Why Should I Seek Treatment for My TMJ Disorder?

In some mild cases of TMJ, symptoms can improve over time with at-home treatment and care. However, many cases of TMJ require professional attention and can develop into more serious complications if left untreated for too long. If TMJ is not treated in a timely fashion, it can cause:

– Chronic jaw pain
– Joint damage and inflammation
– Recurring headaches
– Development of an airway sleep disorder

It can also have effects on lifestyle, such as eating habits, sleeping habits, how you breathe, and even the way you sit and talk. Even if symptoms are mild, it is important to have your condition evaluated by a medical professional. Although the doctor may only recommend rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, they can also detect signs of complications early on and treat them before they develop into something more serious.

If you have TMJ, do not worry. There are many effective treatment options that can improve symptoms and even completely heal the jaw joint. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical treatment by a TMJ specialist as soon as possible:

– Severe pain
– Issues chewing
– Persistent headaches

Don’t let your TMJ worry you, trust the qualified professionals at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders to help you find the treatment that is right for you. We work with each patient to develop an individualized treatment place that uniquely addresses their needs.

Most cases of TMJ are not serious, however, if left untreated, can develop into a serious condition with severe, unabating symptoms. Cases of acute TMJ are typically milder and can clear up on their own with at-home treatments within a few days or weeks. However, in chronic cases of TMJ, symptoms are often a lot more serious, with intense pain and a limited range of motion that makes it difficult to talk or eat. The difference between TMJ and most other medical conditions is that TMJ is not a single disorder but a group of similar disorders that affect the same joint. TMJ disorders are typically categorized into one of three groups, although it is possible to experience more than one type at the same time:

Arthritic TMJ — It can cause pain and discomfort in the joint and the surrounding muscles when the inflammation associated with arthritis affects the lower jaw joints.
Myofascial Pain Dysfunction — Myofascial pain dysfunction includes the most commonly experienced TMJ disorders. It is characterized by pain and discomfort in the face, neck, head, and primarily, the jaw muscles.
Internal TMJ Derangement – This type of TMJ is the most serious and is caused by external trauma or a displaced jaw. This can be caused by a sports injury, a fall, or an automobile accident.

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms related to TMJ disorder, come to Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders today to receive treatment. Our kind and compassionate sleep specialists are experienced in treating TMJ disorders and can help you find relief. Our TMJ specialists are dedicated to delivering the highest level of service to each patient, at every visit. Call us today to book an appointment. We look forward to serving you!