Tmj Essay, Research Paper

TMJ

(TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT)

The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw, (called the mandible),

to the temporal bone at the side of the head. Because the joints are

flexible, the jaw can move smoothly up and down and side to side, enabling

us to chew, talk and yawn. Muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw

joint control its position and movement. The TMJ is the most frequently

used joint in the body. When we open our mouths the rounded end of the

mandible, called condyles, glide along the joint socket of the temporal

bone. These condyles slide back to their original position when we close

our mouths. To keep this motion smooth a soft disc lies between the condyle

and the temporal bone. This disc absorbs shocks to the TMJ from chewing and

other movements.

Some problems relating to this joint are caused by habitually clenching or

grinding your teeth because you increase the wear on the cartilage lining of

the temporomandibular joint. Also, “Internal Derangement” of this joint is

present when the posterior band of the meniscus is anteriorly displaced in

front of the condyle. Often the displaced posterior band, will return to

it s normal position when the condyle reaches a certain point. This

derangement causes you to hear a popping or clicking sound in your ear,

commonly called TMJ disorder. Although in some patients, the meniscus

remains anteriorly displaced at full opening, which can cause an inability

in fully opening the mouth. Sometimes there can be a tear in the meniscus

and this is a more severe than the TMJ disorder. It can lead to the joint

breaking down and resulting in a receding chin and protruding teeth as time

goes by. If this disk is pressing against the inner ear you can suffer from

hearing loss.