Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

TMJ disorders affect the jaw and surrounding areas. They may involve the muscles around the jaw joint or the bone and cartilage within the joint.

Multiple TMJ conditions can occur together. Myofascial pain syndrome is a common type of TMJ disorder that causes tension, fatigue, or spasms in the jaw muscles. Another common condition, internal derangement of the TMJ, occurs when the disc inside the joint is displaced or disrupted.

At Penn Medicine Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a multidisciplinary team of oral surgeons, oral medicine physicians, and oral rehabilitation experts provide expert care. They treat a high volume of TMJ cases, including complex surgeries, making them one of the top centers in the country for TMJ treatment.

Common causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders include:

• Jaw injuries: Trauma to the jaw, joint, or surrounding muscles, such as from an accident or blow to the face, can be a factor in developing a TMJ disorder.
• Teeth grinding or clenching: Also known as bruxism, these habits put excessive pressure on the TMJ and can lead to muscle tension and joint damage.
• Stress: Stress often causes people to clench their jaw or tighten facial muscles, which can strain the TMJ over time.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can damage the joint’s cartilage or cause inflammation.
• Jawbone infection: Infection of the bone from a neglected dental cavity, a tooth extraction, or other dental procedures, if not properly treated, can travel into the jawbone and cause TMJ issues.
• Joint misalignment: Problems with how the upper and lower teeth fit together (malocclusion) can cause TMJ disorders.
• Mouth and jaw tumors: Both benign and malignant jaw tumors can be found in the mouth and jaw, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, tenderness, and unexplained tooth mobility.
• Connective tissue disorders: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affect joint stability, may lead to TMJ issues.
• Repetitive movements: Frequent gum chewing, nail biting, or habits like resting the chin on the hand can strain the joint and muscles.

These factors can act alone or in combination, contributing to TMJ disorders and their symptoms.

At Penn Medicine, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are internationally known and considered pioneers in TMJ surgery. With some of the highest volumes of joint surgery in the country, the Penn Center for Temporomandibular Joint Disease has extensive experience performing complex joint and combined jaw surgeries.

At the forefront of medical and surgical science, our physicians and researchers are actively involved in basic science and clinical studies to improve treatment outcomes and prevent TMJ disorders.

We are a pioneer in TMJ medical and surgical science, as well as a leader in clinical research. Our Center is home to the TMD-PRIME patient registry and TMJ Biobank. The goal of these two initiatives is to advance the scientific understanding of transmandibular joint disease and to increase the prevention and improve the prognosis of patients who suffer from this complex condition.