Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Dental Services

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull.

TMDs are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder.

  • Myofascial Pain: This is the most common form of TMD. It results in discomfort or pain in the fascia (connective tissue covering the muscles) and muscles that control jaw, neck, and shoulder function.
  • Internal Derangement of the Joint: This means a dislocated jaw or displaced disk, (cushion of cartilage between the head of the jaw bone and the skull), or injury to the condyle (the rounded end of the jaw bone that articulates with the temporal skull bone).
  • Degenerative Joint Disease: This includes osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint.

You can have one or more of these conditions at the same time.

The following are the most common signs and symptoms of TMD:

Treatment may include: