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The Temporo-mandibular Joint is the joint of the jaw which we commonly refer to as the TMJ. There are two joints, one on either side of the head. Temporo-mandibular joints are located in front of your ears where your lower jaw meets the skull. You will be able to feel the joint when you place your fingers in front of your ears on either side of your head and try to open and close your mouth.
The TMJ enables movement of your jaw when you eat your food and of course when you talk and sing. It is one of the most commonly used joints in the body.
TMJ disorder is a general term that refers to the pain or discomfort in the temporo-mandibular joint area. It is a very painful condition which involves the jaw joint and the muscles surrounding it.
In order to learn more about the Temporo-mandibular joint disorders, it is necessary to understand the normal anatomy of the TMJ.
The temporo-mandibular joint complex consists of the following structures that work in harmony for the smooth functioning of the joint:
These are complex group of muscles that allow your mouth to open and close. When these muscles are relaxed and not under stress, they work in conjunction with the other parts of the TMJ complex.
Occlusion refers to the way the upper and lower teeth come together when you bite. A bad bite may damage the joint whereas a normal occlusion provides support to the joint.
You may come across the following symptoms:
Your dentist will ask you about your symptoms and medical history and also perform a physical examination.
For those with a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a moveable jaw repositioning appliance can be used to help train the jaw to close in the correct position. These are also known as splints and can be worn either on the upper or lower jaw.
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