The Pain Evaluation and Treatment Institute at the University of Pittsburgh is offering FREE evaluation and treatment for eligible patients who suffer from Jaw pain, and/or pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Our treatments are non-invasive and conservative. This treatment program is funded by a grant from the National Institute of Dental Research. For further information about our free evaluation and treatment, contact Colleen at (412) 578-3137 or Email CAROL@peti.sm.upmc.edu
You can find basic information on the following topics elsewhere in this document:
Most people use the term "TMJ" to refer to jaw pain and jaw joint sounds such as clicking or grating during mouth opening. TMDs, or Temporomandibular Disorders, is the term used by dental researchers and practitioners to describe this heterogeneous set of clinical conditions that most people call TMJ.
TMDs are characterized by pain in the muscles of mastication and related muscles of the head and neck, pain or tenderness in the region of the temporomandibular joint (directly in front of the ear), limitations in mandibular opening ability, and/or joint sounds such as clicking, popping, or crepitus (a grinding/ grating sound) during mouth opening and closing.
It has been estimated that about 12% of the population have symptoms consistent with TMDs. Many people are not greatly bothered by the symptoms (e.g., pain is perceived as mild and not debilitating). Others suffer a great deal: missing work or other activities regularly, giving up favorite foods, etc.
You may have joint sounds, or know others who do. Joint sounds such as clicking and popping are common in the general population. While they can be bothersome and annoying, non-painful joint sounds are not a sufficient condition for diagnosis of TMD. Pain or tenderness of the muscles and/or joint must be present for diagnosis.
The pain associated with TMJ/TMDs can be exacerbated by oral habits, diet and stress. If you have TMJ pain, there are many things you can do to reduce it.
For example:
Many people manage their symptoms very well by increasing their awareness of behaviors that compound the pain and making efforts to reduce these behaviors. Others seek treatment.
Treatments for TMJ/TMDs include:
Our research team has been studying TMDs for approximately 15 years. If you think you need treatment for TMJ/TMDs, we strongly recommend that you try conservative, non-invasive treatments first.
If you have had jaw pain for a minimum of 3 months, are between the ages of 18 and 60, and have NOT had jaw joint surgery, you may be eligible for a comprehensive oral/dental evaluation for TMJ at the University of Pittsburgh's Pain Evaluation and Treatment Institute. To participate in our program, you must also have most of your natural teeth, not wear braces, and live fairly close to Pittsburgh, PA. Call Colleen at (412) 578-3137 if you would like to be considered for our evaluation and treatment program.
This page was created by Carol M. Greco, Ph.D.
Carol@peti.sm.upmc.edu I hope this information is helpful to you.