The Temporo-Mandibular Joint is the medical term for your jaw joint. This comes from the name of the two bones that the joint joins, the mandible(your jaw) and the temporal bone, which is part of your skull. The joints are located on both sides of your head just below and slightly in front of your ears. It is a complex joint because it allows you to move your jaw up and down as well as side to side and backwards and forwards. As you might imagine this is a very important part of your mouth because this movement allows you to eat and talk. Unfortunately because of its complexity and usage it can develops problems like Temporo-Mandibular Joint Disorder, more commonly known as TMJD or TMJ.
The jaw joint is actually two joints on each side of the head, four altogether. If you look at the picture of your mandible you can see that the bone separates into two protrusions. The rear one in known as the Condylar Process and the front one is called the Coronoid Process. The jaw is separated by a special piece of cartilage known as the articular disk and this is important in allowing your jaw to move.
One of the most common problems with the jaw joint is TMJ Disorder. TMJD can cause jaw pain, jaw clicking or jaw popping, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), jaw locking, limited range in opening the mouth and even insomnia and frequent headaches. The pain caused by TMJ is not always limited to the jaw. Because of the complexity of the working of the joint and the muscles involved, TMJ pain can spread to the neck and shoulders.. This means that your general health can be seriously affected by this disorder.
If you would like more information on the jaw joint and would like to speak with a dentist in Atlanta , please consider visiting us at the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Our Atlanta dentists have over 45 years of combined experience serving Atlanta's dental needs. Our dentists in Georgia are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are more than welcome to join our family of patients. Our Atlanta DDS enjoys working with and helping his patients. If you would like schedule an free dental consultation appointment with Atlanta dentist, call our office at to make an appointment at 404-874-7428.