If you’re dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing, you might have TMJ disorder. The good news? TMJ treatment in NJ is available! Our practice offers TMJ injections that can help relieve symptoms. But how long does it take to feel better? While every patient is different, here’s a general timeline of what to expect.
General Timeline for TMJ Treatment and Relief
First Few Days: Initial Response to TMJ Injections
After receiving TMJ injections, some patients experience mild relief within just a few days. This early relief often indicates that the treatment is beginning to work. However, it’s not uncommon to feel some temporary soreness at the injection site during the first few days. This discomfort typically fades as your body adjusts to the treatment.
While the initial relief can be encouraging, it’s important to understand that more significant improvements are likely to come as the treatment continues to take effect.
1–2 Weeks: Gradual Improvement
As the days pass, most patients start to notice a gradual reduction in jaw tension and discomfort. Headaches and facial pain, which often accompany TMJ disorder, may also begin to decrease. For many, this marks the beginning of noticeable improvement.
While it’s common to feel better during this stage, you may still experience some mild discomfort or tightness. The key is that progress is happening, and the treatment is working.
3–4 Weeks: Noticeable Pain Reduction
Significant pain reduction typically occurs by the third or fourth week. Most patients experience a marked decrease in jaw stiffness, clenching, and grinding. At this stage, jaw movement often becomes easier, and overall comfort improves. Many individuals also report fewer headaches and less facial pain.
During this time is when the full benefits of the treatment become apparent. Daily activities like chewing or talking also start to feel more comfortable.
3+ Months: Peak Effectiveness & Maintenance
For most patients, the peak effectiveness of TMJ injections is reached after around three months. This is when relief from pain and discomfort is at its highest, providing long-lasting results. However, some individuals may require follow-up injections to maintain the benefits, as the effects can gradually wear off over time.
The frequency of maintenance treatments depends on individual needs. However, many patients experience relief that lasts for several months before needing a touch-up.
Factors That Affect Recovery Time
The recovery time and results from TMJ injections can vary depending on a few factors, such as:
- Severity of Symptoms: More severe TMJ issues may take longer to improve or could require surgery.
- Individual Healing Response: Everyone’s body reacts differently to treatment.
- Post-Treatment Care: Following any recommendations from your provider can help maximize relief.
Are You Looking for TMJ Treatment in NJ?
TMJ injections offer an effective way to reduce pain and improve jaw function, but results aren’t instant. Most patients start feeling relief within a couple of weeks, with peak effects kicking in around the three-month mark. If you’re struggling with TMJ pain, consult our specialist at Green Leaf Dental to see if this treatment is right for you.