The Temporomandibular Joint, or (TMJ) is a small joint located in front of the ear where the skull and the lower jaw meet.  This joint allows the lower jaw (mandible) to move and function, and is most constantly used joint in the body.  The TMJ is a “ball and socket” joint, and the round end, or “ ball” portion, is called the condyle; the socket is called the articular fossa.  Between the condyle and the fossa is a disc made of cartilage that acts as a cushion to absorb stress and allows the condyle to easily move when the mouth opens and closes.  At the back of the joint, the disc attaches to tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels and can be quite sensitive.  Ligaments hold the disc and condyle in place, and muscles surrounding the TMJ also help stabilize the joint as well as move the lower jaw during chewing, speaking, and other functions.The teeth themselves are also important for proper TMJ function, because if they don’t fit together properly, stresses can be generated that can displace the condyle and damage the disc, ligaments and muscles. Trauma can also damage the TMJ and inhibit proper function.  When all elements of the TMJ are in harmony and working properly, the joint operates smoothly and without problems.  However, TMJ disorders can develop if these elements are not functioning as they should, or if stresses, trauma or other factors generate TMJ problems.  

TMJ Disorders can be relatively minor, or they can be extremely painful and potentionally debilitating.  Emotional stress, with attendant habits such as grinding or clenching the teeth, can trigger TMJ symptoms as well as muscle spasms around the joint and jaws.  Malpositioned jaws also may trigger TMJ problems and, in some cases, arthritis may be the cause of TMJ disorders.  Injury, such as a blow to the chin or jaw, can displace the condyle or disc, thus causing problems.  In some cases of TMJ disorders, the disc is displaced, which interferes with its ability to properly interface between the “ball” and “socket.”  The sensitive layer of tissue behind the disc becomes the cushion, and the result is tenderness and pain in the joint.  In some cases the disc may move so far forward that the mouth cannot be widely opened.  This condition can cause degenerative joint disease, a form of arthritis involving the bones of the joint.

TMJ SUFFERERS CAN DISPLAY A VARIETY OF SYMPTOMS, and certain signs may indicate the potential for TMJ disorders to develop.  Following are signs and symptoms that are possible in patients with TMJ problems: 

•         Painful clicks or pops in the joint when opening or closing the mouth

•       A habit of tooth grinding or clenching

•         Sore jaw muscles when awakening

•         Difficulty in opening the mouth fully

•         Frequent headaches or neck aches

•         Pain in TMJ area

•       Locking of the jaw

Presence of some of these signs and symptoms could also indicate a specific type of disorder known as myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome or MPD.  This disorder is accompanied by muscle pain and tenderness, limitation in range of jaw motion, and local pain usually limited to one side of the face.  Our office can diagnose this disorder when evaluating your need for TMJ treatment.

IN THE TREATMENT OF TMJ DISORDERS, you will be working in partnership with the oral surgeon and in some cases your orthodontist and restorative dentist.  It is important to know that most types of TMJ disorders can be treated, in whole or at least in part, by “self-care” and specific changes in lifestyle on your part.  Other problems, in addition to self-care techniques, require more extensive therapy, sometimes including surgery.

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