Timeline of TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, which essentially connects the jaw to the skull, is one of the most used joints in the human body. It also has a tendency to be among the most problematic, as it is believed that a variety of factors can contribute to the likes of jaw and facial pain, head and neck pain and other symptoms which are associated with TMJ disorder. The good news is that TMJ issues are usually treatable — in fact, some people who experience TMJ pain report that any discomfort dissipates on its own after a few days. Other people, however, aren’t quite as fortunate, and may have to undergo further treatment. Whatever the case, we’ve put together a guide about how long TMJ treatment should take. Every person is different in how they respond to treatment, and there are a variety of different treatments to help an individual overcome TMJ, so while this is somewhat of a loose guide, it’s a good indication of what to expect if you are experiencing such issues.

How Long Does TMJ Treatment Take?
As we noted in the opening, the length of TMJ treatment is largely dictated by the individual’s response to treatment and the type of treatment being administered. Here’s a closer look:
- Home remedies: Simply resting the jaw, applying ice packs to reduce swelling, taking over-the-counter painkillers and eating soft foods could eliminate TMJ pain in as little as just a few days. This is often the best-case scenario, as perhaps the easiest and most convenient treatment is that of the DIY variety.
- Orthodontics: It’s believed that TMJ issues can stem from dental issues, such as a poor bite. Overbites and underbites can be corrected through orthodontics, either through braces, a retainer or both. Orthodontic treatment for adults lasts anywhere from 18 months to 3 years, while treatment periods are about 2 years for kids, however TMJ pain will normally gradually improve over the course of orthodontic treatment.
- Bite plates/splints: Teeth grinding puts strain on the jaw and may cause it to become misaligned, thereby leading to TMJ pain. However, a bite guard or splint can help eliminate this behavior, thereby eliminating TMJ pain relatively quickly.
- Massaging: Some people who experience issues with TMJ pain often benefit from massages and treatment to the affected area itself. Treatment via these means can often end pain in as little as a few weeks, however such treatment may also be ongoing.
- Surgery: This is the last-ditch option when it comes to alleviating TMJ pain and also the one with perhaps the toughest recovery. While surgery can normally be performed over the course of a few hours, it may take up to 6 months for an individual to fully recover from such a procedure.
TMJ pain isn’t fun to deal with, so it’s only natural for people to seek treatment. For more information on treatment options for TMJ pain, and how long you can expect them to last, contact Kanehl Dental today.
