The Jaw Joint (just in front of your ears) is where the fulcrum of movement occurs when the lower jaw opens and closes. The TMJ complex comprises of three tissues; the jaw joint itself, the muscles (that move the bony jaws) and the teeth. The teeth are the end point of movement.

Consider when your teeth wear down either by an ageing process or through pathological wear called bruxism, extra movement or strain is inflicted upon the jaw joint and muscles that move and support the jaw. This amongst other conditions can give rise to TemporMandibular Pain Dysfunction (TMPD). This condition is not age specific, and gives rise to significant jaw, cheek, kneck and in some cases back pain. It often is a cause for migraines, tension type headaches, ringing in the ears and peripheral tingling and numbness in the extremities. Often people complain of lethargy, lack of motivation and sleep disorders.

Diagnosis is crucial, a detailed history, examination, palpation of jaws, muscles and occlusal (tooth) analysis is required. Often Dr Pulvirenti can listen to the noises (clicks) the joint makes with Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA), we can assess muscle activity (EMG studies) and we can track the full pathway of tooth movement.