The Long-Term Effects of Untreated TMJ
Getting the right treatment is critical to your well-being. Whether you are suffering from TMJ or another chronic condition, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. You may be surprised by the TMJ long-term effects you can have if left untreated.
Dental Nerve Pain
Pain in the tooth’s nerve can be uncomfortable and signify a more serious problem, such as an abscess. The easiest way to get relief from this pain is to visit a dentist.
There are several causes of this type of pain. One of the more common is teeth grinding or clenching. This can cause teeth to crack or wear down.
TMD is a disorder that can affect the muscles in the jaw, causing pain in the mouth and the neck. It can lead to difficulty chewing and a poor smile. Toothache can also be one of the severe TMJ symptoms.
Another symptom is bruxism. Bruxism is when you clench your jaw. This can cause a lot of damage to your teeth and TMJ, as well.
A cold compress on the affected area can reduce swelling. If this doesn’t work, a dentist may recommend stronger medications to address the root cause of your pain.
An endodontist, or dentist, can clean out diseased nerve tissue. They will then place a small hole in the top of the tooth to allow the nerve to be cleaned out.
A dentist can also help you with your temperature sensitivity. Many patients report that they have this but have no idea why.
TMDs can result in severe TMJ symptoms, including headaches, limited range of motion, and ear pain. These issues can lead to irreversible pulpitis or tooth abscess if left untreated. These problems can hurt your quality of life and decrease the longevity of your teeth.
The right treatment can provide lasting relief from the long-term effects of TMJ. You should find a practitioner with experience treating the disease to get the right treatment for your TMJ.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea and TMJ have many common symptoms. The condition causes snoring and loud breathing but can also lead to health problems. If you have sleep apnea, you should seek treatment as soon as you notice the signs and symptoms.
Sleep apnea patients are at a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. In addition, the condition can also increase the risk of blood clots in the legs. Other complications of untreated sleep apnea include abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure.
People with obstructive sleep apnea have airways that collapse during sleep. When this occurs, the brain signals the heart to pump harder. It can cause several conditions, including high blood pressure, hypertension, and heart failure.
Sleep apnea can also cause daytime tiredness. This can make it difficult to concentrate. As a result, you might be less productive at work. Those with severe obstructive sleep apnea are at greater risk of heart disease.
People who have sleep apnea are at risk of chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome can affect overall health, making it difficult to focus and perform well.
When it comes to patients with sleep apnea and TMJ, long-term effects can be caused by inflammation in the muscles in the temporomandibular joint. There are gentle exercises that can help alleviate the pain.
During your physical exam, the doctor will evaluate your medical history and any conditions that could increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. They will review your family’s medical history and your risk factors.
Insomnia
If you’ve got a jaw joint problem, it will affect your sleep. Depending on the cause, it can lead to several issues, from insomnia to headaches to mood swings.
There are several ways to combat this problem, like oral appliance therapy and CPAP machine. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Luckily, there are many TMJ dentists to help you out.
The best way to get a better night’s sleep is to discover your problem. Many people self-medicate for this issue, but if you’re serious about improving your sleep quality, it’s time to call a professional. You’ll be surprised by what you can achieve with the right treatment.
Regarding TMJ, long-term effects include sleep disorders, so it’s best to do your homework. A good dentist can help you to figure out what’s causing your sleepless nights and help you to get back to a normal schedule.
TMJ and sleep apnea are among the many disorders plaguing the nation, and they go hand in hand. It’s no surprise that many sufferers also fall prey to other less healthy vices, from drugs to alcohol to smoking. This can seriously impact your overall health.
The most important thing to remember about TMJ and sleep apnea is always to have a doctor or dentist review your medical history. Not only will they be able to help you, but they’ll also be able to prescribe the proper medication for you. They will also be able to give you a thorough explanation of the severe TMJ symptoms and offer you the most effective treatment possible. And if your TMJ problem is chronic, you might find it’s more than just pain.
Depression and Anxiety
Untreated TMJ can lead to chronic anxiety and depression. It can be difficult to know whether your symptoms relate to stress or something else. This is why you need to understand how TMJ and anxiety are related. Knowing the relationship can help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life.
A recent study at Zanjan Dental School in Lebanon found that a higher percentage of students with TMD had high levels of depression and anxiety. In addition, patients were more likely to experience bruxism (grinding teeth) at night.
Patients also reported challenges coping with pain and remaining positive throughout their treatment process. While there may be a lack of research on how to take care of the mental health implications of untreated TMJ, several self-care practices can help.
One way to handle stress is to engage in meditation or laughter. Regular exercise can also help. You can use a simple self-report tool called the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). This simple, easy-to-understand questionnaire includes 21 questions that can measure cognitive distress. Higher scores are associated with a greater amount of stress. The DASS-21 has a specificity of 0.95. As a result, the questionnaire can be used with confidence.
For a more comprehensive look at how TMJ and anxiety are related, you may seek the advice of a board-certified TMJ specialist. They will develop a customized treatment plan that addresses the long-term effects of TMJ.
If you are experiencing TMJ-related anxiety or depression, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatments can include prescription medication and jaw devices.
Conclusion
When it comes to the long-term effects of untreated TMJ, jaw pain is just one symptom that can affect your quality of life. You can also develop permanent dental problems. So the best thing to keep your jaw healthy is to seek treatment. A dentist can provide several options for treating the long-term effects of TMJ.
AUTHOR BIO
For the past 20 years, John Myers has focused solely on sleep apnea, snoring, head and facial pain, and TMJ disorder treatments at the Center for Sleep and TMJ in Utah. Working at the only accredited dental sleep center in Salt Lake City for more than 20 years, treating sleep and TMD, he knows how to help. He is committed to delivering the best possible treatments for patients and creating an environment where they feel valued.