If you’ve been struggling with temporomandibular, or TMJ, disorder, then you’re well aware of the pain it can cause. Your jaw joints might chronically be sore, and home remedies just aren’t cutting it anymore. You can get professional treatment from your prosthodontist, but how long do they take? Here’s what you should know about the timeline for several of these services.
So, How Long Do Professional TMJ Treatments Take?
There are a couple of different options for TMJ treatments. This is a quick breakdown for a few of them:
- Oral Appliance Therapy: These help correct your jaw alignment and protect your teeth from grinding and clenching during the night. They effectively address the symptoms of this condition, but it can take a few weeks to several months to finish. The exact timeline depends on the severity.
- Bite Adjustment: This service involves evening out your upper and lower teeth to reduce any pressure from an uneven bite. It can take about an hour to complete and about two weeks to get used to the new alignment.
- Surgery: There are a few different methods that can be done, but they often take up to six months for your jaw to completely recover.
Before choosing a treatment for yourself, you should talk to your prosthodontist about what timeline you should expect. This can help you address your concerns; that way, you feel confident with your plan to a pain-free smile.
What Else Can I Do at Home?
Mild cases of TMJ disorder may be treated at home with a few changes in your routine, but they can also help ease your discomfort. These are some good steps you can follow:
- Take over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers.
- Follow a soft food diet. This can reduce how much you chew, thus lowering the strain on your jaw.
- Apply hot and cold packs to your affected joints for 15-minute intervals.
- Do jaw stretches. Just be sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations.
- Find what time your jaw is most tense; that way, you can be aware of when to follow the points above.
In the end, professional treatment from your provider can go a long way in dealing with TMJ disorder. If you have any questions about what they can do, then ask. They can walk you through your options and let you know when you can get relief.
About the Author
Dr. Salari is a proud prosthodontist helping patients in Annadale with a wide range of treatments. She has a post-graduate specialty in TMJ disorders, meaning she has plenty of expertise to help you with this condition. By having a consultation, Dr. Salari can understand your concerns and address them to provide the relief you deserve. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call her office at 703-763-0800.