Posted: October 15, 2022
If you have ever been diagnosed with TMJ, you know that the pain can be debilitating. It can make it hard to eat, sleep, and even talk. So, it's no wonder that people suffering from TMJ want to know if there is any way to make the pain go away.
The short answer is that TMJ can go away on its own, but it often takes a while, and there is no guarantee that it will never come back. However, there are things that you can do to help alleviate the pain and speed up the healing process. In this blog post, we will explore ways you can find relief from TMJ.
TMJ - What is It?
The TMJ is a ball and socket hinge at the back of the jaw. The articular eminence (AE) prevents the jaw from slipping out of place by providing a bony bump at the front of the socket.
It is not unusual for most of us to be able to move our jaws back and forth without any problems. However, in some people, this bony bump is just high enough to prevent the jaw from slipping backward, yet low enough to allow it to slip forward. As a result, it is very painful - or impossible - for a person to close their mouths voluntarily.
Symptoms of TMJ
Symptoms of TMJ include:
- Aching pain in the jaw
- Clicking or popping sound when opening the mouth
- Tenderness or pain in the jaw muscles
- Difficulty chewing or pain when opening the mouth wide
- Pain in the temples or behind the ear
- Stiffness of the neck and shoulders
- Headaches
TMJ: Can It Go Away By Itself?
There is usually no need to treat minor TMJ discomfort. In the meantime, anyone experiencing constant or repeated pain or tenderness at the TMJ or in and around the ear may want to consider an evaluation to prevent or avoid future issues.
Contact Us for a Consultation
Do you suffer from TMJ? To find out more, call us at 212-452-3344. New Jersey and Connecticut communities are welcome to NYC Smile Design, situated in Manhattan. NYC Smile Design is a dental practice founded by two dentists, Dr. Ramin Tabib and Dr. Elisa Mello.
