You’ve been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder – which basically means the joint connecting your upper and lower mandible is misaligned or overly stressed. But is treating such a problem worth it? What could happen if you don’t address your disorder? Would the consequences really be all that bad?
Ultimately, that’s up to you. However, over time, not treating a TMJ disorder can have some pretty serious effects on your health. Keep reading to learn all about it.
Chronic Pain and Inflammation
Your TMJ joint can’t realign or repair itself. So what might just be periodic bouts of discomfort now could very well become a constant ache as the underlying issue continues to go unaddressed. Until your TMJ is treated, your body will likely continue to send pain signals to your brain.
Inflammation, too, can become chronic, as this is your body’s natural response to an injury. Uncontrolled inflammation is a bigger problem than you might think – it can weaken your immune system and make you more prone to infections and other systemic diseases.
Joint Damage
If your TMJ is misaligned or absorbing too much physical stress, there’s a chance the joint will eventually become damaged. Depending on the nature of your disorder, it’s also possible other nearby bones will experience breakage as well. At the end of the day, a TMJ disorder is much easier to treat than joint and bone damage!
Frequent Headaches
Have you been getting more headaches recently? The muscles in your face are so close to each other that when one area develops tension, it can have a ripple effect. Frequent headaches, neck pain, and even shoulder stiffness aren’t uncommon in patients with TMJ disorders. Rather than take ibuprofen every day and endanger your liver, it’s best to simply take care of your TMJ.
Sleep Apnea
Believe it or not, TMJ disorders can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea! If your TMJ is misaligned, odds are your jaw and surrounding oral tissue are also “out of position.” This can block your airway, making it harder to get oxygen while lying down and causing your brain to jolt you awake in the middle of the night.
Your TMJ disorder might not seem like a big deal now, but if you don’t get it treated, you could develop unpleasant health issues that can negatively impact your quality of life – and comfort! To avoid potential problems and get relief for any current symptoms, ask your Sante Fe dentist about TMJ treatment today.
About the Author
Dr. Haiwen Zhang earned his dental degree from the Medical University of South Carolina James B Edward College of Dental Medicine. He’s also completed advanced training courses at the Pankey Institute and Spear Education, and is experienced with diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. If you need TMJ relief, don’t wait – call Dr. Zhang today at 505-372-1121.