TMJ Dysfunction -TMD and Temporomandibular Joint Anatomy

What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. TMJ Dysfunction is any of the pathology associated with the TMJ.


To get a better understanding of TMJ Dysfunction and the causes, we will need to look at the anatomy of the TMJ.

Here, we'll look at the anatomy of the TMJ using the help of these diagrams:

Normal TMJ - no presence of TMJ dysfunction

In a healthy, normal TMJ, the articlular disc, or 'disc,' is properly placed in between the head of the mandible and the fossa (joint space). The disc is bi-concave in shape, concave on the top and bottom, and it acts as a barrier and lubrication between the head of the mandible (condyle) and the fossa.

While you open your jaw, the TMJ disc should stay in place during the movement process, and if it does not stay in place, that is when you start to have the clicking or popping sound.

Sometimes the posterior (back) ligament gets stretched out and the disc sits in front of the condyle. This is known as anterior disc displacement.

Anteriorly displaced disc - has TMJ dysfunction

Note how the retrodiscal tissues are stretched out and the bi-concave shape of the disc is anteriorly displaced. TMJ dysfunction occurs because when you open the jaw, the displaced disc "clicks" or "pops" back in place. Sometimes the click or pop is audible and can be heard, but at early stages or "partial disc displacement," the disc is not fully off of the condyle and often times there is no pain or uncomfortable feeling.

Depending on the trauma and the level of TMJ Dysfunction, the disc can be anteriorly displaced (in front), or it can be displaced to the side (medial or inside; lateral or outside).

What is TMJ?
Since TMJ is "Temporomandibular Joint, everybody has TMJ! In fact, they have two. So, when someone says, "I think I may have TMJ." What they really mean is, "I think I may have TMJ Dysfunction."

Generally speaking, dentists are the most knowledgeable professionals to treat the TMJ and TMD.  However, not all dentists know about the TMJ (find out more at TMJ Dysfunction).


For more information on TMJ Dysfunction, visit: TMJDysfunction.net

How is TMJ dysfunction diagnosed?

How is TMJ diagnosed?

There are many schools of thought as to how TMD can be diagnosed.  Coincidentally, there are many health professionals that may assist with diagnosing TMD ranging from psychologists to physicians and most commonly, dentists.


Here are some of the most common methods of diagnosing:

1. Muscle palpation - Usually done by a dentist, palpating the muscles with constant pressure can show an imbalance of forces or unnatural trigger points in the functional muscles of the jaw, including the masseter, temporalis anterior, and lateral pterygoid.
2. Electromyography of the Muscles (EMG) - more objective than palapation, the facial muscle hyperactivity can be quantified and the imbalances of muscles during functional clench can be established by an EMG device.
3. Radiography/Imaging - X-rays (static or panographic), Cephalograms (an x-ray image of the structures of the head), MRI (magnetic Resonance imaging), CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) or 'Tomo', are all examples of static images that can detect derangement and degeneration of the TMJ bony structures.  However, imaging is limited because it takes a static (still) image and does not capture the TMJ in function and movement.
4. Symptoms questionnaire/Gathered symptoms - the health professional can do an extensive exam, and by learning about all of the symptoms in combination with muscle exams.e

The bottom line is that if you think you have TMJ symptoms, you should seek professional help to get the most accurate TMJ diagnosis.  Generally speaking, dentists will have the best experience with diagnosing the disorder, but that is not always the case.  

Also, TMD is a widely disagreed upon diagnosis, usually due to the lack of objective methods used for diagnosis and the amount of weight that is placed on patient symptoms.  For example, patients may complain of headaches, ear pain, facial muscle pain, back pain, pressure in the sinuses, tooth pain, and pressure behind the eyes.  Two different doctors might diagnose this differently and formulate different conclusions.

In conclusion, be sure to do diligent research on the health professionals you are thinking of visiting in your area.  Learn more about TMJ and TMD and get your FREE TMJ Report and free newsletter at http://tmjdysfunction.net.

Treatment for TMJ Dysfunction: Which TMJ Treatment is Best?

There are many different treatments for TMD.  And depending on which health care professional you see, you might get a different result.

Generally speaking, your dentist should be the most qualified to treat TMD.  The ADA states that dentists should help diagnose TMD to the best of their ability.  However, many dentists only have a limited knowledge of TMJ dysfunction, unless they have taken enough continuing education to develop the knowledge to treat the condition.

Other health care specialists that treat TMJ dysfunction include medical doctors/physicians, chiropractors, ENT  (ear, nose, throat) specialists, oral surgeons, massage therapists, accupuncturists, neurologists, and psychologists.

Here is a list of some of the options for treatment of TMJ dysfunction:

• Surgery to reconstruct the joint capsule and disc
• Stretching to relax the muscles
• Mouth guards or splint designed by your dentist to re-position the mandible and properly re-align the joint disc
• Accupuncture
• Medications (anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or muscle relaxants)
• Chiropractic treatment
• Cortisone or other injection
• Holistic methods
• Cold laser therapy

Which is the best treatment for TMJ dysfunction?  It depends who you ask.  Be sure to speak with all of your health care professionals to get the best treatment option for you.  If you'd like to learn more about TMJ dysfunction (TMD), get the FREE Report at http://tmjdysfunction.net

What is TMJ - A Basic Understanding of TMJ and TMJ Dysfunction (TMD)

What is TMJ?

TMJ is an acronym for "Temporomandibular Joint." The TMJ is a complex joint, similar to the knee, because it has multiple dimensions of movement in normal activity - it can rotate and translate.

During normal jaw opening, the TMJ first rotates, then translates along the fossa, or joint socket, and it is supported by a lubricating disc. Since the TMJ is a very complex joint, it is very susceptible to trauma. The trauma can lead to problems of the joint, also known as TMJ dysfunction, or TMD.

 So when people say they are affected by "TMJ" they actually are talking about the condition known as TMJ dysfunction or TMD!