TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)

TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)

Why Aging Matters for Bone Healing: New Clues from the Rib

A resected rib in a young person can grow back with surprising ease—even if a large piece is missing. This remarkable healing ability was observed by Janice S. Lee, principal investigator of the Craniofacial Anomalies and Regeneration Section and Clinical Director at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), during reconstructive surgeries on young patients born with craniofacial anomalies. However, this regenerative capacity diminishes with age, as the body’s ability to repair bone declines dramatically over time.

Our Jaw Shape May Foretell Risk of Temporomandibular Disorders

In Brief:

  • An NIDCR-supported study showed that a smaller lower jawbone may strain the jaw joint and could predict a person’s risk of painful jaw problems.
  • The findings may help explain why women and people with a certain form of overbite, who typically have smaller jaws, are more likely to develop temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
Inflammation May Curb, Not Cause, Chronic Pain
Instead of causing chronic pain, inflammation at the acute stage appears to help thwart it. The NIDCR-supported study suggests suppressing inflammation may be counterproductive for relieving low back and jaw pain in the long run.
TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)
Versión en español

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly called "TMJ," are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement.

Researchers generally agree that the conditions fall into three main categories:

  1. Myofascial pain involves discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function.
  2. Internal derangement of the joint involves a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the condyle.
  3. Arthritis refers to a group of degenerative/inflammatory joint disorders that can affect the temporomandibular joint.

A person may have one or more of these conditions at the same time.

Some estimates suggest that TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans. These conditions appear to be more common in women than men.

 

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TMJ Disorders

In-depth brochure covering causes, symptoms, and treatments for TMJ disorders.