TMD - Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

TMD stands for Temporomandibular Dysfunction or Disorders. This is also called TMJ. Because problems with the jaw often involves more than just the joint, TMD refers more to the whole complex, comprised of the muscles, the jaw and other related structures in the head and neck.

What causes TMD?

Some of the most common causes of TMD include:

Unconscious habits such as grinding or clenching the teeth
Trauma related to an accident or fall
Stress or Anxiety
Arthritis or a degenerative process

What is the TMJ?

The TMJ is the Temporomandibular Joint, or jaw joint. It connects the lower jaw to the skull. It is the joint which allows your jaw to move while eating, speaking, swallowing and yawning. This joint works in conjunction with the muscles of the jaw, head and neck.

The TMJ is one of the most complex yet smallest joints in the body. This joint is positioned in front of the ear on each side of head and consists of the following:

The Condyle which is part of the lower jaw and allows the jaw (mandible) to move
The Disc: tissue that provides a gliding surface for joint movement
The condyle and disc sit in a depression in the skull which provides a place for them to rest

Next: Symptoms

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Artwork by Watts Graphics.
Copyright 2005 Dennis R. Bailey, DDS.
Artwork, text, photographs and articles may be reproduced with permission only.


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Home About Dr. Bailey Contact Location & Map More Information Reimbursement TMD Information Symptoms Bruxism Children Treatment	TMD - Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction TMD stands for Temporomandibular Dysfunction or Disorders. This is also called TMJ. Because problems with the jaw often involves more than just the joint, TMD refers more to the whole complex, comprised of the muscles, the jaw and other related structures in the head and neck. What causes TMD? Some of the most common causes of TMD include: Unconscious habits such as grinding or clenching the teeth Trauma related to an accident or fall Stress or Anxiety Arthritis or a degenerative process What is the TMJ? The TMJ is the Temporomandibular Joint, or jaw joint. It connects the lower jaw to the skull. It is the joint which allows your jaw to move while eating, speaking, swallowing and yawning. This joint works in conjunction with the muscles of the jaw, head and neck. The TMJ is one of the most complex yet smallest joints in the body. This joint is positioned in front of the ear on each side of head and consists of the following: The Condyle which is part of the lower jaw and allows the jaw (mandible) to move The Disc: tissue that provides a gliding surface for joint movement The condyle and disc sit in a depression in the skull which provides a place for them to rest Next: Symptoms Home Artwork by Watts Graphics. Copyright 2005 Dennis R. Bailey, DDS. Artwork, text, photographs and articles may be reproduced with permission only.