Images of TMJ anatomy from Google Images

 I recommend you view the one labeled "TMJ Pathophysiology" where you can see two short
 Simulated real-life films: one of a normal functioning TMJ, and the second showing a TMJ with
 a typical "Disc" problem causing a click in the joint---Excellent!
 

                     When you get to the TMJ page of images using the link above, look for the image you see below.

What is TMJ?

The letters TMJ are an acronym that stand for the words Temporal-Mandibular Joint. This is the joint that operates the opening and closing of your mouth.
      The joint is composed of a part of the skull called the Temporal bone, the lower jaw bone called the Mandible which is connected to the Temporal bone. Lying between the Temporal bone and the Mandible is a disc of cushioning material controlled by the muscles that help to open the mouth.
      You can feel the joint by putting your index fingers just in front of your ears and opening and closing the jaw (mandible). The right and left side together comprise the TMJ. However, doctors often call the pain you feel around the joint when you are under tension and stress "TMJ".
      They will tell you that "you have TMJ". There are two basic kinds of TMJ problems: The first kind is related to pain that comes from some disorder of the parts inside the joint. This kind of disorder is much less common than the pain that originates in the muscles just surrounding the joint that help to open and keep the jaw closed.
      A common example of this kind of pain/disorder occurs when you are under a great deal of stress and you begin to clench and grind (brux) your teeth , not only during the day but at night in your sleep. This extra ordinary (para-functional) chewing puts a great deal of stress on your TMJ. The muscles that hold the mouth closed go into a kind of painful spasm which can be very painful. The treatment is very simple: allow the jaw to rest, among many methods that are useful.
     Orthodontists can often diagnose the problem easily because patients report that upon waking their jaws hurt. A simple removable device called a bite plate is usually very helpful to alleviate the pain. In some cases just limiting the jaw from making its maximum movements gives the TMJ and the muscles that create jaw movement a chance to rest can lessen TMJ pain over time.

Here is an overview of the problem as published in an American Dental Association publication:

More than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain. Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, or even headaches and neck aches.

Two joints and several jaw muscles make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJ’s.

The TM joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. Located on each side of the head, these joints work together and can make many different movements, including a combination of rotating and translocational (gliding) action, used when chewing and speaking.

Several muscles help open and close the mouth. They control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward, and side-to-side. Both TM joints are involved in these movements. Each TM joint has a disc between the ball and socket (see diagram). The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and perform rotating and translocational movements. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

A dentist can help identify the source of the pain with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays. Often, it's a sinus, toothache or an early stage of periodontal disease. But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed. The pain could be related to the facial muscles, the jaw or temporomandibular joint, located in the front of the ear. Treatments for this pain may include stress reducing exercises, muscle relaxants, or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding. They've been successful for many and your dentist can recommend which is best for you.

Several conditions may be related to TMD, but they can be quite varied, and they are often difficult to pinpoint. TM disorders can result when the jaw muscles or jaw joints are affected.

The joint, ligaments, and muscles used for chewing and grinding food may all be involved. In some cases, it is not possible to clearly determine the causes. In some complex cases, where more than one doctor is involved, it may be difficult to get a consensus on treatment.

Some TM problems result from arthritis, dislocation, and injury. All of these conditions can cause pain and dysfunction. Muscles that move the joints are also subject to injury and disease. Injuries to the jaw, head or neck, and diseases such as arthritis, might result in some TM problems. Other factors that relate to the way the teeth fit together—the bite—may cause some types of TMD. Stress is thought to be a factor. TMD affects women of childbearing age more than men, or older men and women.

There are several ways the TMJ disorders may be treated. Your dentist will recommend what type of treatment is needed for your particular problem or recommend that you be referred to a specialist. Treatment may involve a series of steps. The step-by-step plan is in your best interest because only minor, relatively non-invasive treatment may be needed.

Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. Part of your clinical examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Your complete medical history may be reviewed, so it is important to keep your dental office record up-to-date. Your dentist may take x-rays and may make a “cast” of your teeth to see how your bite fits together. Your dentist may also request specialized x-rays for the TM joints. Depending on your case, the dentist may refer you to a physician or another dentist.

Additional symptoms of TMJ:

Here's some specifics that might help you: