Why You Shouldn’t Leave TMJ Untreated
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders must have immediate treatment. Complications arise if this does not happen. Various factors cause people to push aside dental treatments. If you want to know why you must not delay treatment for TMJ disorders, here are the details.
Chronic migraines and headaches
Waking up with terrible headaches or migraines is a sign of TMJ disorder. These head pains occur because the TMJ attaches the jaw to the skull. The muscles around the joint spread across the skull, down to the neck, and further down the back. Joint inflammation tends to affect its surrounding muscles. This causes migraines and headaches. Delayed treatment will worsen the inflammation and joint damage.
Chronic jaw pain
This is a common consequence of delaying TMJ disorder treatments. Mild pain in the jaw can motivate anyone to visit the dentist. This pain will worsen if it does not get proper treatment. Acute pain in the jaw signals the brain about a brewing problem. Ignoring this pain will result in chronic or long-term pain.
Sleep disorders
Bite problems cause sleep issues. These also cause sleep disruptions. A misaligned jaw is not in its proper position. This could block the airway during sleep. The patient may then develop OSA (obstructive sleep apnea).
OSA is a sleep disorder capable of preventing a person from having proper oxygenation during evening sleep. The individual ends up waking up gasping, choking, or coughing for air several times at night. The following day, the person experiences brain fog and exhaustion. One significant sign is loud snoring at night.
TMJ damage and inflammation
Any break in this joint will cause pain. It should be in an oral splint and heal to avoid aggravating the damage. The pain will then occur with swelling. The patient will need expensive, invasive surgical treatment later on.
Poor quality of life
The pain and discomfort from untreated TMJ disorders can affect a person’s quality of life. More absences, sick leaves, and missed attendance at functions will happen. Eating and speaking may also become difficult for the individual. This often leaves the individual frustrated and miserable at home. Catching these disorders early means getting early treatment. This will result in a better quality of life for the individual.
Tinnitus
This is a condition in which the patient hears ringing or buzzing from an external source. The patient hears the sounds all day long. Tinnitus often does not let the patient concentrate on daily tasks. Early treatment of TMJ disorders will prevent tinnitus from developing.
Tooth death
Teeth grinding and clenching result from having a TMJ disorder. Delayed treatment will lead the patient to continue these activities. Grinding and clenching wear down teeth until the teeth die out. They will also cause dental fractures and cracks. These call for tooth restorations and more tedious procedures in the future.
Getting proper treatment for TMJ disorders can bring you a life without pain
Many factors cause the development of TMJ disorders. Routine dental checks can help detect the issue right away. The dentist will target the problem and prevent it from worsening. This will relieve your pain and discomfort. It will then give you a better quality of life.
Are you considering getting TMJ treatment in the Tucson area? Get more information at https://www.simplysmilesdentist.com.
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