The temporomandibular joint is the joint located between the temporal bone and the jaw.
They are actually two joints, one on either side of the head, which function synchronously. It is one of the only mobile joints in the head, together with the atlanto-occipital joint and the joint between the hyoid and temporal bone.
Joint bone surfaces are covered by a fibrocartilage with an interposed articular meniscus that makes them compatible and facilitates the three basic movements of the jaw (aperture and closure, lateralities and protrusion and retrusion).
In order to diagnose the existence and degree of importance of the ATM dysfunction, the patient’s medical record is studied and different clinical studies (occlusal analysis, etc.) and other complementary tests (X-rays, MRI scan, etc.) are performed before finally recommending the appropriate therapy.
Various techniques and specialities converge in this diagnosis. The coordinator of the speciality is in charge of consulting the different specialists in a clinical session, in order to ensure that the patient receives the best care with the least concern.
What do we treat in the ATM unit?
Six major groups of clinical symptoms can be considered in dysfunctional ATM pathology. These can be diagnosed based on the following signs and symptoms: