Oral Surgery
TMJ Disorder
More than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain.
Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw,
clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, and neck and headaches.
Two joints and several jaw muscles make it possible to open and close the mouth.
They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. These structures include
muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with
two joints, the TMJ’s.
The TM joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. Located on each side
of the head, these joints work together and can make many different movements,
including a combination of rotating and translocational (gliding) action, used
when chewing and speaking.
Several muscles help open and close the mouth. They control the lower jaw
(mandible) as it moves forward, backward, and side-to-side. Both TM joints are
involved in these movements. Each TM joint has a disc between the ball and
socket (see diagram). The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open
widely and perform rotating and translocational movements. Any problem that
prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones from
working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.
Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. Part of your clinical
examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking,
popping or difficulty moving. Your complete medical history may be reviewed, so
it is important to keep your dental office record up-to-date. We may take x-rays
and may make a “cast” of your teeth to see how your bite fits together. We may
also request specialized x-rays for the TM joints. Depending on your case, we
may refer you to a physician or another dentist that specializes in this area.
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