When you've had tmj for over two years and despite numerous treatments it still hasn't gone , is it a poor outlook?

Not necessarily: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can be treated with dental prosthesis, manual manipulation, neuropathic medication. Finding cause(s) of pain associated with recurrent temporomandibular joint dysfunction is the key. Accurate prognosis of the condition cannot be determined until proper diagnosis of the underlying cause(s) and initiation of proper treatments of the condition can be performed.

Diagnosis: To successfully treat something as multi-focal as tmd, you need to start with an accurate diagnosis. I suspect 2 years of treating the wrong underlying issue or inadequately treating it may be your problem. This malady is a difficult one to manage and treatment spans many disciplines. Make sure you are addressing the root cause of the problem in order to manage it better.

TMJ: Have you had a dentist trained in TMJ and occlusion take a look at your problem. You should not be able to tell which tooth hits first in your mouth and simultaneously have TMJ symptoms.

Never cured: Tmj/tmd is never cured, just maintained. Depending upon your symptoms and home care, you need to do whatever is suggested to help it not recycle. If in doubt, see a tmj/tmd specialist or get another opinion.

TMJ dysfunction: In order to treat TMJ dysfunction, it is important to have an accurate diagnosis as to cause. The most common cause is bruxism (chronic teeth grinding and/or clenching, and/or a bad bite. Bruxism normally occurs at night during sleep (it is also associated with sleep apnea), but is not uncommon during the day. Tmj is treatable. Find a dentist who is experienced in diagnosis and treatment.

Not necessarily: Not necessarily. Have you seen a board certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon? Many "TMJ experts" will refuse to let their patient see a competent surgeon. Insist on seeing an experienced TMJ surgoen for a surgical opinion. Surgery should be the last resort in most cases. But surgery will often help when nothing else is working.