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.