TMJ Dysfunction
For Patients
Understanding TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders
The term “TMJ” refers to the temporomandibular joint. TMJ dysfunction (TMD) can be a confusing set of issues, including limited opening, extreme pain, noisy joints, pain on chewing, headaches and neck aches. The jaw joint is often a victim of a condition but can cause many other problems. The TM joint is formed where the temporal bone of the skull meets the lower jaw, which is also referred to as the mandible. The term temporo, therefore, comes from the temporal bone and the term mandibular comes from the mandible bone. The TMJ is located in front of each ear so there are two TMJ’s (temporomandibular joints).
The TMJ is what is referred to as a sliding joint. It is used whenever you chew food, swallow and talk. The sliding aspect of this joint distributes the pressure placed upon it throughout the entire joint so it is not limited to just one location. In between the skull and the TMJ there is a disc composed mostly of cartilage. This disc behaves like a third bone in this joint, but it moves with some movements of the TMJ since it is attached to a muscle in the region.

TMJ disorders can be challenging to diagnose because the root cause of the problem needs to be determined. For example, a branch of the trigeminal nerve is the nerve to the TMJ. If this nerve is injured it may appear to be a case of neuralgia instead of a TMJ disorder because the symptoms are often similar. The series of ligaments holding the skull and jaw together can be damaged. If a ligament related to the TMJ is damaged then the disc of the TMJ, the jaw or both often become dislocated. Muscles connected to the bone may be another source of problems since injury to these muscles can cause pain in the TMJ or even movement of the jaw which is unusual.
Some common causes of this disorder include a poor bite, grinding of the teeth, a poor posture, and malformation of the skeletal system or even a traumatic event such as whiplash. It has been suggested that 25% of the population has one or more TMJ symptoms. The good news is that repair of this condition is possible due to the fact that the bone and soft tissues involved are living tissues.

Learn more about what our patients have to say
about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of the Greater Toronto Area
Jill Krstajic2024-10-31 It is not an understatement to say that Dr Goodfellow and his staff have greatly improved the quality of my life! My TMJ pain was unbearable and as a Dental Hygienist I was actually skeptical that the treatment would work, it did and I am grateful! I would gladly recommend Dr Goodfellow for anyone suffering TMJ and Sleep Issues. Lanndis De Lallo2024-09-30 This device changed my life. I have had TMJ for as long as I can remember with a long history of orthodontic work from childhood. For the first time as an adult, I can control my jaw pain, clicking, locking and tension headaches with the night time appliance, which I wear every night - I can feel the difference even going one night without it. The daytime appliance also makes a big difference and now I can wear it periodically. Dr. Goodfellow, Cathie, Tina and the entire team are delightful, helpful and I can't thank them enough for helping me implement this life changing, non-surgical solution to my TMJ! Steve McDonald2024-09-19 Before being treated by Dr. Goodfellow I had severe jaw pain so bad I sometimes could hardly eat. That pain is now virtually gone. I am so grateful and I highly recommend Dr. Goodfellow! Julia Leclerc2024-07-23 I suffered from severe jaw pain and eventually jaw locking. Dr. Goodfellow not only was able to diagnose the issue, he was able to completely redirect my jaw and sleeping patterns with the mouth guard that I now wear to sleep every night. I don’t even get headaches anymore! The difference has been incredible and I am forever grateful. Highly recommend Dr. Goodfellow and his staff. Sandy Hale2024-07-09 I feel very positive about the treatment I received from Dr. Goodfellow and his team over a six month period. My TMJ disorder symptoms have been resolved to the point where I am almost pain free every day. Dr. Goodfellow helped me to understand both the causes of my jaw issues and how the treatments would work towards healing. His staff are friendly, accommodating and extremely knowledgeable and helped to allay any fears I had about treatments. I highly recommend TMJ & Sleep Therapy to any and all persons suffering from TMJ disorders. Anthony Hajsan2024-07-04 Dr. Goodfellow is a good fellow (I know, so original)! This is the only place that has helped with my TMJ. oren dishy2024-04-02 I've had a click in my jaw for over 30 years and over the past year it was constant pain and difficulty chewing. Dr. Goodfellow and his staff provided me with a non-invasive appliance one for the day and one for night and within 6 months I was pain and click free. It's as if I have brand new jaw with no issues whatsoever. Without a doubt, the best medical treatment I've ever received. I would give six stars if it was available. Paula Carmona-Murphy2024-01-22 After years of dealing with TMJ pain (and trying different types of appliances) I saw Dr. Goodfellow. I am thrilled with the results. Dr. Goodfellow and his staff are amazing! Shicheng Wu2024-01-11 Solved on my jaw pain and overbite issues in an efficient way.