Treatment of the Temporomandibular Joint commonly referred to as TMJ, is a specialized area of dentistry. TMJ is a paired joint where the mandible (lower jaw) meets the temporal bone (base of the skull) just forward of the ears. Since it is a paired joint, the right and left sides must function together in harmony. This is a very complex joint; in fact, the Temporomandibular Joint could be the most complex joint in the body.
It is a very interesting area of study but can be an area of nagging pain and discomfort for patients. You can imagine the strain that we place on this joint as we breathe, talk, eat, and swallow (2,000 times) on a daily basis as well as clench and grind teeth. It is no wonder that 34% of the population reports some level of disorder in the TMJ. This disorder is referred to as TMD, Temporomandibular Disorder.
There are several adverse conditions of a dysfunctional jaw that can cause pain and or discomfort directly to the jaw area. Astonishing as it may seem, TMJ treatment can help to cure seemingly non-related problems as well. Migraine headaches otherwise treated with medications can, in a very high percentage of cases, be cured with the proper treatment of the TMJ. Believe it or not even psychological disorders can be improved with TMJ therapy.