Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a term that is used to describe both acute and chronic pain in the temporomandibular joint (the joint where the jaw attaches to the skull). The primary causes of TMJ are teeth grinding and clenching, an improper alignment of the upper and lower teeth, and trauma to the chin or jaw. Symptoms associated with TMJ can include facial pain, earaches, headaches, jaw pain, jaw clicking/popping, and difficulty/discomfort chewing.
Treatment of TMJ is one of Dr. Palmisano’s specialties; she has extensive postgraduate training in it, including more continuing education courses than are required, and participation in intensive conferences. Depending on the needs of the individual patient, treatment for TMJ can involve a wide range of dental appliances and therapies. Most common among these is the occlusal splint, or night guard, which can aid in a reduction of nighttime teeth grinding and clenching.
The temporomandibular joint is the only joint in the body that can move in every direction: front to back, up and down, side to side. It helps make possible biting, chewing, swallowing, forming facial expressions, and speaking.