How long does TMJ last?

How long does TMJ disorder last?

Healthline says TMD symptoms can last from a few days to several years, and that temporary discomfort may range from days to weeks, months and beyond. NIDCR says many TMDs last only a short time and go away on their own, many people's symptoms go away without any treatment, and in some people TMD becomes chronic. The sources therefore agree that it is often short-lived, with a minority developing long-term problems.

How long does a TMJ flare-up last?

Healthline describes many cases as an acute flare-up that can be relieved by a little time, rest of the jaw and at-home anti-inflammatory pain relief. It says acute TMD often follows a dental procedure or injury and generally resolves within days to a few weeks, often on its own, with acute symptoms from dental work usually resolving within a few days and injuries taking longer. Flare-ups can return, which is common in chronic cases.

How long can TMJ last untreated?

Healthline does not directly describe the outcome of untreated TMD, and says acute cases often resolve on their own while chronic cases are linked to ongoing underlying causes such as teeth grinding, jaw clenching, malocclusion, arthritis, stress or poor posture. NIDCR says many symptoms go away without treatment. If symptoms last months, return often or interfere with eating or sleep, see a dentist or doctor to find the cause.

What helps while it lasts

NIDCR advises starting with simple, nonsurgical options: soft foods, heat or cold on the face, gentle jaw stretching and strengthening exercises, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and cutting back on clenching, gum chewing and nail biting. If those do not help, a provider may suggest physical therapy, behavioral approaches such as relaxation techniques, medications, a night guard or splint, though evidence that appliances relieve pain is limited. NIDCR says bite-altering treatments are not supported by sufficient evidence and may worsen TMD, and advises getting second opinions before any irreversible treatment.

What makes TMD last longer

Healthline lists grinding, clenching, stress, dehydration, poor nutrition, overuse, trauma and dental procedures as contributing factors, and says pregnancy may contribute through sleep disruption and hormones, with symptoms expected to resolve after birth. If one of these is driving your symptoms, treating it matters more than treating the pain.

How long does a broken jaw take to heal?

Cleveland Clinic says mild fractures usually heal on their own with a liquid diet for about four to six weeks, and that after surgery full healing can take a month or more and full recovery may take a few months, with sports and usual activities paused for weeks or months. Severe breaks in more than one place may need surgery with plates or bars, and wires or elastics may keep the jaw closed. A broken jaw is a medical emergency, so get immediate care if you suspect one.

How long does jaw surgery take to heal?

The sources we read do not give a time for jaw surgery in general. Cleveland Clinic gives the recovery timeline for surgery after a fracture, which depends on the fracture and procedure. For jaw surgery planned by an orthodontist or oral surgeon, ask for the timeline, diet and return-to-activity plan in writing.

Questions to ask your dentist or doctor

Ask what is behind your symptoms.

• Is this an acute flare-up or a chronic TMD?
• Is grinding, clenching or my bite involved?
• Which self-care steps should I try first, and for how long?
• When would you consider a night guard, therapy or referral?
• What would make you worry that it is something else?

Frequently asked questions