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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Can TMJ go away on its own over time?

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    Rheumatology Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
    I recently experienced severe pain on the left side of my jaw - most noticeable when opening my mouth. I then googled symptoms as to see what may be the cause and believe it's TMJ as I also hear my jaw popping when I open it wide (very painful!) This occurred randomly one day and has been hurting for 4-5 days although the pain is subsiding. Could it be that TMJ goes away on its own?
    • 2 answers
    • Dr Barbara Szylkarski
    • Kerry Read
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    Dr Barbara Szylkarski

    Dentist

    Dr Barbara Szylkarski has 18 years experience in private practice dentistry for adults and children. She has also worked alongside one of brisbanes renowned prosthodontists, … View Profile

    In short, yes TMD can go away on its own. The most important thing however is to have your condition diagnosed properly by a qualified professional, such as a Dentist of an Oral Surgeon.

    People experiencing temporomandibular disorder usually have an acute inflammation of one or both joint capsules and or an inflammation of the muscles that we use to chew. The problem requires removal of any causative factors and then rest of the jaw, to allow the inflammation to subside and healing to occur.

    Following a conservative management program (such as soft diet, rest, occlusal splint therapy, mild heat) can decrease symptoms and enable healing to occur in most people. Some even report total relief of symtoms.

    Occasionally some people do not respond and require further treatment with a physiotherapist or even minor surgical intervention.

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    Kerry Read

    Physiotherapist

    Headline Physiotherapy for the Head Neck and Jaw deals specifically with TMJ Facial Pain Headache Migraine and other musculoskeletal issues involving the cranial area. All … View Profile

    Often jaw clicking will go away on it's own and never come back. Sometimes it's a warning sign that something is amiss and sorting it out now could prevent a lot of problems down the track. The fact that you have had pain along with it, would suggest that it may be time to get this checked out.

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