TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Page: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

TMJ is formed by the connection of the lower jaw with the upper jaw. Between the two bones is a disc. This disc is primarily made of cartilage and in the TMJ acts like a third bone, because it is attached to a muscle. 

The nerve to the TMJ is a branch of the trigeminal nerve. 

The two bones of the TMJ are held together by a series of ligaments, which can be damaged. A damaged ligament results in a dislocation of the disc, the lower jaw or both. The bones are connected by two main muscles: the temporalis and the masseter. Either of these muscles may be painful and produce pain in the TMJ or abnormal movement of the lower jaw. 

SYMPTOMS: 

1. Frequent headaches 
2. Popping, clicking, or cracking sounds when you chew 
3. Stuffiness, pressure or blockage in your ears 
4. Ringing or buzzing 
5. Dizziness 
6. Jaws feel tight 
7. Do you separate your teeth with your tongue 
8. Teeth ache, or sensitive to temperature change 
9. Sore facial muscles 
10. Clench or grind your teeth 
11. Pain in ears or in front of ears
12. Pain when jaw is moved from side to side
13. Pain in neck, back of head or shoulders 
14. Injury to jaw, during surgery or whiplash 

Page: | 1 | 2 | 3 |



Home
| The Doctor | About Us | Services | Contact Us 



WM. Westendorf, DDS, ND INC. - 2818 Blue Rock Road - Cincinnati, OH 45239 - PH: (513) 218-3299
Copyright 2001-2008, WM. Westendorf, D.D.S., N.D. INC.. All right reserved.
Site hosted by Caudill Web Solutions