What is TMJ and TMJ disorder? The temporomandibular joint is the only joint in the maxillofacial area that supports oral functions such as mastication, speech, swallowing, and expression. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) refers to the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, which is manifested by joint popping, facial pain, difficulty in opening the mouth, sometimes accompanied by dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, etc. When the pain is severe, it can spread to the top of the head, temporal, occipital, neck, shoulder and back, which seriously affects normal life, study and work. How do you get TMJ disease? There are many causes of TMJ disorders, the most common of which is abnormal dental occlusion, such as overbite caused by night grinding or lateral chewing, dental misalignment caused by unaligned teeth, dental occlusion disorder due to long-term missing teeth without restoration, and disorder of occlusal relationship caused by improper treatment. In addition, factors such as mental tension, strain and trauma can also trigger TMJ disease. What should I do if I have TMJ disorder? First of all, you should go to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Since the treatment of TMJ disease requires accurate diagnosis and systematic treatment, TMJ disease specialists are now mainly located in large dental hospitals. The first doctor will conduct relevant imaging examinations according to the condition, including X-rays, CT films, MRI films, etc., as well as occlusal models, jaw movement trajectories, muscle electrophysiology, etc. The early diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint disease is more effective, and the course of treatment will be appropriately extended in the middle and late stages of diagnosis and treatment. The results of conservative treatment for some late stage organic changes such as perforation of the articular disc are sometimes not satisfactory and further surgical treatment is required. What are the treatments for TMJ disorders? The main treatment methods for TMJ disease include dental specialist treatment such as occlusal plate treatment and occlusal therapy, symptomatic treatment such as physiotherapy, local closure, joint cavity irrigation and medication, minimally invasive arthroscopic treatment, open surgical treatment, and necessary psychological treatment. More than 95% of these patients can achieve significant results through conservative treatment methods such as occlusal therapy.