Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is not just one disorder, but a group of conditions, often painful, that affect the temporomandibular joint, and the muscles that control chewing. Many psychological and physical factors cause myofascial pain, internal derangement of the joint, degenerative joint diseases which ultimately leads to temporomandibular disorder. Scientists are exploring how behavioral, psychological and physical factors may combine to cause temporomandibular disorders and researchers are working to clarify temporomandibular disorders symptoms, with the goal of developing easier and better methods of diagnosis and improved treatment. In part 1 of this 2-part series on temporomandibular disorders, emphasis will be placed on the history and classification of temporomandibular disorders, structure and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and patient evaluation techniques.

Once proper patient evaluation techniques have been implemented and a working differential diagnosis has been created, the clinician can start treatment planning for the temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patient. This is not an easy task, primarily due to the wide array of treatment options currently available. In the second and final part of this article, focus will be placed on various treatment modalities for temporomandibular disorders.