TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. Because some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your temporomandibular joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the cartilage disk which cushions the jaw can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, a clicking or grating noise when you open your mouth, or you may have trouble opening your mouth wide.
To see if you may have a TMJ disorder and need treatment, make an appointment with an oral surgeon.