How Long Does It Take for TMJ to Heal?

August 1, 2022

If you have a TMJ and are reading this, you may have probably tried mouth guards or exercises for jaw pain and are still experiencing popping and discomfort. Now, you’re looking for information about what you can do and if TMJ surgery is an option. Of course, only your dentist in Encinitas, CA,  can tell you for sure, but we’ve provided information to help you have that conversation.

What is TMJ?

This is an acronym that stands for temporomandibular joint. Your temporomandibular joints are located on your face’s both sides, just in front of your ears. The TMJs connect the lower jawbone to your skull and assist in movements like speaking and chewing.

What Triggers Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

TMJ disorder might be caused by injury to the jaw joints or surrounding tissues. Other causes include:

• Stress
• Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism
• Acute trauma
• Arthritis in the TMJ
• An improper bite

What are the Common TMJ Symptoms?

TMJ dysfunction is expected between 20 to 40 years and is more common in women than men. Some of the common TMJ symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Have difficulty opening your mouth wide
• Jaw pain
• Feeling pain in your shoulders or neck
• Earaches
• Difficulty chewing
• Popping, clicking, or grafting sounds in the jaw joint when you open or close your mouth.
• Having that lock in the open or closed-mouth position
• A tired feeling in your face
• Ringing in your ears
• Tooth pain
• Having changes in the way your teeth fit together

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How is TMJ Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Mostly, TMJ dysfunction is diagnosed during a dental checkup. Your dentist provider will:

• Observe the range of motion when one closes or opens their mouth
• Press on the jaw and face to determine areas of discomfort
• Feel around your jaw joints as you open and close your mouth

In addition, your dentist in Sinclair Smiles might take X-rays to view the jaw joints and determine the extent of the damage. These may include:

• CBCT Scans: Cone beam computed tomography scans capture images of your jaws, teeth, sinuses, and facial bones. Your dentist then stitches these pictures together for a detailed 3-D image. Dental CT scans give your dentist a more detailed view of your facial anatomy.
• Panoramic X-rays broadly overview the jawbone, teeth, and TMJs.
• MRI Scans: Magnetic resonance imaging might be used to view soft tissues in and around the jaw joints. These images show the position of your disk inflammation and possible jaw locking. This tells your dentist if the TMJ disc is functioning correctly and in good condition.

What Types of TMJ Surgery are Available?

According to a TMJ specialist near you, there are several types of surgeries available if other therapies are not an option.

• Arthrocentesis: This is known as joint aspiration. This invasive procedure involves an oral surgeon inserting a tiny needle into your joint to irrigate fluid and remove debris. This’s performed to examine the fluid. However, it can be therapeutic as it relieves swelling and pain and improves movement in your joint.
• Arthroplasty: This surgery replaces, repairs, and removes the scar tissue or bone spurs around the disc, allowing you to close or open the jaw. The recovery time from this surgery takes longer and might be more painful than an arthroscopy procedure.
• TMJ Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive same-day surgery needs general anesthesia. Your oral surgeon can assess and treat the problem during your procedure. They’ll either remove inflamed tissue and rinse the site or adjust misaligned parts of your jaw joint.
• Total Joint Replacement: This is an intensive surgery in which your jaw is partially or entirely replaced. You’ll first have a CT scan to assess the joint will be made, and your oral surgeon will fix the new artificial pieces to your lower jaw and skull.

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How Long Does TMJ Disorder Take to Heal?

So, if you suffer from TMJ disorder, you might ask yourself how long the condition lasts, and unfortunately, that’s a bad-news, good-news situation. However, the good news is that TMJ symptoms can clear in less than three weeks.

The bad news is if your TMJ conditions are brought about by bruxism or arthritis can last months or years. This will depend on how severe your underlying condition is.

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