TMJ – A Most Unique Joint

For Patients

By American Academy Of Craniofacial Pain (AACP)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the most unique joint in the whole body as it is two joints in one. The two joints, one on each side of the head, are connected by the jawbone. One joint may influence the function of the other joint. Because they are fused in the midline, this means that you cannot move one joint without moving the other. The two temporomandibular joints can differ in size, shape, and even in function. It is possible to have a problem in one joint but have the symptoms expressed in the other joint. You could also have pain that starts on one side of the head and migrates to the other side simply because of the relationship of these joints from one to the other.

The second factor making this joint unique is that another structure dictates its function. This other structure is the teeth. The teeth are passive members of the upper and lower jaw, but they have a specific way they must fit together and interrelate. As far as the brain is concerned, the tooth position has priority over the joint position. This means that the TM joint is forced by the muscles to move so that the teeth will fit together properly. This can potentially cause a mal-alignment within the joint capsule. If this happens, the muscles are put in a compromising situation causing them to spasm and resulting in pain. Many of the problems you may be experiencing are the result of muscle spasms, but the cause is not a muscle problem. The muscles are simply caught between two positions: the tooth position and the jaw position.

The third factor making this joint unique is that it has an articular disc located between the ball (condyle) and the socket (glenoid fossa). This disc has a muscle attached to the front of it that pulls the disc forward as the condyle moves forward in the glenoid fossa. The disc is also attached in the back by elastic connective tissue that is much like a rubber band and pulls the disc back as the condyle moves backward in the glenoid fossa. In other words, this attachment can stretch and recoil as the jaw opens and closes. Since the disc is a separate structure and may move independently from the condyle, it can be displaced causing many problems. We call this disorder an internal derangement of the TM joint. Internal derangement of the TM joint can be a distressing syndrome of pain, limited jaw movement, clicking, popping, and crepitus (a grating sound similar to the crumpling sound of parchment paper) in the joint.

This derangement may be caused by genetic pathological changes in the joint or acquired pathological changes as the result of trauma. Often, internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint is preceded by myofascial pain dysfunction that can involve moderate to severe spasms of the head, neck, shoulder and/or back muscles. A wide range of symptoms may occur, such as headaches, muscle pain, ear pain, dizziness, stuffiness and ringing in the ears, blurred vision, etc. Treatment of these conditions needs to be individualized and may include a combination of medical and dental therapies. Treatment of your particular problem will be determined by your specific diagnosis.

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about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of the Greater Toronto Area

    
 
 
         
   Jill Krstajic 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 Lallo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 McDonald 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 Leclerc 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 Hale 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 Hajsan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Goodfellow is a good fellow (I know, so original)! This is the only place that has helped with my TMJ.
  
 
        
   oren dishy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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-Murphy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 Wu 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Solved on my jaw pain and overbite issues in an efficient way.

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TMJ – A Most Unique Joint

By American Academy Of Craniofacial Pain (AACP)

Learn more about what our patients have to say

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TMJ – A Most Unique Joint

By American Academy Of Craniofacial Pain (AACP)

Learn more about what our patients have to say

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