Abstract
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. The joints are flexible, allowing the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side and enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn.
Muscles attached and surrounding the jaw joint control the position and movement of the jaw. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.
People with TMD can experience severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years. More women than men experience TMD.
Common symptoms of TMD include pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth wide, limited ability to open the mouth very wide, clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain) or chewing, difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite - as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly. Other common symptoms of TMD include toothaches, headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and earaches, hearing problems, upper shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Treatment is not simple and varied from earning relaxation techniques to total prosthesis insertion.