Is Untreated TMJ Pain Dangerous?

Generally, people diagnosed with TMD require TMJ treatment in Birmingham. Unfortunately, most patients think delaying treatment is okay. While it’s true that some cases do not require urgent care, it’s important to know that treatment for your TMJ isn’t one of them. Without treatment, the symptoms of TMD will worsen. So, if you are in pain right now, imagine how much pain you’ll have to endure if you push off treatment.

The Consequences of Untreated TMJ

What Is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. These are joints located on both sides of your jawbone. They function as hinges connecting your jaw to your skull. TMD is a disorder that causes pain in your jaw joints and the muscles surrounding them.  

It can be challenging to determine the exact cause of TMD as it could result from various factors, including jaw injury, arthritis, genetics, and unhealthy habits like bruxism or teeth grinding. Pain associated with your TMJ is said to be temporary and can be relieved through conservative and non-surgical methods, but if these measures fail, your dentist will have no choice but to resort to surgery.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Treatment?

Chronic Jaw Pain

Jaw pain is one of the signs of TMD. People who choose to ignore treatment are likely to experience severe jaw pain. Living with untreated TMD means living the rest of your life in constant pain.  

Recurring Migraines

People with TMD also complain of headaches and migraines when they wake up. Without treatment, these recurring headaches will become a normal part of your life.  

The reason for these headaches is that your temporomandibular joints are connected to your skull, which means the muscles around them extend from your skull down to your back. When these joints are inflamed, the inflammation can affect nearby areas, explaining the headaches and migraines.  

Joint Damage

Did you know that a fractured bone will worsen if you do not put a cast on it? The same principle applies to inflamed jaw joints. If you don’t treat them, the inflammation will worsen, leading to extensive joint damage that may require surgery. To avoid invasive and expensive treatments, we suggest you don’t leave TMD untreated.

Airway Sleep Disorders

A misaligned bite not only causes TMD but can also affect your sleep quality. An uneven jaw can obstruct the airway resulting in obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that deprives a person of sufficient oxygen while sleeping. People with sleep apnea experience brain fog, fatigue, and other symptoms upon waking.  

Decreased Quality of Life

The following are some of the many symptoms associated with TMD:

• Earaches
• Jaw pain
• Headaches
• Neck pain ‍
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Difficulty chewing
• Clicking or popping jaw sounds
• Tinnitus
• Tooth pain

TMD can make you experience unpleasant symptoms, and the worst part is that you could be living with these symptoms for the rest of your life if you continue to ignore treatment. The impact of TMD will imminently lead to a decreased quality of life.  

Get TMJ Treatment in Birmingham Today!

Don’t let TMJ symptoms take a toll on your quality of life. Church Family Dental strives to provide the best dental services for all our patients. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to give you a beautiful smile and transform your oral health for the better. Contact us today for a consultation.