Topic Overview

Problems in the structure of the jaw joint include:

• Problems in the bones or other structures of the joint. These may have been present since birth (congenital), developed over time, or been caused by injury.
• Problems with the disc that cushions the joint between the jawbone (mandible) and the skull, such as the disc moving out of its normal position (disc displacement) or tearing (usually the result of a long-standing joint dysfunction).
• Arthritis, which can cause wearing away of the disc or inflammation of the membranes lining the joint (synovitis).
• Scar tissue within the joint (adhesions).
• In rare cases, tumors in or near the jaw joint.