“What happens if TMJ is left untreated?”
I am a 35 year old female and I have TMJ. What happens if TMJ is left untreated?
3 Answers
Getting worse.
It depends on the severity of the problem and it’s cause. If the TMJ problem is due to a malocclusion, the malocclusion or jaw alignment should be corrected. If the TMJ problem is due to tooth grinding, that should be treated as well.
Hello,
It depends on what you are referring to as TMJ. I believe you are referring to TMD (temporomandibular disorders). But like the name says, there are multiple forms of TMD and most of which do not require any treatment. If you are talking about a click every now and then, then the current belief is that you can go on clicking for the rest of your life without a problem. This can come from a grinding or clenching habit that you may be unaware of. Massaging the area will give temporary relief if it bothers you. However, if you have a TMD that causes your mouth to stay open after you want to close it or stay closed after you want to open it (we refer to these as locking symptoms), then you should see a doctor to see what you can do about this issue. This is not as common clicking. You may want to check with a doctor who can take an X-ray and evaluate the situation, that way you have peace of mind as well.
Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
It depends on what you are referring to as TMJ. I believe you are referring to TMD (temporomandibular disorders). But like the name says, there are multiple forms of TMD and most of which do not require any treatment. If you are talking about a click every now and then, then the current belief is that you can go on clicking for the rest of your life without a problem. This can come from a grinding or clenching habit that you may be unaware of. Massaging the area will give temporary relief if it bothers you. However, if you have a TMD that causes your mouth to stay open after you want to close it or stay closed after you want to open it (we refer to these as locking symptoms), then you should see a doctor to see what you can do about this issue. This is not as common clicking. You may want to check with a doctor who can take an X-ray and evaluate the situation, that way you have peace of mind as well.
Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
