temporomandibular joint disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder

Inflammation, irritation, and pain of the jaw caused by improper opening and closing of the temporomandibular joint. Other symptoms include clicking of the jaw and a limited range of motion.

Mentioned in: Biofeedback

---

temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder,

dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, marked by a clicking or grinding sensation in the joint and often by pain in or about the ears, tinnitus, tiredness, slight soreness of the jaw muscles on waking, and stiffness of the jaw or actual trismus. Numerous causes have been proposed, such as mandibular overclosure, stress, and lesions of the joint. Also called TMJ disorder.

---

temporomandibular [tem″po-ro-man″dib´u-lar]

pertaining to the temporal bone and mandible.

temporomandibular joint disorder (temporomandibular joint syndrome) dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, marked by a clicking or grinding sensation in the joint and often by pain in or about the ears, tinnitus, tiredness and slight soreness of the jaw muscles upon waking, and stiffness of the jaw or actual trismus. Numerous causes have been proposed, such as mandibular overclosure, stress, and lesions of the joint. Called also TMJ disorder or syndrome.



Treatment may include medical therapy, dental therapy, or a combination of these. Dental treatment usually involves insertion of a biteplate to prevent the teeth from meeting and grinding against one another. The biteplate relieves pain and promotes muscle relaxation and normal positioning of the mandible, which allows the inflamed joint to rest and heal. Once the inflammation has subsided and normal neuromuscular function returns, the dentist may attempt to correct malocclusion. Medical therapy may include local heat applications to improve circulation and promote relaxation, corticosteroid injections into the joint, jaw exercises, and analgesics, muscle relaxants, and antiinflammatory agents.