View source for Temporomandibular joint dysfunction

{{Short description|Disorders of the muscles and joints connecting the jaw to the skull}}
{{about|the syndrome with joint pain|the range of diseases affecting the joint|Temporomandibular joint pathology}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox medical condition 
| name            = Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
| image           = Gray309-en.svg
| caption         = Temporomandibular joint
| field           = [[oral and maxillofacial surgery]], [[Oral medicine]]
| synonyms        = Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome, temporomandibular disorder, others<ref>[https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd TMJ Disorders], National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research</ref>
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}}

<!-- Definition and symptoms -->
'''Temporomandibular joint dysfunction''' ('''TMD''', '''TMJD''') is an umbrella term for a spectrum of disorders relating to [[pain]] and dysfunction of the [[muscles of mastication]] (the muscles that move the jaw) and the [[temporomandibular joint]]s (the joints which connect the [[Human mandible|mandible]] to the [[human skull|skull]]). The major common presenting symptoms are pain, alterations in the range of mandibular movement,<ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" /> and/or noises from the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) during function. Although TMD is not life-threatening, it can be detrimental to [[quality of life]], especially in the form of chronic pain.<ref name="Shi 2003">{{cite journal | vauthors = Shi Z, Guo C, Awad M | editor1-first = Zongdao | editor1-last = Shi | title = Hyaluronate for temporomandibular joint disorders | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 1 | article-number = CD002970 | year = 2003 | pmid = 12535445 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD002970 }} {{Retracted|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD002970.pub2|pmid=24105378|http://retractionwatch.com/2010/09/20/progressive-how-the-cochrane-library-handles-updates-in-progress/ ''Retraction Watch''|intentional=yes}}</ref>

In this article, the term ''temporomandibular disorder'' (TMD) is taken to mean any disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint or masticatory muscles, and ''temporomandibular joint disorder'' (TMJD, but sometimes TMJD) is taken to mean dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. However, there is no single, globally accepted term or definition<ref name="Medscape reference" /> concerning this topic.

<!-- Cause, diagnosis, and treatment -->
TMDs have a range of causes and often co-occur with a number of overlapping medical conditions, including headaches, fibromyalgia, back pain, and irritable bowel.<ref>{{cite book| title=Temporomandibular Disorders: Priorities for Research and Care | publisher=National Academies Press (US) | publication-place=Washington (DC) | date=2020 | isbn=978-0-309-67048-7 | pmid=32200600 | page=}}</ref> However, these factors are poorly understood,<ref name="Cairns 2010" /> and there is disagreement as to their relative importance. There are many treatments available,<ref name="Guo 2009" /> although there is a general lack of evidence for any treatment in TMD, and no widely accepted treatment protocol. Common treatments include provision of occlusal splints, psychosocial interventions like [[cognitive behavioral therapy]], physical therapy, and [[analgesic|pain medication]] or others. Most sources agree that no irreversible treatment should be carried out for TMD.<ref name="NIH1996" />

<!-- Epidemiology -->
The prevalence of TMD in the global population is 34%. It varies by continent: the highest rate is in South America at 47%, followed by Asia at 33%, Europe at 29%, and North America at 26%.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite journal |last1=Zieliński |first1=Grzegorz |last2=Pająk-Zielińska |first2=Beata |last3=Ginszt |first3=Michał |date=2024-02-28 |title=A Meta-Analysis of the Global Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders |journal=Journal of Clinical Medicine |language=en |volume=13 |issue=5 |page=1365 |doi=10.3390/jcm13051365 |doi-access=free |issn=2077-0383 |pmc=10931584 |pmid=38592227}}</ref> About 20% to 30% of the adult population are affected to some degree.<ref name="Guo 2009">{{cite journal | vauthors = Guo C, Shi Z, Revington P | s2cid = 19685120 | editor1-first = Chunlan | editor1-last = Guo | title = Arthrocentesis and lavage for treating temporomandibular joint disorders | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 4 | article-number = CD004973 | date = October 2009 | pmid = 19821335 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD004973.pub2 }} {{Retracted|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD004973.pub3|pmid=26677172|http://retractionwatch.com/2010/09/20/progressive-how-the-cochrane-library-handles-updates-in-progress/ ''Retraction Watch''|intentional=yes}}</ref> Usually people affected by TMD are between 20 and 40 years of age,<ref name="Shi 2003" /> and it is more common in females than males.<ref name="Edwab 2003" /> TMD is the second most frequent cause of [[orofacial pain]] after dental pain (i.e. [[toothache]]).<ref name="Manfredini 2011" /> By 2050, the global prevalence of TMD may approach 44%.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Zieliński |first=Grzegorz |date=2025-06-20 |title=Quo Vadis Temporomandibular Disorders? By 2050, the Global Prevalence of TMD May Approach 44% |journal=Journal of Clinical Medicine |language=en |volume=14 |issue=13 |page=4414 |doi=10.3390/jcm14134414 |pmid=40648789 |pmc=12249499 |doi-access=free |issn=2077-0383}}</ref>
{{TOC limit|3}}

==Classification==

{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; width:230px;"
|+ Classification (Expanded DC/TMD taxonomy):<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Peck |first=C. C. |last2=Goulet |first2=J-P. |last3=Lobbezoo |first3=F. |last4=Schiffman |first4=E. L. |last5=Alstergren |first5=P. |last6=Anderson |first6=G. C. |last7=de Leeuw |first7=R. |last8=Jensen |first8=R. |last9=Michelotti |first9=A. |last10=Ohrbach |first10=R. |last11=Petersson |first11=A. |last12=List |first12=T. |date=2014 |title=Expanding the taxonomy of the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/joor.12132 |journal=Journal of Oral Rehabilitation |language=en |volume=41 |issue=1 |pages=2–23 |doi=10.1111/joor.12132 |issn=1365-2842 |pmc=4520529 |pmid=24443898}}</ref>
|'''''Temporomandibular Joint Disorders'''''
# Joint pain
## Arthralgia
## Arthritis
# Joint disorders
## Disc disorders
### Disc displacement with reduction
### Disc displacement with reduction with intermittent locking
### Disc displacement without reduction with limited opening
### Disc displacement without reduction without limited opening
## Hypomobility disorders other than disc disorders
### Adhesions/Adherence
### Ankylosis 
#### Fibrous
#### Osseous
## Hypermobility disorders
### Dislocations
#### Subluxation
#### Luxation
# Joint diseases
## Degenerative joint disease
### Osteoarthrosis
### Osteoarthritis
## Systemic arthritides
## Condylysis/Idiopathic condylar resorption
## Osteochondritis dissecans
## Osteonecrosis
## Neoplasm
## Synovial Chondromatosis
# Fractures
# Congenital/developmental disorders
## Aplasia
## Hypoplasia
## Hyperplasia

'''''Masticatory Muscle Disorders'''''

# Muscle pain
## Myalgia
### Local myalgia
### Myofascial pain
### Myofascial pain with referral
## Tendonitis
## Myositis
## Spasm
# Contracture
# Hypertrophy
# Neoplasm
# Movement Disorders
## Orofacial dyskinesia
## Oromandibular dystonia
# Masticatory muscle pain attributed to systemic/central pain disorders
## Fibromyalgia/widespread pain

'''''Headache'''''

# Headache attributed to TMD

'''''Associated Structures'''''

# Coronoid hyperplasia

|}
TMD is considered by some to be one of the four major symptom complexes in chronic orofacial pain, along with [[burning mouth syndrome]], [[atypical facial pain]] and [[atypical odontalgia]].<ref name="Aggarwal 2011">{{cite journal | vauthors = Aggarwal VR, Lovell K, Peters S, Javidi H, Joughin A, Goldthorpe J | s2cid = 34127162 | editor1-first = Vishal R | editor1-last = Aggarwal | title = Psychosocial interventions for the management of chronic orofacial pain | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 11 | article-number = CD008456 | date = November 2011 | pmid = 22071849 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD008456.pub2 }} {{Retracted|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD008456.pub3|pmid=26678041|http://retractionwatch.com/2010/09/20/progressive-how-the-cochrane-library-handles-updates-in-progress/ ''Retraction Watch''|intentional=yes}}</ref> TMD has been considered as a type of [[musculoskeletal]],<ref name="Fernandez 2009" /> [[Neuromuscular disease|neuromuscular]],<ref name="AADR policy statement">{{cite web|title=Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Policy Statement|url=http://www.aadronline.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3465#TMD|publisher=American Association for Dental Research|access-date=6 June 2013}}</ref> or [[rheumatological]] disorder.<ref name="Fernandez 2009" /> It has also been called a [[functional disorder|functional]] pain syndrome,<ref name="Cairns 2010" /> and a [[psychogenic pain|psychogenic]] disorder.<ref name="Luther 2010" /><ref name="Kindler 2011">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kindler LL, Bennett RM, Jones KD | title = Central sensitivity syndromes: mounting pathophysiologic evidence to link fibromyalgia with other common chronic pain disorders | journal = Pain Management Nursing | volume = 12 | issue = 1 | pages = 15–24 | date = March 2011 | pmid = 21349445 | pmc = 3052797 | doi = 10.1016/j.pmn.2009.10.003 }}</ref> It is hypothesized that there is a great deal of similarity between TMD and other pain syndromes like [[fibromyalgia]], [[irritable bowel syndrome]], [[interstitial cystitis]], headache, chronic lower [[back pain]] and chronic [[neck pain]].

===Definitions and terminology===
Frequently, TMD has been treated as a single [[syndrome]], but the prevailing modern view is that TMD is a cluster of related disorders with many common features.<ref name="Fernandez 2009" /> Indeed, some have suggested that, in the future, the term 'TMD' may be discarded as the different causes are fully identified and separated into different conditions.<ref name="Luther 2010" /> Sometimes, "temporomandibular joint dysfunction" is described as the most common form of temporomandibular disorder,<ref name="Al-Ani 2004">{{cite journal |vauthors = Al-Ani MZ, Davies SJ, Gray RJ, Sloan P, Glenny AM |s2cid = 28416906 |editor1-first = M Ziad |editor1-last = Al-Ani |title = Stabilisation splint therapy for temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome |journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |issue = 1 |article-number = CD002778 |year = 2004 |pmid=14973990 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD002778.pub2}} {{Retracted|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD002778.pub3|pmid=26727210|http://retractionwatch.com/2010/09/20/progressive-how-the-cochrane-library-handles-updates-in-progress/ ''Retraction Watch''|intentional=yes}}</ref> whereas many other sources use the term 'temporomandibular disorder' synonymously, or instead of the term 'temporomandibular joint dysfunction'. In turn, the term 'temporomandibular disorder' is defined as "musculoskeletal disorders affecting the temporomandibular joints and their associated musculature. It is a collective term which represents a diverse group of pathologies involving the temporomandibular joint, the muscles of mastication, or both".<ref name="Mujakperuo 2010">{{cite journal |vauthors = Mujakperuo HR, Watson M, Morrison R, Macfarlane TV |title = Pharmacological interventions for pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders |journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |issue = 10 |article-number = CD004715 |date = October 2010 |pmid = 20927737 |doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD004715.pub2 }}</ref> Another definition of temporomandibular disorders is "a group of conditions with similar signs and symptoms that affect the temporomandibular joints, the muscles of mastication, or both."<ref name="Wassell 2008">{{cite book |vauthors=Wassell R, Naru A, Steele J, Nohl F |title=Applied occlusion |year=2008 |publisher=Quintessence |location=London |isbn=978-1-85097-098-9 |pages=73–84}}</ref> 'Temporomandibular disorder' is a term that creates confusion since it refers to a group of similarly symptomatic conditions, whilst many sources use the term temporomandibular disorders as a vague description, rather than a specific syndrome, and refer to any condition which may affect the temporomandibular joints (see table). The temporomandibular joint is susceptible to a huge range of diseases, some rarer than others, and there is no implication that all of these will cause any symptoms or limitation in function at all. Only 33% of those with signs of TMD will have symptoms.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Scrivani |first=Steven J. |last2=Keith |first2=David A. |last3=Kaban |first3=Leonard B. |date=2008-12-18 |title=Temporomandibular Disorders |url=http://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMra0802472 |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |language=en |volume=359 |issue=25 |pages=2693–2705 |doi=10.1056/NEJMra0802472 |issn=0028-4793}}</ref>

The preferred terms in medical publications is to an extent influenced by geographic location. For example, in the [[United Kingdom]], the term 'pain dysfunction syndrome' is in common use.<ref name="Al-Ani 2004" /> In the United States, the term 'temporomandibular disorder' is generally favored. The American Academy of Orofacial Pain uses 'temporomandibular disorder', whilst the [[National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research]] uses 'temporomandibular joint disorder'.<ref name="Medscape reference" /> A more complete list of synonyms for this topic is extensive, with some being more commonly used than others. In addition to those already mentioned, examples include 'temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome', 'temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome', 'temporomandibular joint syndrome', 'temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome', 'temporomandibular dysfunction', 'temporomandibular disorder', 'temporomandibular syndrome', 'facial arthromyalgia', 'myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome', 'craniomandibular dysfunction' (CMD), 'myofacial pain dysfunction', 'masticatory myalgia', 'mandibular dysfunction', and 'Costen's syndrome'.

The lack of standardization in terms is not restricted to medical papers. Notable internationally recognized sources vary in both their preferred term, and their offered definition. For example:

{{blockquote|"Temporomandibular Pain and Dysfunction Syndrome – Aching in the muscles of mastication, sometimes with an occasional brief severe pain on chewing, often associated with restricted jaw movement and clicking or popping sounds." (Classification of Chronic Pain, [[International Association for the Study of Pain]]).<ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain">{{cite web |title=Classification of Chronic Pain, Part II, B. Relatively Localized Syndromes of the Head and Neck; Group III: Craniofacial pain of musculoskeletal origin |url=http://www.iasp-pain.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Classification_of_Chronic_Pain&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=16276 |publisher=IASP |access-date=7 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219110805/http://www.iasp-pain.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Classification_of_Chronic_Pain&Template=%2FCM%2FContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=16276 |archive-date=19 December 2012}}</ref>}}
{{blockquote|"Headache or facial pain attributed to temporomandibular joint disorder." ([[International Classification of Headache Disorders]] 2nd edition (ICHD-2), [[International Headache Society]]).<ref name="ICHD-2">{{cite web |title=2nd Edition International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-2) |url=http://ihs-classification.org/en/02_klassifikation/03_teil2/11.07.00_cranial.html |publisher=International Headache Society |access-date=7 May 2013 |archive-date=15 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915060152/http://ihs-classification.org/en/02_klassifikation/03_teil2/11.07.00_cranial.html }}</ref>}}
{{blockquote|"Temporomandibular joint-pain-dysfunction syndrome" listed in turn under "Temporomandibular joint disorders" ([[ICD-10|International Classification of Diseases 10th revision]], [[World Health Organization]]).<ref>{{cite web |title=International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision |url=http://apps.who.int/classifications/icd10/browse/2010/en#/K07.6 |publisher=World Health Organization |access-date=22 May 2013}}</ref>}}

===By cause and symptoms===
Some classification systems distinguish muscle-related (myogenous) TMD (also termed myogenous TMD, or TMD secondary to myofascial pain and dysfunction) from joint-related TMD (also termed arthogenous TMD, or TMD secondary to true articular disease), based upon whether the muscles of mastication or the TMJs themselves are predominantly involved. This classification, which effectively divides TMD into 2 syndromes, is followed by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.<ref name="Medscape reference" /> However, since most people with TMD could be placed into both of these groups, it makes a single diagnosis difficult when this classification is used. The Diagnostic Criteria (DC/TMD) allows for multiple diagnoses in an attempt to overcome the problems with other classifications. DC/TMD considers temporomandibular disorders in 2 axes; axis I is the physical aspects, and axis II involves assessment of psychological status, mandibular function and TMD-related psychosocial disability.<ref name="Medscape reference" /> Axis I is divided into 5 general groups of disorders and allows for diagnoses from each group for each joint. These include the muscle pain, joint pain, disc displacement, degenerative joint disorder, and subluxation disorder diagnoses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schiffman |first=Eric |last2=Ohrbach |first2=Richard |last3=Truelove |first3=Edmond |last4=Look |first4=John |last5=Anderson |first5=Gary |last6=Goulet |first6=Jean-Paul |last7=List |first7=Thomas |last8=Svensson |first8=Peter |last9=Gonzalez |first9=Yoly |date=2014-03-30 |title=Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) for Clinical and Research Applications: Recommendationsof the International RDC/TMD Consortium Network* and Orofacial Pain Special Interest Group† |url=https://www.jofph.com/articles/10.11607/jop.1151 |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=www.jofph.com |language=en-US |doi=10.11607/jop.1151 |pmc=4478082 |pmid=24482784}}</ref> Axis II assessments allows clinicians to evaluate the impact of TMD on quality of life in the process of diagnosis, and treatment planning.

It has been suggested that TMD may develop following physical trauma, particularly [[Whiplash (medicine)|whiplash]] injury, although the evidence for this is not conclusive. This type of TMD is sometimes termed "posttraumatic TMD" (pTMD) to distinguish it from TMD of unknown cause, sometimes termed "[[idiopathic]] TMD" (iTMD).<ref name="Fernandez 2009" /> 

===By duration===
Sometimes distinction is made between acute TMD, where symptoms last for less than three months, and chronic TMD, where symptoms last for more than three months.<ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" /> Not much is known about acute TMD since these individuals do not typically attend in [[secondary care]] (hospital).<ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" />

==Signs and symptoms==
Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder vary in their presentation. The symptoms will usually involve more than one of the various components of the masticatory system, [[muscle]]s, [[nerves]], [[tendons]], [[ligaments]], [[bone]]s, [[connective tissue]], or the [[teeth]].<ref name="Okeson 2003">{{cite book |last=Okeson |first=Jeffrey P. | name-list-style = vanc |title=Management of temporomandibular disorders and occlusion |year=2003 |publisher=Mosby |location=St. Louis, Missouri |isbn=978-0-323-01477-9 |edition=5th |pages=191, 204, 233, 234, 227}}</ref>

The three classically described, cardinal signs and symptoms of TMD are:<ref name="Manfredini 2011">{{cite journal |vauthors = Manfredini D, Guarda-Nardini L, Winocur E, Piccotti F, Ahlberg J, Lobbezoo F | title = Research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review of axis I epidemiologic findings |journal = Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics |volume = 112 |issue = 4 |pages = 453–62 |date = October 2011 |pmid = 21835653 |doi = 10.1016/j.tripleo.2011.04.021 |url = http://lucaguarda.it/articoli/140.pdf }}</ref><ref name="Wright 2010" />
# Pain and tenderness on [[palpation]]<!-- <ref name="Al-Ani 2004" /> --> in the muscles of mastication,<!-- <ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" />  --> or of the joint itself (preauricular pain – pain felt just in front of the ear).<!-- <ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" />  --> Pain is the defining feature of TMD<!-- <ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" />  --> and is usually aggravated by manipulation or function,<ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" /> such as when chewing, clenching,<ref name="Neville 2001" /> or yawning,<!-- <ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> --> and is often worse upon waking.<!-- <ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> --> The character of the pain is usually dull or aching, poorly localized,<ref name="Cairns 2010" /> and intermittent, although it can sometimes be constant.<!-- <ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> --> The pain is more usually unilateral (located on one side) rather than bilateral.<ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> It is rarely severe.<ref name="Cawson 2002" /> 
# Limited range of mandibular movement,<ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" /> which may cause difficulty eating or even talking.<!-- <ref name="Wassell 2008" />  --> There may be locking of the jaw,<!-- <ref name="Wassell 2008" />  --> or stiffness in the jaw muscles and the joints, especially present upon waking.<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> There may also be incoordination,<!-- <ref name="Wassell 2008" />  --> asymmetry<!-- <ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" />  --> or deviation<!-- <ref name="Al-Ani 2004" />  --> of mandibular movement.<ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" /> 
# Noises from the joint during mandibular movement,<!-- <ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" />  --> which may be intermittent.<ref name="Al-Ani 2004" /> Joint noises may be described as clicking,<ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" /> popping,<ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> or crepitus (grating).<ref name="Wassell 2008" />

TMJ dysfunction is commonly associated with symptoms affecting cervical spine dysfunction and altered head and cervical spine posture.<ref name=":11"/>

Other signs and symptoms have also been described, although these are less common and less significant than the cardinal signs and symptoms listed above. Examples include:
* Headache (possibly),<ref name="Al-Ani 2004" /> e.g. pain in the [[occiput|occipital region]] (the back of the head),<!-- <ref name="Neville 2001" /> --> or the forehead;<ref name="Neville 2001">{{cite book |vauthors=Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CA, Bouquot JE |title=Oral & maxillofacial pathology |url=https://archive.org/details/oralmaxillofacia00nevi |url-access=limited |year=2002 |publisher=W.B. Saunders |location=Philadelphia |isbn=978-0-7216-9003-2 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/oralmaxillofacia00nevi/page/n87 75]–9 |edition=2nd}}</ref> or other types of facial pain including [[migraine]],<ref name="Okeson 2003" /> [[tension headache]],<ref name="Okeson 2003" /> or [[myofascial pain]].<ref name="Okeson 2003" />
* Pain elsewhere, such as the teeth<ref name="Neville 2001" /> or neck.<ref name="Edwab 2003" />
* [[Deafness|Diminished auditory acuity]] (hearing loss).<ref name="Okeson 2003" /> 
* [[Tinnitus]] (occasionally).<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> 
* Dizziness.<ref name="Edwab 2003">{{cite book |veditors=Edwab RR |title=Essential dental handbook: clinical and practice management advice from the experts |year=2003 |publisher=PennWell |location=Tulsa, OK |isbn=978-0-87814-624-6 |pages=251–309}}</ref> 
* Sensation of malocclusion (feeling that the teeth do not meet together properly).<ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" />

==Causes==
TMD is a symptom complex (i.e. a group of symptoms occurring together and characterizing a particular disease), which is thought to be caused by multiple, poorly understood factors,<ref name="Al-Ani 2004" /><ref name="Scully 2008" /><ref name="Cairns 2010" /> but the exact etiology is unknown.<ref name="Glick 2003" /> There are factors which appear to predispose to TMD (genetic, hormonal, anatomical), factors which may precipitate it (trauma, occlusal changes, parafunction), and also factors which may prolong it (stress and again parafunction).<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> Overall, two hypotheses have dominated research into the causes of TMD, namely a psychosocial model and a theory of occlusal dysharmony.<ref name="Glick 2003" /> Interest in occlusal factors as a causative factor in TMD was especially widespread in the past, and the theory has since fallen out of favor and become controversial due to lack of evidence.

===Disc displacement===
In people with TMD, it has been shown that the lower head of [[Lateral pterygoid muscle|lateral pterygoid]] contracts during mouth closing (when it should relax), and is often tender to palpation.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> To theorize upon this observation, some have suggested that due to a tear in the back of the joint capsule, the articular disc may be displaced forwards (anterior disc displacement), stopping the upper head of lateral pterygoid from acting to stabilize the disc as it would do normally.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> As a biologic compensatory mechanism, the lower head tries to fill this role, hence the abnormal muscle activity during mouth closure.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> There is some evidence that anterior disc displacement is present in a proportion of TMD cases.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> Anterior disc displacement with reduction refers to abnormal forward movement of the disc during opening which reduces upon closing.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> Anterior disc displacement without reduction refers to an abnormal forward, bunched-up position of the articular disc which does not reduce.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> In this latter scenario, the disc is not intermediary between the condyle and the articular fossa as it should be, and hence the articular surfaces of the bones themselves are exposed to a greater degree of wear (which may predispose to osteoarthritis in later life).<ref name="Scully 2008" />

===Degenerative joint disease===
The general term "degenerative joint disease" refers to arthritis (both [[osteoarthritis]] and [[rheumatoid arthritis]]) and arthrosis. The term arthrosis may cause confusion since in the specialized TMD literature it means something slightly different from in the wider medical literature. In medicine generally, arthrosis can be a nonspecific term for a joint, any disease of a joint (or specifically degenerative joint disease), and is also used as a synonym for osteoarthritis.<ref>{{cite web|title=Definitions of "Arthrosis" from various medical and popular dictionaries |url=http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/arthrosis|publisher=Farlex |access-date=30 May 2013}}</ref> In the specialized literature that has evolved around TMD research, arthrosis is differentiated from arthritis by the presence of low and no inflammation respectively.<ref name="Cairns 2010" /> Both are however equally degenerative.<ref name="Cairns 2010" /> The TMJs are sometimes described as one of the most used joints in the body. Over time, either with normal use or with parafunctional use of the joint, wear and degeneration can occur, termed osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, an [[autoimmune]] joint disease, can also affect the TMJs. Degenerative joint diseases may lead to defects in the shape of the tissues of the joint, limitation of function (e.g. restricted mandibular movements), and joint pain.<ref name="Cairns 2010" />

===Psychosocial factors===
[[Stress (psychological)|Emotional stress]] (anxiety, depression, anger) may increase pain by causing [[Autonomic nervous system|autonomic]], [[Viscus|visceral]] and skeletal activity and by reduced inhibition via the descending pathways of the [[limbic system]].<!-- <ref name="Aggarwal 2011" /> --> The interactions of these biological systems have been described as a vicious "anxiety-pain-tension" cycle which is thought to be frequently involved in TMD.<!-- <ref name="Aggarwal 2011" /> --> Put simply, stress and anxiety cause grinding of teeth and sustained muscular contraction in the face.<!-- <ref name="Aggarwal 2011" /> --> This produces pain which causes further anxiety which in turn causes prolonged muscular spasm at trigger points, [[vasoconstriction]], [[ischemia]] and release of pain mediators.<!-- <ref name="Aggarwal 2011" /> --> The pain discourages use of the masticatory system (a similar phenomenon in other chronic pain conditions is termed "fear avoidance" behavior), which leads to reduced muscle flexibility, tone, strength and endurance.<!-- <ref name="Aggarwal 2011" /> --> This manifests as limited mouth opening and a sensation that the teeth are not fitting properly.<ref name="Aggarwal 2011" />

Persons with TMD have a higher prevalence of psychological disorders than people without TMD.<ref name="Orlando 2007" /> People with TMD have been shown to have higher levels of anxiety, [[Depression (mood)|depression]], somatization and [[sleep deprivation]], and these could be considered important [[Risk factor (epidemiology)|risk factor]]s for the development of TMD.<ref name="Scully 2008" /><ref name="Orlando 2007" /> In the 6 months before the onset, 50–70% of people with TMD report experiencing stressful life events (e.g. involving work, money, health or relationship loss).<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> It has been postulated that such events induce anxiety and cause increased jaw muscle activity.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> Muscular hyperactivity has also been shown in people with TMD whilst taking examinations or watching horror films.<ref name="Scully 2008" />

Others argue that a link between muscular hyperactivity and TMD has not been convincingly demonstrated, and that emotional distress may be more of a consequence of pain rather than a cause.<ref name="Glick 2003" />

===Bruxism===
{{Main|Bruxism}}

Bruxism is an oral [[parafunctional habit|parafunctional activity]] where there is excessive clenching and grinding of the teeth. It can occur during sleep or whilst awake. The cause of bruxism itself is not completely understood, but psychosocial factors appear to be implicated in awake bruxism and [[dopamine]]rgic dysfunction and other [[central nervous system]] mechanisms may be involved in sleep bruxism. If TMD pain and limitation of mandibular movement are greatest upon waking, and then slowly resolve throughout the day, this may indicate sleep bruxism. Conversely, awake bruxism tends to cause symptoms that slowly get worse throughout the day, and there may be no pain at all upon waking.

The relationship of bruxism with TMD is debated. The global prevalence of bruxism and TMD co-occurrence is 17%, with regional variations: 70% in North America; 24% in South America; 14% in Europe; and 9% in Asia.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Zieliński |first1=Grzegorz |last2=Pająk-Zielińska |first2=Beata |last3=Pająk |first3=Agnieszka |last4=Wójcicki |first4=Marcin |last5=Litko-Rola |first5=Monika |last6=Ginszt |first6=Michał |date=2025-03-18 |title=Global co-occurrence of bruxism and temporomandibular disorders: A meta-regression analysis |url=https://dmp.umw.edu.pl/en/ahead-of-print/201376/ |journal=Dental and Medical Problems |volume=62 |issue=2 |pages=309–321 |doi=10.17219/dmp/201376 |issn=1644-387X|doi-access=free |pmid=40099938 }}</ref> Many suggest that sleep bruxism can be a causative or contributory factor to pain symptoms in TMD.<ref name="Scully 2008">{{cite book |last=Scully |first=Crispian| name-list-style = vanc |title=Oral and maxillofacial medicine: the basis of diagnosis and treatment |year=2008 |publisher=Churchill Livingstone |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-0-443-06818-8 |edition=2nd |pages=8,14,30,31,33,101,104,106,291–295,338,339,351}}{{page needed|date=May 2013}}</ref><ref name="Glick 2003">{{cite book |vauthors=Greenberg MS, Glick M |title=Burket's oral medicine diagnosis & treatment |year=2003 |publisher=BC Decker |location=Hamilton, Ont |isbn=978-1-55009-186-1 |edition=10th}}{{page needed|date=May 2013}}</ref><ref name="Tyldesley 2003">{{cite book|vauthors=Tyldesley WR, Field A, Longman L |title=Tyldesley's Oral medicine|year=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|isbn=978-0-19-263147-3|edition=5th}}{{page needed|date=May 2013}}</ref><ref name="Shetty 2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Shetty S, Pitti V, Satish Babu CL, Surendra Kumar GP, Deepthi BC | title = Bruxism: a literature review | journal = Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society | volume = 10 | issue = 3 | pages = 141–8 | date = September 2010 | pmid = 21886404 | pmc = 3081266 | doi = 10.1007/s13191-011-0041-5 }}</ref> Indeed, the symptoms of TMD overlap with those of bruxism.<ref name="De Meyer 1997">{{cite journal | vauthors = De Meyer MD, De Boever JA | title = [The role of bruxism in the appearance of temporomandibular joint disorders] | journal = Revue Belge de Médecine Dentaire | volume = 52 | issue = 4 | pages = 124–38 | year = 1997 | pmid = 9709800 }}</ref> Others suggest that there is no strong association between TMD and bruxism.<ref name="Cawson 2002">{{cite book |vauthors=Cawson RA, Odell EW, Porter S |title=Cawsonś essentials of oral pathology and oral medicine |year=2002 |publisher=Churchill Livingstone |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-0-443-07106-5 |edition=7th}}{{page needed|date=May 2013}}</ref> A systematic review investigating the possible relationship concluded that when self-reported bruxism is used to diagnose bruxism, there is a positive association with TMD pain, and when more strict diagnostic criteria for bruxism are used, the association with TMD symptoms is much lower.<ref name="Manfredini 2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Manfredini D, Lobbezoo F | title = Relationship between bruxism and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review of literature from 1998 to 2008 | journal = Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics | volume = 109 | issue = 6 | pages = e26-50 | date = June 2010 | pmid = 20451831 | doi = 10.1016/j.tripleo.2010.02.013 }}</ref> Self-reported bruxism is probably a poor method of identifying bruxism.<ref name="Shetty 2010" /> Some studies have found disagreement between the presence of TMD pain in the context of self-reported nocturnal bruxism and laboratory studies.<ref name=":0" /> There are also very many people who grind their teeth and who do not develop TMD.<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> Bruxism and other parafunctional activities may play a role in perpetuating symptoms in some cases.<ref name="Buescher 2007">{{cite journal | vauthors = Buescher JJ | title = Temporomandibular joint disorders | journal = American Family Physician | volume = 76 | issue = 10 | pages = 1477–82 | date = November 2007 | pmid = 18052012 | url = http://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/1115/p1477.html }}</ref>

Other parafunctional habits such as pen chewing,<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> lip and cheek biting<!-- <ref name="Glick 2003" /> --> (which may manifest as [[morsicatio buccarum]] or [[linea alba (cheek)|linea alba]]), are also suggested to be associated with the development of TMD.<ref name="Scully 2008" /> Other parafunctional activities might include jaw thrusting, excessive gum chewing, [[nail biting]] and eating very hard foods.

===Trauma===
Trauma, both micro and macrotrauma, is sometimes identified as a possible cause of TMD; however, the evidence for this is not strong.<ref name="Cawson 2002" /> Prolonged mouth opening (hyper-extension) is also suggested as a possible cause.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> It is thought that this leads to microtrauma and subsequent muscular hyperactivity.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> This may occur during dental treatment,<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> with oral [[intubation]] whilst under a [[general anesthetic]],<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> during singing<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> or wind instrument practice (really these can be thought of as parafunctional activities).<ref name="Scully 2008" /> Damage may be incurred during violent yawning,<!-- <ref name="Cawson 2002" />  --> laughing,<!-- <ref name="Cawson 2002" />  --> [[road traffic accident]]s,<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> -->  sports injuries,<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> interpersonal violence,<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> or during dental treatment,<ref name="Cawson 2002" /> (such as [[tooth extraction]]).<ref name="Scully 2008" />

It has been proposed that a link exists between [[whiplash (medicine)|whiplash]] injuries (sudden neck hyper-extension usually occurring in road traffic accidents), and the development of TMD. This has been termed "post-traumatic TMD", to separate it from "[[idiopathic]] TMD".<ref name="Fernandez 2009" /> Despite multiple studies having been performed over the years, the cumulative evidence has been described as conflicting, with moderate evidence that TMD can occasionally follow whiplash injury.<ref name="Fernandez 2009" /> The research that suggests a link appears to demonstrate a low to moderate [[incidence (epidemiology)|incidence]] of TMD following whiplash injury, and that pTMD has a poorer response to treatment than TMD which has not developed in relation to trauma.<ref name="Fernandez 2009">{{cite journal | vauthors = Fernandez CE, Amiri A, Jaime J, Delaney P | title = The relationship of whiplash injury and temporomandibular disorders: a narrative literature review | journal = Journal of Chiropractic Medicine | volume = 8 | issue = 4 | pages = 171–86 | date = December 2009 | pmid = 19948308 | pmc = 2786231 | doi = 10.1016/j.jcm.2009.07.006 }}</ref>

===Occlusal factors===
Occlusal factors as an etiologic factor in TMD is a controversial topic.<ref name="Scully 2008" /> Abnormalities of occlusion (problems with the bite) are often blamed for TMD but there is no evidence that these factors are involved.<ref name="Cawson 2002" /> Occlusal abnormalities are incredibly common, and most people with occlusal abnormalities do not have TMD.<ref name="Kerawala 2010" />  Although occlusal features may affect observed electrical activity in masticatory muscles,<ref name="Trovato 2009">{{cite journal | vauthors = Trovato F, Orlando B, Bosco M | title = Occlusal features and masticatory muscles activity. A review of electromyographic studies | journal = Stomatologija | volume = 11 | issue = 1 | pages = 26–31 | year = 2009 | pmid = 19423968 }}</ref> there are no [[statistical significance|statistically significant]] differences in the number of occlusal abnormalities in people with TMD and in people without TMD.<ref name="Scully 2008" /> There is also no evidence for a causal link between orthodontic treatment and TMD.<ref name="Scully 2008" /> The modern, mainstream view is that the vast majority of people with TMD, occlusal factors are not related.<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> Theories of occlusal factors in TMD are largely of historical interest. A causal relationship between occlusal factors and TMD was championed by Ramfjord in the 1960s.<ref name="Luther 2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Luther F, Layton S, McDonald F | s2cid = 6920829 | title = Orthodontics for treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 7 | article-number = CD006541 | date = July 2010 | pmid = 20614447 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD006541.pub2 | editor1-last = McDonald | editor1-first = Fraser }} {{Retracted|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD006541.pub3|pmid=26741357|http://retractionwatch.com/2010/09/20/progressive-how-the-cochrane-library-handles-updates-in-progress/ ''Retraction Watch''|intentional=yes}}</ref> A small minority of dentists continue to prescribe occlusal adjustments in the belief that this will prevent or treat TMD despite the existence of systematic reviews of the subject which state that there is no evidence for such practices,<ref name="Koh 2004">{{cite journal | vauthors = Koh H, Robinson PG | s2cid = 20752594 | title = Occlusal adjustment for treating and preventing temporomandibular joint disorders | journal = Journal of Oral Rehabilitation | volume = 31 | issue = 4 | pages = 287–92 | date = April 2004 | pmid = 15089931 | doi = 10.1046/j.1365-2842.2003.01257.x }}</ref> and the vast majority of opinion being that no irreversible treatment should be carried out in TMD (see [[#Occlusal adjustment|Occlusal adjustment]]).

===Genetic factors===
TMD does not obviously run in families like a genetic disease{{Dubious|date=November 2021}}.<!-- <ref name="Cairns 2010" /> --> It has been suggested that a genetic predisposition for developing TMD (and chronic pain syndromes generally) could exist.<!-- <ref name="Cairns 2010" /> --> This has been postulated to be explained by variations of the gene which codes for the enzyme [[catechol-O-methyl transferase]] (COMT) which may produce 3 different [[phenotype]]s with regards pain sensitivity.<!-- <ref name="Cairns 2010" /> --> COMT (together with [[monoamine oxidase]]) is involved in breaking down [[catecholamine]]s (e.g. [[dopamine]], [[epinephrine]], and [[norepinephrine]]).<!-- <ref name="Cairns 2010" /> --> The variation of the COMT gene which produces less of this enzyme is associated with a high sensitivity to pain.<!-- <ref name="Cairns 2010" /> --> Females with this variation, are at 2–3 times greater risk of developing TMD than females without this variant.<!-- <ref name="Cairns 2010" /> --> However this theory is controversial since there is conflicting evidence.<ref name="Cairns 2010" />

===Hormonal factors===
Since females are more often affected by TMD than males, the [[female sex hormone]] [[estrogen]] has been suggested to be involved.<ref name="Cairns 2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cairns BE | title = Pathophysiology of TMD pain--basic mechanisms and their implications for pharmacotherapy | journal = Journal of Oral Rehabilitation | volume = 37 | issue = 6 | pages = 391–410 | date = May 2010 | pmid = 20337865 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-2842.2010.02074.x }}</ref> The results of one study suggested that the periods of highest pain in TMD can be correlated with rapid periods of change in the circulating estrogen level.<!-- <ref name="Cairns 2010" /> --> Low estrogen was also correlated to higher pain.<ref name="Luther 2010" /> In the [[menstrual cycle]], estrogen levels fluctuate rapidly during [[ovulation]], and also rapidly increases just before menstruation and rapidly decreases during menstruation.<!-- <ref name="Cairns 2010" /> --> [[menopause|Post-menopausal]] females who are treated with [[hormone replacement therapy]] are more likely to develop TMD, or may experience an exacerbation if they already had TMD.<!-- <ref name="Cairns 2010" /> --> Several possible mechanisms by which estrogen might be involved in TMD symptoms have been proposed. Estrogen may play a role in modulating joint inflammation, [[nociceptive neuron]]s in the trigeminal nerve, muscle reflexes to pain and [[μ-opioid receptor]]s.<ref name="Cairns 2010" />

===Possible associations===
TMD has been suggested to be associated with other conditions or factors, with varying degrees of evidence and some more commonly than others. 75% of people with TMD qualify for a fibromyalgia diagnosis and, conversely, 18% of people with fibromyalgia met diagnostic criteria for TMD.<ref name="Kindler 2011" /> A possible link between many of these chronic pain conditions has been hypothesized to be due to shared pathophysiological mechanisms, and they have been collectively termed "central sensitivity syndromes",<ref name="Kindler 2011" /> although other apparent associations cannot be explained in this manner.  Recently a plethora of research has substantiated a causal relationship between TMD and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).  Severe TMD restricts oral airway opening, and can result in a retrognathic posture that results in glossal blockage of the oropharynx as the tongue relaxes in sleep.  This mechanism is exacerbated by alcohol consumption, as well as other chemicals that result in reduced myotonic status of the oropharynx.

* Obstructive sleep apnea.<ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0013523/ nih.gov]{{dead link|date=July 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{full citation needed|date=November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Miller JR, Burgess JA, Critchlow CW | title = Association between mandibular retrognathia and TMJ disorders in adult females | journal = Journal of Public Health Dentistry | volume = 64 | issue = 3 | pages = 157–63 | year = 2004 | pmid = 15341139 | doi = 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2004.tb02746.x }}</ref> 
* Headache.<ref name="Kindler 2011" />
* Chronic neck pain.<ref name="Kindler 2011" />
* Chronic back pain.<ref name="Luther 2010" /> 
* Systemic joint laxity.<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> 
* [[Rheumatoid arthritis]].<ref name="Wassell 2008" />
* Irritable bowel syndrome.<ref name="Kindler 2011" />
* Interstitial cystitis.<ref name="Kindler 2011" />
* Regular [[scuba diving]].<ref name="Scully 2008" /><ref name="Zadik 2011">{{cite journal | vauthors = Zadik Y, Drucker S | title = Diving dentistry: a review of the dental implications of scuba diving | journal = Australian Dental Journal | volume = 56 | issue = 3 | pages = 265–71 | date = September 2011 | pmid = 21884141 | doi = 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2011.01340.x | doi-access = free }}</ref>

==Pathophysiology==
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| direction         = vertical
| header            = 
| width             = 170
| image1            = Gray309.png
| alt1              = 
| caption1          = Left temporomandibular joint, lateral view
| image2            = Gray310.png
| alt2              = 
| caption2          = Left TMJ, medial view, showing sphenomandibular and stylomandibular ligaments
| image3            = Gray311.png
| alt3              = 
| caption3          = Sagittal TMJ cross-section showing articular eminence, articular disc, and upper and lower joint spaces
}}

===Anatomy and physiology===

====Temporomandibular joints====
{{main|Temporomandibular joint}}

The temporomandibular joints are the dual articulation of the mandible with the skull. Each TMJ is classed as a "ginglymoarthrodial" joint since it is both a [[ginglymus]] (hinging joint) and an [[arthrodial joint|arthrodial]] (sliding) joint,<ref name="Alomar 2007">{{cite journal | vauthors = Alomar X, Medrano J, Cabratosa J, Clavero JA, Lorente M, Serra I, Monill JM, Salvador A | display-authors = 6 | title = Anatomy of the temporomandibular joint | journal = Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI | volume = 28 | issue = 3 | pages = 170–83 | date = June 2007 | pmid = 17571700 | doi = 10.1053/j.sult.2007.02.002 }}</ref> and involves the condylar process of the mandible below, and the articular fossa (or glenoid fossa) of the [[temporal bone]] above. Between these articular surfaces is the articular disc (or meniscus), which is a biconcave, transversely oval disc composed of dense fibrous connective tissue. Each TMJ is covered by a fibrous capsule. There are tight fibers connecting the mandible to the disc, and loose fibers which connect the disc to the temporal bone, meaning there are in effect 2 joint capsules, creating an upper joint space and a lower joint space, with the articular disc in between.<!-- <ref name="Standring 2006" /> --> The [[synovial membrane]] of the TMJ lines the inside of the fibrous capsule apart from the articular surfaces and the disc. This membrane secretes [[synovial fluid]], which is both a lubricant to fill the joint spaces, and a means to convey nutrients to the tissues inside the joint. Behind the disc is loose vascular tissue termed the "bilaminar region" which serves as a posterior attachment for the disc and also fills with blood to fill the space created when the head of the condyle translates down the articular eminence.<ref name="Standring 2006">{{cite book |veditors=Standring S |title=Gray's anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice |url=https://archive.org/details/graysanatomyanat0000unse |url-access=registration |year=2006 |publisher=Elsevier Churchill Livingstone |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-0-443-07168-3 |edition=39th}}</ref> Due to its concave shape, sometimes the articular disc is described as having an anterior band, intermediate zone and a posterior band.<ref name="Davies 2001">{{cite journal | vauthors = Davies S, Gray RM | s2cid = 29993073 | title = What is occlusion? | journal = British Dental Journal | volume = 191 | issue = 5 | pages = 235–8, 241–5 | date = September 2001 | pmid = 11575759 | doi = 10.1038/sj.bdj.4801151a }}</ref> When the mouth is opened, the initial movement of the mandibular condyle is rotational, and this involves mainly the lower joint space, and when the mouth is opened further, the movement of the condyle is translational, involving mainly the upper joint space.<ref name="Som 2011">{{cite book |veditors=Som PM, Curtin HD |title=Head and neck imaging |year=2011 |publisher=Mosby Elsevier |location=St. Louis |isbn=978-0-323-05355-6 |edition=5th |vauthors=Westesson PL, Otonari-Yamamoto M, Sano T, Okano T |chapter=Anatomy, Pathology, and Imaging of the Temporomandibular Joint |chapter-url=http://www.expertconsultbook.com/expertconsult/ob/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=none&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05355-6..00026-4&isbn=978-0-323-05355-6 |access-date=1 May 2014 |archive-date=2 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032820/http://www.expertconsultbook.com/expertconsult/ob/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=none&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05355-6..00026-4&isbn=978-0-323-05355-6 }}</ref> This translation movement is achieved by the condylar head sliding down the articular eminence, which constitutes the front border of the articular fossa.<ref name="Kerawala 2010" /> The function of the articular eminence is to limit the forwards movement of the condyle.<ref name="Kerawala 2010" /> The ligament directly associated with the TMJ is the [[temporomandibular ligament]], also termed the lateral ligament, which really is a thickening of the lateral aspect of the fibrous capsule.<ref name="Kerawala 2010" /> The [[stylomandibular ligament]] and the [[sphenomandibular ligament]] are not directly associated with the joint capsule. Together, these ligaments act to restrict the extreme movements of the joint.<ref name="Cuccia 2011">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cuccia AM, Caradonna C, Caradonna D | title = Manual therapy of the mandibular accessory ligaments for the management of temporomandibular joint disorders | journal = The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association | volume = 111 | issue = 2 | pages = 102–12 | date = February 2011 | pmid = 21357496 | url = http://www.jaoa.org/content/111/2/102.full.pdf+html | access-date = 27 May 2013 | archive-date = 13 January 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130113165349/http://www.jaoa.org/content/111/2/102.full.pdf+html }}</ref>

====Muscles of mastication====
{{main|Muscles of mastication}}

The muscles of mastication are paired on each side and work together to produce the movements of the mandible. The main muscles involved are the masseter, temporalis and medial and lateral pterygoid muscles.

<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="160">
File:Gray383.png|Left medial and lateral pterygoid muscles
File:Gray382.png|Left temporalis muscle
File:Gray378 (masseter highlight).png|Left masseter muscle (red highlight)
</gallery>

They can be thought of in terms of the directions they move the mandible, with most being involved in more than one type of movement due to the variation in the orientation of muscle fibers within some of these muscles.

* Protrusion – Lateral and medial pterygoid.<!-- <ref name="Standring 2006" />  -->
* Retraction – Posterior fibers of temporalis (and the digastric and geniohyoid muscles to a lesser extent).<!-- <ref name="Standring 2006" />  -->
* Elevation – Anterior and middle fibers of temporalis, the superficial and deep fibers of masseter and the medial pterygoid.<ref name="Standring 2006" />
* Lateral movements – Medial and lateral pterygoid<!-- <ref name="Standring 2006" />  --> (the ipsilateral temporalis and the pterygoid muscles of the contralateral side pull the mandible to the ipsilateral side).<ref name="Kerawala 2010">{{cite book|veditors=Kerawala C, Newlands C|title=Oral and maxillofacial surgery|year=2010|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|isbn=978-0-19-920483-0|pages=342–351}}</ref>

Each lateral pterygoid muscle is composed of 2 heads, the upper or superior head and the lower or inferior head.<!-- <ref name="Standring 2006" /> --> The lower head [[Origin (anatomy)|originates]] from the lateral surface of the [[lateral pterygoid plate]] and [[Insertion (anatomy)|inserts]] at a depression on the neck of mandibular condyle, just below the articular surface, termed the [[pterygoid fovea]].<!-- <ref name="Standring 2006" /> --> The upper head originates from the infratemporal surface and the infratemporal crest of the greater wing of the [[sphenoid bone]].<!-- <ref name="Standring 2006" /> --> The upper head also inserts at the fovea, but a part may be attached directly to the joint capsule and to the anterior and medial borders of the articular disc.<ref name="Standring 2006" /> The 2 parts of lateral pterygoid have different actions.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> The lower head contracts during mouth opening, and the upper head contracts during mouth closing.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> The function of the lower head is to steady the articular disc as it moves back with the condyle into the articular fossa. It is relaxed during mouth closure.<ref name="Scully 2008" />

===Mechanisms of symptoms===

====Joint noises====
Noises from the TMJs are a symptom of dysfunction of these joints. The sounds commonly produced by TMD are usually described as a "click" or a "pop" when a single sound is heard and as "crepitation" or "crepitus" when there are multiple, grating, rough sounds. Most joint sounds are due to internal derangement of the joint, which is instability or abnormal position of the articular disc.<ref name="Odell 2010">{{cite book|veditors=Odell EW|title=Clinical problem solving in dentistry|url=https://archive.org/details/clinicalproblems00odel|url-access=limited|year=2010|publisher=Churchill Livingstone |location=Edinburgh|isbn=978-0-443-06784-6|pages=[https://archive.org/details/clinicalproblems00odel/page/n47 37]–41|edition=3rd}}</ref> Clicking often accompanies either jaw opening or closing, and usually occurs towards the end of the movement. The noise indicates that the articular disc has suddenly moved to and from a temporarily displaced position (disk displacement with reduction) to allow completion of a phase of movement of the mandible.<ref name="Scully 2008" /><ref name="Glick 2003" /> If the disc displaces and does not reduce (move back into position) this may be associated with locking. Clicking alone is not diagnostic of TMD since it is present in high proportion of the general population, mostly in people who have no pain.<ref name="Scully 2008" /> Crepitus often indicates arthritic changes in the joint, and may occur at any time during mandibular movement, especially lateral movements.<ref name="Scully 2008" /> Perforation of the disc may also cause crepitus.<ref name="Kerawala 2010" /> Due to the proximity of the TMJ to the [[external auditory meatus|ear canal]], joint noises are perceived to be much louder to the individual than to others. Often people with TMD are surprised that what sounds to them like very loud noises cannot be heard at all by others next to them. However, it is occasionally possible for loud joint noises to be easily heard by others in some cases and this can be a source of embarrassment e.g. when eating in company.

====Pain====
Pain symptoms in TMD can be thought of as originating from the joint (arthralgia), or from the muscles (myofascial), or both. There is a poor correlation between TMD pain severity and evidence of tissue pathology.<ref name="Cairns 2010" /> Generally, degenerative joint changes are associated with greater pain. {{Citation needed|date=December 2025}}

=====Myofascial Pain=====
Pain originating from the muscles of mastication is thought to be a result of abnormal muscular function or hyperactivity. Some studies have suggested that muscular pain is frequently, but not always, associated with daytime clenching or nocturnal bruxism.<ref>Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery fifth edition; Hupp, ellis, and tucker. 2008</ref> Other studies have found that while self-reported nocturnal bruxism was associated with TMD pain, laboratory studies have not found this same magnitude or even the direction of association.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Manfredini |first=Daniele |last2=Lobbezoo |first2=Frank |date=2021-08-01 |title=Sleep bruxism and temporomandibular disorders: A scoping review of the literature |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571221001329 |journal=Journal of Dentistry |volume=111 |article-number=103711 |doi=10.1016/j.jdent.2021.103711 |issn=0300-5712}}</ref>

====Limitation of mandibular movement====
The jaw deviates to the affected side during opening,<ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> and restricted mouth opening usually signifies that both TMJs are involved, but severe [[trismus]] rarely occurs.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> If the greatest reduction in movement occurs upon waking then this may indicate that there is concomitant sleep bruxism.<!-- <ref name="Scully 2008" /> --> In other cases the limitation in movement gets worse throughout the day.<ref name="Scully 2008" />

The jaw may lock entirely.<ref name="Scully 2008" />

Limitation of mandibular movement itself may lead to further problems involving the TMJs and the muscles of mastication. Changes in the synovial membrane may lead to a reduction in lubrication of the joint and contribute to degenerative joint changes.<ref name="Hupp 2008" /> The muscles become weak, and [[fibrosis]] may occur. All these factors may lead to a further limitation of jaw movement and increase in pain.<ref name="Hupp 2008" />

Degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis or organic degeneration of the articular surfaces, recurrent fibrous or bony ankylosis, developmental abnormality, or pathologic lesions within the TMJ. [[Myofascial pain syndrome]].{{medical citation needed|date=May 2013}}

=====Referred TMD pain=====
Sometimes TMD pain can radiate or be referred from its cause (i.e. the TMJ or the muscles of mastication) and be felt as headaches, earache or toothache.<ref name="Neville 2001" />

Due to the proximity of the ear to the temporomandibular joint, TMJ pain can often be confused with ear pain.<ref name="Okeson 2003" /> The pain may be [[referred pain|referred]] in around half of all patients and experienced as [[otalgia]] (earache).<ref name="pmid15800464">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ramírez LM, Sandoval GP, Ballesteros LE | title = Temporomandibular disorders: referred cranio-cervico-facial clinic | journal = Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral y Cirugia Bucal | volume = 10 | issue = Suppl 1 | pages = E18-26 | date = April 2005 | pmid = 15800464 | url = http://www.medicinaoral.com/medoralfree01/v10Suppl1i/medoralv10suppl1ip18.pdf }}</ref> Conversely, TMD is an important possible cause of [[Otalgia#Secondary otalgia|secondary otalgia]]. Treatment of TMD may then significantly reduce symptoms of otalgia and [[tinnitus]], as well as [[atypical facial pain]].<ref name="pmid16113700">{{cite journal | vauthors = Quail G | title = Atypical facial pain--a diagnostic challenge | journal = Australian Family Physician | volume = 34 | issue = 8 | pages = 641–5 | date = August 2005 | pmid = 16113700 | url = http://www.racgp.org.au/afp/downloads/pdf/august2005/August_theme_quail2.pdf | access-date = 23 July 2006 | archive-date = 16 November 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061116040924/http://www.racgp.org.au/afp/downloads/pdf/august2005/August_theme_quail2.pdf }}</ref> Despite some of these findings, some researchers question whether TMJD therapy can reduce symptoms in the ear, and there is currently an ongoing debate to settle the controversy.<ref name="Okeson 2003" />

==Diagnosis==
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; width:450px; font-size:85%;"
|+ RDC/TMD criteria, axis I diagnoses.<ref name="Manfredini 2011" />  
|-
|
'''Group I: muscle disorders'''

''Ia. Myofascial pain:''
* Report of pain or ache in the jaw, temples, face, preauricular area, or inside the ear at rest or during function;
* Pain reported by the subject in response to palpation of 3 of the following muscle sites (right side and left side count as a separate sites for each muscle): posterior temporalis, middle temporalis, anterior temporalis, origin of masseter, insertion of masseter, posterior mandibular region, submandibular region, lateral pterygoid area, and tendon of the temporalis;
* At least one of the painful sites must be on the same side as the complaint of pain.
''Ib. Myofascial pain with limited opening:''
* Myofascial pain as defined in Ia;
* Pain-free unassisted mandibular opening 40&nbsp;mm;
* Maximum assisted opening (passive stretch) 5&nbsp;mm greater than pain-free unassisted opening.

'''Group II: disc displacements'''

''IIa. Disc displacement with reduction:''
* Reciprocal clicking in TMJ (click on both vertical opening and closing that occurs at point 5&nbsp;mm greater interincisal distance on opening than closing and is eliminated on protrusive opening), reproducible on 2 out of 3 consecutive trials; or 
* Clicking in TMJ on both vertical range of motion (either opening or closing), reproducible on 2 out of 3 consecutive trials, and click during lateral excursion or protrusion, reproducible on 2 out of 3 consecutive trials.
''IIb. Disc displacement without reduction with limited opening:''
* History of significant limitation in opening;
* Maximum unassisted opening 35&nbsp;mm;
* Passive stretch increases opening by 4&nbsp;mm over maximum unassisted opening;
* Contralateral excursion 7&nbsp;mm or uncorrected deviation to ipsilateral side on opening;
* Absence of joint sound or presence of joint sounds not meeting criteria for disc displacement with reduction.
''IIc. Disc displacement without reduction, without limited opening:''
* History of significant limitation of mandibular opening;
* Maximum unassisted opening 35&nbsp;mm;
* Passive stretch increases opening by 5&nbsp;mm over maximum unassisted opening;
* Contralateral excursion 7&nbsp;mm;
* Presence of joint sounds not meeting criteria for disc displacement with reduction;
* In those studies allowing images, imaging conducted by either arthrography or magnetic resonance reveals disc displacement without reduction.

'''Group III: arthralgia, osteoarthritis, osteoarthrosis'''

''IIIa. Arthralgia:''
* Pain in one or both joint sites (lateral pole or posterior attachment) during palpation;
* One or more of the following self-reports of pain: pain in the region of the joint, pain in the joint during maximum unassisted opening, pain in the joint during assisted opening, and pain in the joint during lateral excursion;
* For a diagnoses of simple arthralgia, coarse crepitus must be absent.
''IIIb. Osteoarthritis of the TMJ:''
* Arthralgia as defined in IIIa;
* Either coarse crepitus in the joint or radiologic signs of arthrosis.
''IIIc. Osteoarthrosis of the TMJ:''
* Absence of all signs of arthralgia;
* Either coarse crepitus in the joint or radiologic signs of arthrosis
|}
[[File:TMJ panorama.jpg|thumb|Modern digitalised panoramic X-ray devices are capable to take TMJ images, which provides information about articular fossa and condyle.]]
[[File:Real-time MRI - Temporomandibular Joint.ogv|thumb|Dynamics of temporomandibular joint during voluntary mouth opening and closing visualized by [[real-time MRI]]<ref name="Zhang2011">{{cite journal | vauthors = Zhang S, Gersdorff N, Frahm J | title = Real-time magnetic resonance imaging of temporomandibular joint dynamics. | journal = The Open Medical Imaging Journal | date = 2011 | volume = 5 | pages = 1–9 | doi = 10.2174/1874347101105010001| url = https://benthamopen.com/contents/pdf/TOMIJ/TOMIJ-5-1.pdf | doi-access = free }}</ref> ]]
Pain is the most common reason for people with TMD to seek medical advice.<ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" /> 
Joint noises may require [[auscultation]] with a [[stethoscope]] to detect.<ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> Clicks of the joint may also be palpated, over the joint itself in the preauricular region, or via a finger inserted in the external acoustic meatus,<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> which lies directly behind the TMJ.
The [[differential diagnosis]] is with degenerative joint disease (e.g. osteoarthritis),<!-- <ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> --> [[rheumatoid arthritis]],<!-- <ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> --> [[temporal arteritis]],<!-- <ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> --> [[otitis media]],<!-- <ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> --> [[parotitis]],<!-- <ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> --> mandibular [[osteomyelitis of the jaws|osteomyelitis]],<!-- <ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> --> [[Eagle syndrome]],<!-- <ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> --> [[trigeminal neuralgia]],{{medical citation needed|date=May 2013}} [[oromandibular dystonia]],{{medical citation needed|date=May 2013}} deafferentation pains,<!-- <ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" /> --> and [[psychogenic pain]].<ref name="Classification of Chronic Pain" />

===Diagnostic criteria===
Various diagnostic systems have been described. Some consider the Research Diagnostic Criteria method the gold standard.<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> Abbreviated to "RDC/TMD", this was first introduced in 1992 by Dworkin and LeResche in an attempt to classify temporomandibular disorders by etiology and apply universal standards for research into TMD.<ref name="Anderson 2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Anderson GC, Gonzalez YM, Ohrbach R, Truelove EL, Sommers E, Look JO, Schiffman EL | title = The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. VI: future directions | journal = Journal of Orofacial Pain | volume = 24 | issue = 1 | pages = 79–88 | date = Winter 2010 | pmid = 20213033 | pmc = 3157036 }}</ref> This method involves 2 diagnostic axes, namely axis I, the physical diagnosis, and axis II, the psychologic diagnosis.<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> Axis I contains 3 different groups which can occur in combinations of 2 or all 3 groups,<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> (see table).

McNeill 1997 described TMD diagnostic criteria as follows:<ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" />

* Pain in muscles of mastication, the TMJ, or the periauricular area (around the ear), which is usually made worse by manipulation or function.
* Asymmetric mandibular movement with or without clicking.
* Limitation of mandibular movements.
* Pain present for a minimum of 3 months.

The International Headache Society's diagnostic criteria for "headache or facial pain attributed to temporomandibular joint disorder" is similar to the above:<ref name=ICHD-2 />

* A. Recurrent pain in one or more regions of the head or face fulfilling criteria C and D
* B. X-ray, MRI or bone scintigraphy demonstrate TMJ disorder
* C. Evidence that pain can be attributed to the TMJ disorder, based on at least one of the following:
** pain is precipitated by jaw movements or chewing of hard or tough food
** reduced range of or irregular jaw opening
** noise from one or both TMJs during jaw movements
** tenderness of the joint capsule(s) of one or both TMJs
* D. Headache resolves within 3 months, and does not recur, after successful treatment of the TMJ disorder

=== Medical imaging ===
The advantages brought about by diagnostic imaging mainly lie within diagnosing TMD of articular origin. Additional benefits of imaging the TMJ are as follows:<ref name=":9">{{cite journal | vauthors = Limchaichana N, Petersson A, Rohlin M | title = The efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of degenerative and inflammatory temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic literature review | language = en | journal = Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics | volume = 102 | issue = 4 | pages = 521–36 | date = October 2006 | pmid = 16997121 | doi = 10.1016/j.tripleo.2006.02.001 }}</ref>

* Assess the integrity of anatomical structures in suspicion of disorders
* Staging the extent of any pathology
* Monitoring and staging the progress of disease
* Determining the effects of treatment

When clinical examination alone is unable to bring sufficient detail to ascertain the state of the TMJ, imaging methods can act as an adjuvant to clinical examination in the diagnosis of TMD.<ref name=":9" />

==== Plain radiography ====
This method of imaging allows the visualisation of the joint's mineralised areas, therefore excluding the cartilage and soft tissues.<ref name=":9" /> A disadvantage of plain radiography is that images are prone to superimposition from surrounding anatomical structures, thereby complicating radiographic interpretation.<ref name=":9" /> It was concluded that there is no evidence to support the use of plain radiography in the diagnosis of joint erosions and osteophytes.<ref name=":10">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hussain AM, Packota G, Major PW, Flores-Mir C | title = Role of different imaging modalities in assessment of temporomandibular joint erosions and osteophytes: a systematic review | journal = Dento Maxillo Facial Radiology | volume = 37 | issue = 2 | pages = 63–71 | date = February 2008 | pmid = 18239033 | doi = 10.1259/dmfr/16932758 }}</ref> It is reasonable to conclude that plain film can only be used to diagnose extensive lesions.<ref name=":10" />

==== Panoramic tomography ====
The distortion brought about by panoramic imaging decreases its overall reliability. Data concluded from a systematic review showed that only extensive erosions and large osteophytes can be detected by panoramic imaging.<ref name=":10" />

==== Computerised tomography (CT) ====
Studies have shown that tomography of the TMJ provided supplementary information that supersedes what is obtainable from clinical examination alone.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wiese M, Wenzel A, Hintze H, Petersson A, Knutsson K, Bakke M, List T, Svensson P | display-authors = 6 | title = Osseous changes and condyle position in TMJ tomograms: impact of RDC/TMD clinical diagnoses on agreement between expected and actual findings | journal = Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics | volume = 106 | issue = 2 | pages = e52-63 | date = August 2008 | pmid = 18547834 | doi = 10.1016/j.tripleo.2008.03.021 }}</ref> However, the issues lies in the fact that it is impossible to determine whether certain patient groups would benefit more or less from a radiographic examination.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Petersson A | title = What you can and cannot see in TMJ imaging--an overview related to the RDC/TMD diagnostic system | journal = Journal of Oral Rehabilitation | volume = 37 | issue = 10 | pages = 771–8 | date = October 2010 | pmid = 20492436 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-2842.2010.02108.x }}</ref>

The main indications of [[CT scan|CT]] and CBCT examinations are to assess the bony components of the TMJ, specifically the location and extent of any abnormalities present.<ref name=":7">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ferreira LA, Grossmann E, Januzzi E, de Paula MV, Carvalho AC | title = Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders: indication of imaging exams | journal = Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology | volume = 82 | issue = 3 | pages = 341–52 | date = May 2016 | pmid = 26832630 | doi = 10.1016/j.bjorl.2015.06.010 | pmc = 9444643 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name=":8">{{cite journal | vauthors = Klatkiewicz T, Gawriołek K, Pobudek Radzikowska M, Czajka-Jakubowska A | title = Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Meta-Analysis | journal = Medical Science Monitor | volume = 24 | pages = 812–817 | date = February 2018 | pmid = 29420457 | pmc = 5813878 | doi = 10.12659/MSM.908810 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Al-Saleh MA, Alsufyani NA, Saltaji H, Jaremko JL, Major PW | title = MRI and CBCT image registration of temporomandibular joint: a systematic review | journal = Journal of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery | volume = 45 | issue = 1 | page = 30 | date = May 2016 | pmid = 27164975 | pmc = 4863319 | doi = 10.1186/s40463-016-0144-4 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

The introduction of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging allowed a lower radiation dose to patients, in comparison to conventional CT. Hintze et al. compared CBCT and CT techniques and their ability to detect morphological TMJ changes. No significant difference was concluded in terms of their diagnostic accuracy.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hintze H, Wiese M, Wenzel A | title = Cone beam CT and conventional tomography for the detection of morphological temporomandibular joint changes | journal = Dento Maxillo Facial Radiology | volume = 36 | issue = 4 | pages = 192–7 | date = May 2007 | pmid = 17536085 | doi = 10.1259/dmfr/25523853 }}</ref>

==== Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ====
[[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] is the optimal choice for the imaging of soft tissues surrounding the TMJ.<ref name=":1">{{cite journal | vauthors = Alkhader M, Ohbayashi N, Tetsumura A, Nakamura S, Okochi K, Momin MA, Kurabayashi T | title = Diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging for detecting osseous abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint and its correlation with cone beam computed tomography | journal = Dento Maxillo Facial Radiology | volume = 39 | issue = 5 | pages = 270–6 | date = July 2010 | pmid = 20587650 | pmc = 3520245 | doi = 10.1259/dmfr/25151578 }}</ref><ref name=":8" /> It allows three-dimensional evaluation of the axial, coronal and sagittal plane.<ref name=":7"/> It is the gold standard method for assessing disc position and is sensitive for intra-articular degenerative alterations.<ref name=":1" />

Indications for MRI are pre-auricular pain, detection of joint clicking and crepitus, frequent incidents of subluxation and jaw dislocation, limited mouth opening with terminal stiffness, suspicion of neoplastic growth, and osteoarthritic symptoms.<ref name=":2">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hunter A, Kalathingal S | title = Diagnostic imaging for temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain | journal = Dental Clinics of North America | volume = 57 | issue = 3 | pages = 405–18 | date = July 2013 | pmid = 23809300 | doi = 10.1016/j.cden.2013.04.008 }}</ref><ref name="pmid18805233">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lewis EL, Dolwick MF, Abramowicz S, Reeder SL | title = Contemporary imaging of the temporomandibular joint | journal = Dental Clinics of North America | volume = 52 | issue = 4 | pages = 875–90, viii | date = October 2008 | pmid = 18805233 | doi = 10.1016/j.cden.2008.06.001 }}</ref> It is also useful for assessing the integrity of neural tissues, which may produce orofacial pain when compressed.<ref name=":2" />

MRI provides evaluation of pathology such as necrosis and oedema all without any exposure to [[ionizing radiation]].<ref name=":2" /> However, there is a high cost associated with this method of imaging, due to the need for sophisticated facilities.<ref name=":7"/> Caution should be taken in patient selection, as MRI is contraindicated in those with claustrophobic tendencies, [[Artificial cardiac pacemaker|pacemakers]] and metallic heart valves, [[Ferromagnetism|ferromagnetic]] foreign bodies and pregnant women.<ref name="pmid18805233"/>

==== Ultrasound ====
Where internal TMJ disorders are concerned, [[ultrasound]] (US) imaging can be a useful alternative in assessing the position of the disc<ref name=":4">{{cite journal | vauthors = Landes CA, Goral WA, Sader R, Mack MG | title = 3-D sonography for diagnosis of disk dislocation of the temporomandibular joint compared with MRI | language = en | journal = Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology | volume = 32 | issue = 5 | pages = 633–9 | date = May 2006 | pmid = 16677922 | doi = 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2006.02.1401 }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite journal | vauthors = Jank S, Zangerl A, Kloss FR, Laimer K, Missmann M, Schroeder D, Mur E | title = High resolution ultrasound investigation of the temporomandibular joint in patients with chronic polyarthritis | language = en | journal = International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | volume = 40 | issue = 1 | pages = 45–9 | date = January 2011 | pmid = 20961737 | doi = 10.1016/j.ijom.2010.09.001 }}</ref> While having significant diagnostic [[Sensitivity and specificity|sensitivity]], US has inadequate [[Sensitivity and specificity|specificity]] when identifying [[Osteoarthritis|osteoarthrosis]]. Moreover, it is not accurate enough for the diagnosis of cortical and [[Articular disk of the temporomandibular joint|articular disc]] morphology based on the findings done related to morphological alterations.<ref name=":6">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bas B, Yılmaz N, Gökce E, Akan H | title = Ultrasound assessment of increased capsular width in temporomandibular joint internal derangements: relationship with joint pain and magnetic resonance grading of joint effusion | language = en | journal = Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics | volume = 112 | issue = 1 | pages = 112–7 | date = July 2011 | pmid = 21543241 | doi = 10.1016/j.tripleo.2011.02.020 }}</ref> However, with US, identification of [[effusion]] in individuals with inflammatory conditions associated with pain is possible and confirmed by MRI<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":8" />

US can be a useful alternative in initial investigation of internal TMJ dysfunctions especially in MRI contraindicated individuals<ref name=":7"/> despite its limitations.<ref name="pmid18805233"/><ref name=":5" /> in addition to being less costly,<ref name=":8" /> US provides a quick and comfortable real-time imaging without exposing the individual to ionizing radiation<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" />

US is commonly assessed in the differential diagnosis of alterations of glandular and neighbouring structures, such as the TMJ and the [[masseter muscle]]. Symptoms of sialendenitis and sialothiasis cases can be confused with [[Eagle syndrome]], TMD, myofascial and nerve pain, and other pain of the orofacial region.<ref name=":7" />

US assessment is also indicated where there is need to identify the correct position of the joint spaces for infiltrative procedures, [[arthrocentesis]], and [[viscosupplementation]]. This is due to the fact that US provides a dynamic and real-time location of the component of the joints, while providing adequate lubrication and washing, which can be confirmed by the joint space increase post-treatment.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dayisoylu EH, Cifci E, Uckan S | title = Ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint | language = en | journal = The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | volume = 51 | issue = 7 | pages = 667–8 | date = October 2013 | pmid = 23769713 | doi = 10.1016/j.bjoms.2013.05.144 | url = https://www.bjoms.com/article/S0266-4356(13)00312-4/abstract | url-access = subscription }}</ref>

==Management==
TMD can be difficult to manage, and since the disorder transcends the boundaries between several health-care disciplines – in particular, [[dentistry]] and [[neurology]], the treatment may often involve multiple approaches and be multidisciplinary.<ref name="Cuccia 2011" /> Most who are involved in treating and researching TMD now agree that any treatment carried out should not permanently alter the jaw or teeth, and should be reversible.<ref name="NIH1996">{{cite web |url=http://consensus.nih.gov/1996/1996TemporomandibularDisorders018PDF.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051112222316/http://consensus.nih.gov/1996/1996TemporomandibularDisorders018PDF.pdf |archive-date=12 November 2005 |title=Management of Temporomandibular Disorders. National Institutes of Health Technology Assessment Conference Statement |year=1996 |access-date =22 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="AADR policy statement" /> To avoid permanent change, [[over-the-counter]] or [[Prescription drug|prescription]] pain medications may be prescribed.<ref name=TMJA>{{cite web |url=http://www.tmj.org/site/pdf/TMJbrochure.pdf |title=Temporomandibular (Jaw) Joint Diseases and Disorders |author=The TMJ Association |year=2005 |access-date=2 December 2010 |archive-date=28 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728111706/http://www.tmj.org/site/pdf/TMJbrochure.pdf }}</ref>

===Psychosocial and behavioral interventions===
Given the important role that psychosocial factors appear to play in TMD, psychosocial interventions could be viewed to be central to management of the condition.<ref name="Orlando 2007" /> There is a suggestion that treatment of factors that modulate pain sensitivity such as [[mood disorder]]s, anxiety and [[Fatigue (medical)|fatigue]], may be important in the treatment of TMD, which often tends to attempt to address the pain directly.<ref name="Orlando 2007" />

[[Cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT) has been used in TMD and has been shown to be efficacious by meta analyses.<ref name="Hersen 2012">{{cite book |last1=Hersen |first1=Peter |last2=Sturmey |first2=Michel | name-list-style = vanc |title=Handbook of evidence-based practice in clinical psychology |year=2012 |publisher=Wiley |location=Hoboken, NJ |isbn=978-0-470-33546-8 |pages=594–5}}</ref>

[[Hypnosis]] is suggested by some to be appropriate for TMD. Studies have suggested that it may even be more beneficial than occlusal splint therapy, and has comparable effects to relaxation techniques.<ref name="Orlando 2007">{{cite journal | vauthors = Orlando B, Manfredini D, Salvetti G, Bosco M | s2cid = 20540193 | title = Evaluation of the effectiveness of biobehavioral therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders: a literature review | journal = Behavioral Medicine | volume = 33 | issue = 3 | pages = 101–18 | year = 2007 | pmid = 18055333 | doi = 10.3200/BMED.33.3.101-118 }}</ref>

[[Relaxation techniques]] include [[progressive muscle relaxation]], [[yoga as exercise|yoga]], and [[meditation]].<ref name="Orlando 2007" /> It has been suggested that TMD involves increased sensitivity to external stimuli leading to an increased [[sympathetic nervous system|sympathetic]] ("fight or flight") response with cardiovascular and respiratory alterations.<ref name="Orlando 2007" /> Relaxation techniques cause reduced sympathetic activity, including muscle relaxation and reducing sensitivity to external stimuli, and provoke a general sense of well-being and reduced anxiety.<ref name="Orlando 2007" />

===Devices===
[[File:Knirschschiene-acht-Jahre.jpg|thumbnail|A lower, full coverage occlusal splint after 8 years in use]]
[[File:Aufbissschiene.jpg|thumbnail|An upper, full coverage occlusal splint]]
[[Occlusal splint]]s (also termed bite plates or intra-oral appliances) are often used by dentists to treat TMD. They are usually made of [[acrylate polymer|acrylic]] and can be hard or soft. They can be designed to fit onto the upper teeth or the lower teeth. They may cover all the teeth in one arch (full coverage splint) or only some (partial coverage splint). Splints are also termed according to their intended mechanism, such as the anterior positioning splint or the stabilization splint.<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> Although occlusal splints are generally considered a reversible treatment,<ref name="Hupp 2008" /> sometimes partial coverage splints lead to pathologic tooth migration (changes in the position of teeth). Normally splints are only worn during sleep, and therefore probably do nothing for people who engage in parafunctional activities during wakefulness rather than during sleep. There is slightly more evidence for the use of occlusal splints in sleep bruxism than in TMD. A splint can also have a diagnostic role if it demonstrates excessive occlusal wear after a period of wearing it each night. This may confirm the presence of sleep bruxism if it was in doubt. Soft splints are occasionally reported to worsen discomfort related to TMD.<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> Specific types of occlusal splint are discussed below.

A stabilization splint is a hard acrylic splint that forces the teeth to meet in an "ideal" relationship for the muscles of mastication and the TMJs. It is claimed that this technique reduces abnormal muscular activity and promotes "neuromuscular balance". A stabilization splint is only intended to be used for about 2–3 months.<ref name="Al-Ani 2004" /> It is more complicated to construct than other types of splint since a [[Articulator|face bow]] record is required and significantly more skill on the part of the [[dental technician]]. This kind of splint should be properly fitted to avoid exacerbating the problem and used for brief periods of time. The use of the splint should be discontinued if it is painful or increases existing pain.<ref name=TMJA/> A systematic review of all the scientific studies investigating the efficacy of stabilization splints concluded the following:

{{blockquote|"On the basis of our analysis we conclude that the literature seems to suggest that there is insufficient evidence either for or against the use of stabilization splint therapy over other active interventions for the treatment of TMD. However, there is weak evidence to suggest that the use of stabilization splints for the treatment of TMD may be beneficial for reducing pain severity, at rest and on palpation, when compared to no treatment".<ref name="Al-Ani 2004" />}}

Partial coverage splints are recommended by some experts, but they have the potential to cause unwanted tooth movements, which can occasionally be severe. The mechanism of this tooth movement is that the splint effectively holds some teeth out of contact and puts all the force of the bite onto the teeth which the splint covers. This can cause the covered teeth to be intruded, and those that are not covered to over-erupted. I.e. a partial coverage splint can act as a [[Dahl appliance]]. Examples of partial coverage splints include the NTI-TSS ("nociceptive trigeminal inhibitor tension suppression system"), which covers the upper front teeth only. Due to the risks involved with long term use, some discourage the use of any type of partial coverage splint.<ref name="Wassell 2008" />

An anterior positioning splint is a splint that designed to promote an anteriorly displaced disc. It is rarely used.<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> A 2010 review of all the scientific studies carried out to investigate the use of occlusal splints in TMD concluded:

{{blockquote|"Hard stabilization appliances, when adjusted properly, have good evidence of modest efficacy in the treatment of TMD pain compared to non-occluding appliances and no treatment. Other types of appliances, including soft stabilization appliances, anterior positioning appliances, and anterior bite appliances, have some [[Randomized controlled trial|RCT]] evidence of efficacy in reducing TMD pain. However, the potential for adverse events with these appliances is higher and suggests the need for close monitoring in their use."<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Fricton J, Look JO, Wright E, Alencar FG, Chen H, Lang M, Ouyang W, Velly AM | display-authors = 6 | title = Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating intraoral orthopedic appliances for temporomandibular disorders | journal = Journal of Orofacial Pain | volume = 24 | issue = 3 | pages = 237–54 | year = 2010 | pmid = 20664825 }}</ref> }}

Ear canal inserts are also available, but no published peer-reviewed clinical trials have shown them to be useful.

===Medication===
Medication is the main method of managing pain in TMD, mostly because there is little if any evidence of the effectiveness of surgical or dental interventions.<!-- <ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" /> --> Many drugs have been used to treat TMD pain, such as [[analgesic]]s (pain killers), [[benzodiazepine]]s (e.g. [[clonazepam]], [[prazepam]], [[diazepam]]), [[anticonvulsant]]s (e.g. [[gabapentin]]), [[muscle relaxant]]s (e.g. [[cyclobenzaprine]]), and others. Analgesics that have been studied in TMD include [[non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug]]s (e.g. [[piroxicam]], [[diclofenac]], [[naproxen]], [[celecoxib]]).<!-- <ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" /> -->

[[Topical medication|Topical]] [[methyl salicylate]] and topical [[capsaicin]] have also been used.<!-- <ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" /> -->

Other drugs that have been described for use in TMD include [[glucosamine hydrochloride]]/[[chondroitin sulphate]] and [[propranolol]].<!-- <ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" /> --> Low-doses of [[anti-muscarinic]] [[tricyclic antidepressant]]s such as [[amitriptyline]],<ref name="Marbach 1996">{{cite journal | vauthors = Marbach JJ | title = Temporomandibular pain and dysfunction syndrome. History, physical examination, and treatment | journal = Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America | volume = 22 | issue = 3 | pages = 477–98 | date = August 1996 | pmid = 8844909 | doi = 10.1016/S0889-857X(05)70283-0 }}</ref> or [[nortriptyline]] have also been described.<ref name="pmid9007937">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dionne RA | title = Pharmacologic treatments for temporomandibular disorders | journal = Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics | volume = 83 | issue = 1 | pages = 134–42 | date = January 1997 | pmid = 9007937 | doi = 10.1016/S1079-2104(97)90104-9 | url = https://zenodo.org/record/1260198 }}</ref>

Despite many [[randomized control trial]]s being conducted on these commonly used medications for TMD a [[systematic review]] carried out in 2010 concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support or not to support the use of these drugs in TMD.<ref name="Mujakperuo 2010" />

In a subset of people with TMD who are not helped by either noninvasive and invasive treatments, long term use of [[opiate]] analgesics has been suggested, although these drugs carry a risk of [[drug dependence]] and other side effects.<ref name="Bouloux 2011">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bouloux GF | title = Use of opioids in long-term management of temporomandibular joint dysfunction | journal = Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | volume = 69 | issue = 7 | pages = 1885–91 | date = July 2011 | pmid = 21419546 | doi = 10.1016/j.joms.2010.12.014 }}</ref> Examples include [[morphine]], [[fentanyl]], [[oxycodone]], [[tramadol]], [[hydrocodone]], and [[methadone]].<ref name="Bouloux 2011" />

Injections of [[local anesthetic]], sometimes combined with [[steroid]]s, into the muscles (e.g. the temoralis muscle or its tendon) are also sometimes used. Local anesthetics may provide temporary pain relief, and steroids inhibit pro-inflammatory [[cytokine]]s.<ref name="Hupp 2008" /> Steroids and other medications are sometimes injected directly into the joint (See [[#Intra-articular injections|Intra-articular injections]]). Platelet-rich fibrin injection, alone or associated with arthrocentesis, can be considered a very suitable.<ref name="Treatments for painful temporomandi">{{cite journal | vauthors = Al-Moraissi, EA et al.| title = Treatments for painful temporomandibular disc displacement with reduction: a network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials | journal = International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery| volume = 53 | issue = 1 | pages = 45–56 | date = January 2024| pmid = 37802670 | doi = 10.1016/j.ijom.2023.09.006}}</ref>

[[Botulinum toxin]] solution ("Botox") is sometimes used to treat TMD.<ref name="Schwartz 2002">{{cite journal | vauthors = Schwartz M, Freund B | s2cid = 37480726 | title = Treatment of temporomandibular disorders with botulinum toxin | journal = The Clinical Journal of Pain | volume = 18 | issue = 6 Suppl | pages = S198-203 | date = Nov–Dec 2002 | pmid = 12569969 | doi = 10.1097/00002508-200211001-00013 }}</ref> Injection of botox into the lateral pterygoid muscle has been investigated in multiple randomized control trials, and there is evidence that it is of benefit in TMD.<ref name="Persaud 2013">{{cite journal | vauthors = Persaud R, Garas G, Silva S, Stamatoglou C, Chatrath P, Patel K | title = An evidence-based review of botulinum toxin (Botox) applications in non-cosmetic head and neck conditions | journal = JRSM Short Reports | volume = 4 | issue = 2 | date = February 2013 | page = 10 | pmid = 23476731 | pmc = 3591685 | doi = 10.1177/2042533312472115 }}</ref> It is theorized that spasm of lateral pterygoid causes anterior disc displacement. Botulinum toxin causes temporary muscular paralysis by inhibiting [[acetylcholine]] release at the neuromuscular junction.<ref name="Glick 2003" /> The effects usually last for a period of months before they wear off. Complications include the creation of a "fixed" expression due to diffusion of the solution and subsequent involvement of the [[muscles of facial expression]],<ref name="Persaud 2013" /> which lasts until the effects of the botox wear off.

===Physiotherapy===
[[Physiotherapy]] (physical therapy) is sometimes used as an [[Adjuvant therapy|adjuvant]] to other methods of treatment in TMD.<ref name="Aggarwal 2012">{{cite journal | vauthors = Aggarwal A, Keluskar V | title = Physiotherapy as an adjuvant therapy for treatment of TMJ disorders | journal = General Dentistry | volume = 60 | issue = 2 | pages = e119-22 | date = Mar–Apr 2012 | pmid = 22414516 }}</ref> There are many different approaches described, but exercises aiming to increase the range of mandibular movements are commonly involved.<ref name="Hupp 2008">{{cite book |vauthors=Hupp JR, Ellis E, Tucker MR |title=Contemporary oral and maxillofacial surgery |url=https://archive.org/details/contemporaryoral00hupp |url-access=limited |year=2008 |publisher=Mosby Elsevier |location=St. Louis, MO |isbn=978-0-323-04903-0 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/contemporaryoral00hupp/page/n641 629]–47 |edition=5th}}</ref> Jaw exercises aim to directly oppose the negative effects of disuse that may occur in TMD, due to pain discouraging people from moving their jaw. After initial instruction, people are able to perform a physical therapy regimen at home. The most simple method is by regular stretching within pain tolerance, using the thumb and a finger in a "scissor" maneuver. Gentle force is applied until pain of resistance is felt, and then the position is held for several seconds.<!-- <ref name="Hupp 2008" /> --> Commercial devices have been developed to carry out this stretching exercise (e.g. the "Therabite" appliance). Over time, the amount of mouth opening possible without pain can be gradually increased.<!-- <ref name="Hupp 2008" /> --> A baseline record of the distance at the start of physical therapy (e.g. the number of fingers that can be placed vertically between the upper and lower incisors), can chart any improvement over time.<ref name="Hupp 2008" />

It has been suggested that massage therapy for TMD improves both the subjective and objective health status.<ref name="Miernik 2012">{{cite journal | vauthors = Miernik M, Wieckiewicz M, Paradowska A, Wieckiewicz W | title = Massage therapy in myofascial TMD pain management | journal = Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine | volume = 21 | issue = 5 | pages = 681–5 | date = Sep–Oct 2012 | pmid = 23356206 }}</ref> "Friction massage" uses surface pressure to cause temporary [[ischemia]] and subsequent [[hyperemia]] in the muscles, and this is hypothesized to inactivate trigger points and disrupt small fibrous adhesions within the muscle that have formed following surgery or muscular shortening due to restricted movement.<ref name="Hupp 2008" />

Occasionally physiotherapy for TMD may include the use of [[transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation]] (TENS), which may override pain by stimulation of superficial nerve fibers and lead to pain reduction which extends after the time where the TENS is being actually being applied, possibly due to release of [[endorphin]]s.<!-- <ref name="Hupp 2008" /> --> Others recommend the use of [[ultrasound]], theorized to produce tissue heating, alter blood flow and metabolic activity at a level that is deeper than possible with surface heat applications.<ref name="Hupp 2008" /> There is tentative evidence that [[low level laser therapy]] may help with pain.<ref name="Maia 2012">{{cite journal | vauthors = Maia ML, Bonjardim LR, de Souza Siqueira Quintans J, Ribeiro MA, Maia LG, Conti PC | title = Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain levels in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review | journal = Journal of Applied Oral Science | volume = 20 | issue = 6 | pages = 594–602 | year = 2012 | pmid = 23329239 | pmc = 3881861 | doi = 10.1590/S1678-77572012000600002 }}</ref>

The goals of a PT in reference to treatment of TMD should be to decrease pain, enable muscle relaxation, reduce muscular hyperactivity, and reestablish muscle function and joint mobility. PT treatment is non-invasive and includes self-care management in an environment to create patient responsibility for their own health.<ref name=":11">{{cite journal | vauthors = Armijo-Olivo S, Pitance L, Singh V, Neto F, Thie N, Michelotti A | title = Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise for Temporomandibular Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | journal = Physical Therapy | volume = 96 | issue = 1 | pages = 9–25 | date = January 2016 | pmid = 26294683 | pmc = 4706597 | doi = 10.2522/ptj.20140548 }}</ref>

Therapeutic exercise and Manual Therapy (MT) are used to improve strength, coordination and mobility and to reduce pain. Treatment may focus on poor posture, cervical muscle spasms and treatment for referred cervical origin (pain referred from upper levels of the cervical spine) or [[orofacial pain]]. MT has been used to restore normal range of motion, promoting circulation, stimulate [[proprioception]], break fibrous adhesions, stimulate synovial fluid production and reduce pain. Exercises and MT are safe and simple interventions that could potentially be beneficial for patients with TMD. No adverse events regarding exercise therapy and manual therapy have been reported.<ref name=":11" />

There have been positive results when using postural exercises and jaw exercises to treat both myogenous (muscular) and arthrogenous (articular) TMJ dysfunction. MT alone or in combination with exercises shows promising effects.<ref name=":11" />

It is necessary that trials be performed isolating the type of exercise and manual techniques to allow a better understanding of the effectiveness of this treatment. Additionally, details of exercise, dosage, and frequency as well as details on manual techniques should be reported to create reproducible results. High quality trials with larger sample sizes are needed.<ref name=":11" />

There is some evidence that some people who use nighttime [[biofeedback]] to reduce nighttime clenching experience a reduction in TMD.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Crider A, Glaros AG, Gevirtz RN | s2cid = 9714081 | title = Efficacy of biofeedback-based treatments for temporomandibular disorders | journal = Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback | volume = 30 | issue = 4 | pages = 333–45 | date = December 2005 | pmid = 16385422 | doi = 10.1007/s10484-005-8420-5 }}</ref>

===Occlusal adjustment===
This is the adjustment or reorganizing of the existing occlusion, carried out in the belief that this will redistribute forces evenly across the dental arches or achieve a more favorable position of the condyles in the fossae, which is purported to lessen tooth wear, bruxism and TMD, but this is controversial. These techniques are sometimes termed "occlusal rehabilitation" or "occlusal equilibration".<ref name="Shetty 2010" /> At its simplest, an occlusal adjustment involves selective grinding (with a dental drill) of the enamel of the occlusal surfaces of teeth, with the aim of allowing the upper teeth to fit with the lower teeth in a more harmonious way.<ref name="Luther 2010" /> However, there is much disagreement between proponents of these techniques on most of the aspects involved, including the indications and the exact goals. Occlusal adjustment can also be very complex, involving [[orthodontic]]s, [[restorative dentistry]] or even [[orthognathic surgery]]. Some have criticized these occlusal reorganizations as having no evidence base, and irreversibly damaging the dentition on top of the damage already caused by bruxism.<ref name="Shetty 2010" /> A "middle ground" view of these techniques is that occlusal adjustment in most cases of TMD is neither desirable nor helpful as a first-line treatment, and furthermore, with few exceptions, any adjustments should be reversible.<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> However, most dentists consider this unnecessary overtreatment,<ref name="Wassell 2008" /> with no evidence of benefit.<ref name="Kerawala 2010" /> Specifically, orthodontics and orthognathic surgery are not considered by most to be appropriate treatments for TMD.<ref name="Kerawala 2010" /> A systematic review investigating all the scientific studies carried out on occlusal adjustments in TMD concluded the following: 
{{blockquote|"There is an absence of evidence of effectiveness for occlusal adjustment. Based on these data occlusal adjustment cannot be recommended for the treatment or prevention of TMD.<ref name="Koh 2004" />}}

These conclusions were based largely on the fact that, despite many different scientific studies investigating this measure as a therapy, overall no statistically significant differences can be demonstrated between treatment with occlusal adjustment and treatment with [[placebo]]. The reviewers also stated that there are ethical implications if occlusal adjustment was found to be ineffective in preventing TMD.<ref name="Koh 2004" />

Orthodontic treatment, as described earlier, is sometimes listed as a possible predisposing factor in the development of TMD. On the other hand, orthodontic treatment is also often carried out in the belief that it may treat or prevent TMD. Another systematic review investigating the relationship between orthodontics and TMD concluded the following:

{{blockquote|"There is no evidence to support or refute the use of orthodontic treatment for the treatment of TMD. In addition, there are no data which identify a link between active orthodontic intervention and the causation of TMD. Based on the lack of data, orthodontic treatment cannot be recommended for the treatment or prevention of TMD."<ref name="Luther 2010" /> }}

A common scenario where a newly placed dental restoration (e.g. a crown or a filling) is incorrectly contoured, and creates a premature contact in the bite. This may localize all the force of the bite onto one tooth, and cause inflammation of the periodontal ligament and reversible increase in tooth mobility. The tooth may become tender to bite on. Here, the "occlusal adjustment" has already taken place inadvertently, and the adjustment aims to return to the pre-existing occlusion. This should be distinguished from attempts to deliberately reorganize the native occlusion.

===Surgery===
{{Main|Surgery for temporomandibular joint dysfunction}}

Attempts in the last decade to develop [[Surgery|surgical treatment]]s based on [[MRI]] and [[Computed axial tomography|CAT]] scans now receive less attention. These techniques are reserved for the most difficult cases where other [[therapeutic modalities]] have failed. The [[American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons]] recommends nonsurgical treatment and minimally invasive surgeries as the initial management for most patients.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bouloux |first=Gary F. |last2=Chou |first2=Joli |last3=DiFabio |first3=Vince |last4=Ness |first4=Greg |last5=Perez |first5=Daniel |last6=Mercuri |first6=Louis |last7=Chung |first7=William |last8=Crago |first8=Charles A. |date=2024-06-01 |title=The Contemporary Management of Temporomandibular Joint Intra-Articular Pain and Dysfunction |url=https://www.joms.org/article/S0278-2391(24)00003-X/abstract |journal=Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |language=English |volume=82 |issue=6 |pages=623–631 |doi=10.1016/j.joms.2024.01.003 |issn=0278-2391 |pmid=38280727}}</ref> The [[American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons]] recommends a conservative/non-surgical approach first.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025}} Only 20% of patients need to proceed to surgery.

Examples of surgical procedures that are used in TMD, some more commonly than others, include [[arthrocentesis]],<ref name="Treatments for painful temporomandi"/> [[arthroscopy]], meniscectomy, disc repositioning, condylotomy or [[joint replacement]]. Invasive surgical procedures in TMD may cause symptoms to worsen.<ref name="Guo 2009" /> Meniscectomy, also termed discectomy refers to surgical removal of the articular disc. This is rarely carried out in TMD, it may have some benefits for pain, but dysfunction may persist and overall it leads to degeneration or remodeling of the TMJ.<ref name="Hagandora 2012">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hagandora CK, Almarza AJ | s2cid = 46145202 | title = TMJ disc removal: comparison between pre-clinical studies and clinical findings | journal = Journal of Dental Research | volume = 91 | issue = 8 | pages = 745–52 | date = August 2012 | pmid = 22744995 | doi = 10.1177/0022034512453324 }}</ref>

===Alternative medicine===

====Acupuncture====
[[Acupuncture]] is sometimes used for TMD.<ref name="Cuccia 2011" /> There is limited evidence that acupuncture is an effective symptomatic treatment for TMD.<ref name="Jung 2011">{{cite journal | vauthors = Jung A, Shin BC, Lee MS, Sim H, Ernst E | title = Acupuncture for treating temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, sham-controlled trials | journal = Journal of Dentistry | volume = 39 | issue = 5 | pages = 341–50 | date = May 2011 | pmid = 21354460 | doi = 10.1016/j.jdent.2011.02.006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Türp JC | title = Limited evidence that acupuncture is effective for treating temporomandibular disorders | journal = Evidence-Based Dentistry | volume = 12 | issue = 3 | page = 89 | year = 2011 | pmid = 21979775 | doi = 10.1038/sj.ebd.6400816 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="La Touche 2010" /> A short-term reduction in muscular pain of muscular origin can usually be observed after acupuncture in TMD,<ref name="La Touche 2010" /> and this is more than is seen with [[placebo]].<ref name="Cho 2010" /> There are no reported adverse events of acupuncture when used for TMD,<ref name="Cho 2010" /> and some suggest that acupuncture is best employed as an adjuvant to other treatments in TMD.<ref name="La Touche 2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = La Touche R, Goddard G, De-la-Hoz JL, Wang K, Paris-Alemany A, Angulo-Díaz-Parreño S, Mesa J, Hernández M | s2cid = 12402484 | display-authors = 6 | title = Acupuncture in the treatment of pain in temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials | journal = The Clinical Journal of Pain | volume = 26 | issue = 6 | pages = 541–50 | year = 2010 | pmid = 20551730 | doi = 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3181e2697e }}</ref> However, some suggest that acupuncture may be no more effective than sham acupuncture,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Laurence B | title = Acupuncture may be no more effective than sham acupuncture in treating temporomandibular joint disorders | journal = The Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice | volume = 12 | issue = 1 | pages = 2–4 | date = March 2012 | pmid = 22326146 | doi = 10.1016/j.jebdp.2011.12.001 }}</ref> that many of the studies investigating acupuncture and TMD have significant risk of bias,<ref name="La Touche 2010" /> and that the long term efficacy of acupuncture for TMD is unknown.<ref name="La Touche 2010" /><ref name="Cho 2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cho SH, Whang WW | title = Acupuncture for temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review | journal = Journal of Orofacial Pain | volume = 24 | issue = 2 | pages = 152–62 | year = 2010 | pmid = 20401353 }}</ref>

====Chiropractic====
[[Chiropractic adjustment]]s (also termed manipulations or mobilizations) are sometimes used in the belief that this will treat TMD.<ref name="DeVocht 2006">{{cite journal | vauthors = DeVocht JW | s2cid = 35775630 | title = History and overview of theories and methods of chiropractic: a counterpoint | journal = Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research | volume = 444 | pages = 243–9 | date = March 2006 | pmid = 16523145 | doi = 10.1097/01.blo.0000203460.89887.8d }}</ref>  There is no credible evidence of efficacy in TMD.<ref name="Ernst 2008">{{cite book | first1 = Simon | last1 = Singh | first2 = Edzard | last2 = Ernst | name-list-style = vanc |title=Trick or treatment: the undeniable facts about alternative medicine |year=2008 |publisher=W.W. Norton |location=New York |isbn=978-0-393-06661-6 |pages=149–90 |edition=1st American}}</ref> However, there is some evidence of possible adverse effects from cervical (neck) vertebral manipulation, which sometimes may be serious.<ref name="Ernst 2008" />

==Prognosis==
It has been suggested that the [[Natural history of disease|natural history]] of TMD is benign and self-limiting,<ref name="Cawson 2002" /> with symptoms slowly improving and resolving over time.<ref name="AADR policy statement" /> The prognosis is therefore good.<ref name="Medscape reference" /> However, the persistent pain symptoms, psychological discomfort, physical disability and functional limitations may detriment [[quality of life]].<ref name="List 2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = List T, Axelsson S | title = Management of TMD: evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses | journal = Journal of Oral Rehabilitation | volume = 37 | issue = 6 | pages = 430–51 | date = May 2010 | pmid = 20438615 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-2842.2010.02089.x }}</ref> It has been suggested that TMD does not cause permanent damage and does not progress to arthritis in later life,<ref name="Cawson 2002"/>{{rp|174–175}} however, degenerative disorders of the TMJ such as osteoarthritis are included within the spectrum of TMDs in some classifications.

==Epidemiology==

TMD mostly affects people in the 20 – 40 age group,<ref name="Guo 2009" /> and the average age is 33.9 years.<ref name="Edwab 2003" /> People with TMD tend to be younger adults,<ref name="Medscape reference" /> who are otherwise healthy. Within the catchall umbrella of TMD, there are peaks for disc displacements at age 30, and for inflammatory-degenerative joint disorders at age 50.<ref name="Manfredini 2011" />

About 75% of the general population may have at least one abnormal sign associated with the TMJ (e.g. clicking), and about 33% have at least one symptom of TMD.<ref name="Wright 2010" /> However, only in 3.6–7% will this be of sufficient severity to trigger the individual to seek medical advice.<ref name="Wright 2010" />

For unknown reasons, females are more likely to be affected than males, in a ratio of about 2:1,<ref name="Edwab 2003" /> although others report this ratio to be as high as 9:1.<ref name="Wright 2010" /> Females are more likely to request treatment for TMD, and their symptoms are less likely to resolve.<ref name="Wright 2010" /> Females with TMD are more likely to be [[nulliparous]] than females without TMD.<ref name="Scully 2008" /> It has also been reported that female [[white people|Caucasians]] are more likely to be affected by TMD, and at an earlier age, than female [[African American]]s.<ref name="Medscape reference" />

According to the most recent analyses of epidemiologic data using the RDC/TMD diagnostic criteria, of all TMD cases, group I (muscle disorders) accounts for 45.3%, group II (disc displacements) 41.1%, and group III (joint disorders) 30.1% (individuals may have diagnoses from more than one group).<ref name="Manfredini 2011" /> Using the RDC/TMD criteria, TMD has a prevalence in the general population of 9.7% for group I, 11.4% for group IIa, and 2.6% for group IIIa.<ref name="Manfredini 2011" />

The highest prevalence of TMD (regardless of type) is in South America at 47%, followed by Asia at 33%, Europe at 29%, and North America at 26%.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

==History==
Temporomandibular disorders were described as early as ancient Egypt.<ref name="Wright 2010">{{cite book|title=Manual of temporomandibular disorders|last=Wright|first=Edward F.| name-list-style = vanc |publisher=Wiley-Blackwell|year=2013|isbn=978-1-118-50269-3|edition=3rd|location=Ames, IA|pages=1–15}}</ref> An older name for the condition is "Costen's syndrome", eponymously referring to James B. Costen.<ref name="pmid9342976">{{cite journal | vauthors = Costen JB | s2cid = 30664556 | title = A syndrome of ear and sinus symptoms dependent upon disturbed function of the temporomandibular joint. 1934 | journal = The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology | volume = 106 | issue = 10 Pt 1 | pages = 805–19 | date = October 1997 | pmid = 9342976 | doi = 10.1177/000348949710601002 }}</ref> Costen was an [[otolaryngologist]],<ref name="Perry 1995" /> and although he was not the first physician to describe TMD, he wrote extensively on the topic, starting in 1934, and was the first to approach the disorder in an integrated and systematic way.<ref name="Michael 1997">{{cite journal | vauthors = Michael LA | s2cid = 57196481 | title = Jaws revisited: Costen's syndrome | journal = The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology | volume = 106 | issue = 10 Pt 1 | pages = 820–2 | date = October 1997 | pmid = 9342977 | doi = 10.1177/000348949710601003 }}</ref> Costen hypothesized that [[malocclusion]] caused TMD, and placed emphasis on ear symptoms, such as tinnitus, otalgia, impaired hearing, and even dizziness.<ref name="Michael 1997" /> Specifically, Costen believed that the cause of TMD was mandibular over-closure,<ref name="Perry 1995">{{cite journal | vauthors = Perry HT | title = Temporomandibular joint dysfunction: from Costen to the present | journal = Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore | volume = 24 | issue = 1 | pages = 163–7 | date = January 1995 | pmid = 7605085 }}</ref> recommending a treatment revolving around building up the bite.<ref name="Perry 1995" /> The eponym "Costen syndrome" became commonly used shortly after his initial work,<ref name="Michael 1997" /> but in modern times it has been dropped, partially because occlusal factors are now thought to play little, if any, role in the development of TMD,<ref name="Medscape reference">{{cite web |title=Temporomandibular Disorders |website=Medscape |url=http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1143410-overview#showall |publisher=WebMD |date=22 February 2017 |author=Joseph Rios |editor=Robert A. Egan |access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> and also because ear problems are now thought to be less associated with TMD. Other historically important terms that were used for TMD include "TMJ disease" or "TMJ syndrome", which are now rarely used.<ref name="Medscape reference" />

On March 31, 2020, The [[American Dental Association]] officially recognized orofacial pain as a dental speciality.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://aaop.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=5&club_id=508439&item_id=53318 | title=Orofacial Pain is Now the 12th ADA-Recognized Dental Specialty - American Academy of Orofacial Pain }}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Medical resources
|  DiseasesDB     = 12934
| ICD11           = {{ICD11|DA0E.8}}
|  ICD10          = {{ICD10|K|07|6|k|00}}
|  ICD9           = {{ICD9|524.60}}
|  ICDO           =
|  OMIM           =
|  MedlinePlus    = 001227
|  eMedicineSubj  = neuro
|  eMedicineTopic = 366
|  eMedicine_mult  = {{eMedicine2|radio|679}} {{eMedicine2|emerg|569}}
}}
{{oral pathology}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Musculoskeletal disorders]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Pathology of temporomandibular joints, muscles of mastication and associated structures]]
[[Category:Ailments of unknown cause]]