The Long-Term Effects of Untreated TMJ

No doubt TMJ disorder is distressing. But what can become even more painful when it goes untreated. Sometimes people do not pay attention to the pain caused by TMJ or do not realize it. Or maybe you don’t even realize that TMJ disorder is causing you pain. Whatever the case may be, it’s not easy to keep living with the pain, & you shouldn’t. Not only does that decrease your quality of life now, but it also puts your future at stake.

Here are some of the negative impacts of untreated TMJ:

Chronic Jaw Pain

If you do not seek TMJ treatment at Overland Park, your TMJ symptoms may worsen, which includes your jaw pain. Chronic directs to a long-developing syndrome. When you do not deal with your jaw pain, it can turn from being periodic to be constant for a prolonged period.
It is because acute or more short-term pain is sending signals to your body that something is not accurate. When that signal is not accepted and not treating the pain, it can lead to persistent pain signals that lead to chronic pain.

Joint Impairment & Inflammation

Just like a broken bone, if you don’ properly heal it, there is going to be more damage to that bone. It’s the same thing with your TMJ. If you don’t seek proper treatment for your TMJ pain, there will be damage in the joint & will cause more pain.
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to healing an injury. So, if your body is not healing from the pain of TMJ disorder your body will react with persistent inflammation until it’s healed.

Recurring Headaches

Another symptom that can worsen if TMJ is left untreated is headaches. A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects a jaw to the skull, and all the muscles surrounding it, which is why the issues in the temporomandibular joint drive headaches. If the source of the problem isn’t treated, that’s when recurring symptoms of the pain–like headaches–will persist to cause you problems.

Development Of An Airway Sleep Disorder

Misaligned bites are the primary cause of TMJ disorder, which compromises the quality of your sleep. Because your jaw isn’t positioned in its right place, it’s intruding on your airway. As a consequence, less oxygen is reaching your brain.
All of this, over time, can lead to the growth of an airway sleep disorder. This disorder causes a lack of sleep & can also lead to other signs like headaches, neck pain, sleep apnea, and brain fog.

Effects On Life

All of these symptoms put a burden on your lifestyle and the way you want to live every single day. Untreated TMJ pain not only has negative impacts on your sleep and the amount of oxygen you breathe, but also on your mood, eating patterns, and even the way you sit and walk.
TMJ is not a life-threatening disorder, but if left untreated, it can negatively impact your body & your quality of life over time.

TMJ Treatment In Overland Park

If you’re ready for a unique solution to get rid of your pain, we’re here to help. At Asha Dental, we use a holistic strategy for TMJ pain to give you a more comfortable life ahead. Never let your TMJ pain go untreated contact us to schedule your free consultation.