Temporomandibular (TM) Disorders: What Happens

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What Happens

The course of temporomandibular (TM) disorders caused by muscle tension varies depending on the cause of the muscle tension.

• If muscle tension is related to a one-time overuse injury (such as holding your mouth open for a long time during a dental exam), the pain and discomfort may go away without treatment. Similarly, about 65% to 95% of people who see a health professional about TM disorder symptoms for the first time will get better regardless of the treatment.¹
• If there is long-lasting (chronic) muscle tension due to stress, anxiety, an injury or blow to the jaw, or habits like grinding the teeth during sleep, treatment (including changing certain habits) may relieve pain and discomfort. If chronic muscle tension is not treated, it may gradually cause changes in the joint structure or osteoarthritis.

TM disorders caused by problems in the structure of the jaw joint may:

• Respond well to nonsurgical treatment, if treated early.
• Get worse, if not treated. Long-term consequences include injury to the disc or other tissues in the joint, arthritis, or chronic pain.

Chronic pain

In some cases, TM disorders can be extremely painful and disabling and last a long time. Such chronic pain can affect a person's overall quality of life by increasing stress, making it difficult to perform a job, and interfering with personal life. Depression and anxiety are a common result of chronic pain. In these cases, it is especially important to seek treatment for TM disorder pain and for related depression and anxiety.

Last updated:	January 24, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC