead to even more problems because of the intricacies of the mouth and facial structures. If you’ve been living with pain near your jaw, visit a dentist; it could be related to TMD.
Can TMJ Pain Go Away?
It depends. If jaw pain is caused by a distinct event, such as chewing on something hard or a minor injury, the jaw pain may go away. Many people will experience jaw pain in their lifetime. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, most TMJ discomfort will resolve on its own.
However, TMD can have a variety of causes. The TMJ, teeth, masseter muscles, and the various nerves of the face can all be potential sources of TMJ pain. Without understanding the cause of your pain, it may persist and worsen. Rather than waiting to see if it will go away on its own, see a dentist experienced with TMD to begin treatment.
Paul Covell, DDS, Can Help Bring Relief From TMJ Pain
Because TMD can have many causes, you need a dentist who is experienced, knowledgeable, patient, and understanding to work with you to bring lasting pain relief.
Dr. Paul Covell and his amazing team have served the city of Pasadena, TX, and surrounding areas for over 40 years. Call the practice at 713-943-9832 to schedule an appointment.
Posted in: TMJ | TMD Treatment
