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First, what is the temporomandibular joint?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the area directly in front of the ear on either side of the head where the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) meet. Within the TMJ, there are moving parts that allow the upper jaw to close on the lower jaw. This joint is a typical sliding “ball and socket” that has a disc sandwiched between it. The TMJ is used throughout the day to move the jaw, especially in biting and chewing, talking, and yawning. It is one of the most frequently used joints of the body.

We can locate the TMJ by putting a finger on the triangular structure in front of the ear. The finger is moved just slightly forward and pressed firmly while opening the jaw. The motion felt is from the TMJ. We can also feel the joint motion if we put a little finger against the inside front part of the ear canal. These maneuvers can cause considerable discomfort to a person who is experiencing TMJ difficulty, and doctors use them for making the diagnosis.

Diagram of TMJ

What are TMJ disorders, and how are TMJ disorders caused?
TMJ disorders are a group of complex problems of the jaw joint. Because muscles and joints work together, a problem with either one can lead to stiffness, headaches, ear pain, bite problems (malocclusion), clicking sounds, or locked jaws.

The following are behaviors or conditions that can lead to TMJ disorders
Teeth grinding and teeth clenching (bruxism) increase the wear on the cartilage lining of the TMJ. Those who grind or clench their teeth may be unaware of this behavior unless they are told by someone observing this pattern while sleeping or by a dental professional noticing telltale signs of wear and tear on the teeth. Many patients awaken in the morning with jaw or ear pain.
Habitual gum chewing or fingernail biting.
Dental problems and misalignment of the teeth (malocclusion). Patients may complain that it is difficult to find a comfortable bite or that the way their teeth fit together has changed. Chewing on only one side of the jaw can lead to or be a result of TMJ problems.
Trauma to the jaws: Previous fractures in the jaw or facial bones can lead to TMJ disorders.
Stress frequently leads to unreleased nervous energy. It is very common for people under stress to release this nervous energy by either consciously or unconsciously grinding and clenching their teeth
Occupational tasks such as holding the telephone between the head and shoulder may contribute to TMJ disorders.What are common TMJ symptoms?
TMJ pain disorders usually occur because of unbalanced activity or overuse of the jaw muscles. Symptoms tend to be chronic, and treatment is aimed at eliminating the factors that cause discomfort.

Many symptoms may not appear related to the TMJ itself. The following are common symptoms.
Headache: Approximately 80% of patients with a TMJ disorder complain of headache, and 40% report facial pain. Pain is often made worse while opening and closing the jaw. Exposure to cold weather or air-conditioned air may increase muscle contraction and facial pain.
Ear pain: About 50% of patients with a TMJ disorder notice ear pain and do not have signs of ear infection. The ear pain is usually described as being in front of or below the ear. Often, patients are treated multiple times for a presumed ear infection, which can often be distinguished from TMJ disorder by an associated hearing loss or ear drainage (which would be expected if there really was an ear infection). Because ear pain occurs so commonly, ear specialists are frequently called on to make the diagnosis of a TMJ disorder.
Sounds: Grinding, crunching, or popping sounds, medically termed crepitus, are common for patients with a TMJ disorder. These sounds may or may not be accompanied by increased pain.
Dizziness: Of patients with a TMJ disorder, 40% report a vague sense of dizziness or imbalance (usually not a spinning type vertigo). The cause of this type of dizziness is not well understood.

Fullness of the ear: About 33% of patients with a TMJ disorder describe muffled, clogged, or full ears. They may notice ear fullness and pain during airplane takeoffs and landings. These symptoms are usually caused by eustachian-tube dysfunction, the structure responsible for the regulation of pressure in the middle ear. It is thought that patients with TMJ disorders have hyperactivity (spasms) of the muscles responsible for regulating the opening and closing of the eustachian tube.
Ringing in the ear (tinnitus): For unknown reasons, 33% of patients with a TMJ disorder experience noise or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Of those patients, half will have resolution of their tinnitus after successful treatment of their TMJ disorder.
What is the treatment for TMJ disorders?
The mainstay of treatment for acute TMJ pain is heat and ice, soft diet, and anti-inflammatory medications.
1. Jaw rest: It can be beneficial to keep the teeth apart as much as possible. It is also important to recognize when tooth grinding is occurring and devise methods to cease this activity. Patients are advised to avoid chewing gum or eating hard, chewy, or crunchy foods such as raw vegetables, candy, or nuts. Foods that require opening the mouth widely, such as a big hamburger, are also not recommended.
2. Heat therapy: Heat assists in reducing muscle tension and spasm.
3. Occlusal therapy: A custom-made acrylic appliance which fits over the teeth is commonly prescribed for night but may be required throughout the day. It acts to balance the bite and reduce or eliminate teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism).
4. Correction of bite abnormalities: Corrective dental therapy, such as orthodontics, may be required to correct an abnormal bite. Dental restorations assist in creating a more stable bite. Adjustments of bridges or crowns act to ensure proper alignment of the teeth.
5. Physical therapy: Passively opening and closing the jaw, massage, and electrical stimulation help to decrease pain and increase the range of motion and strength of the joint.
6. Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil and others) naproxen, (Aleve and others), or steroids can help control inflammation. Muscle relaxants can aid in decreasing muscle spasms and in certain situations, local injection of cortisone preparations into the TMJ may be helpful.
7. Stress Management: Stress support groups, psychological counseling, and medications can also assist in reducing muscle tension. Biofeedback helps people recognize times of increased muscle activity and spasm and provides methods to help control them.
8. Surgery: Surgery is indicated in those situations in which medical therapy has failed. It is done as a  last resort. TMJ arthroscopy, ligament tightening, joint restructuring, and joint replacement are considered in the most severe cases of joint damage or deterioration.
How Dr. Frost Can Help
Before Dr. Frost attended his residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics he completed a one year fellowship for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunctions at the University of Rochester in upstate New York.
During his fellowship he learned and developed TMJ treatment techniques to help patients minimize the use of drugs and eliminate evasive surgical procedures.
Today Dr. Frost utilizes the latest technology available to provide his patients with the most efficient and effective treatment possible. The i-CAT Cone Beam 3D Dental Imaging System can focus in on the temporomandibular joints to detect TMJ dysfunction causes and identify the best treatment option for patients. The system uses low dose scans to minimize radiation and produce an exact 3D image of the jaws, joints and teeth to pinpoint what is causing discomfort.

*exerpts taken from William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR and medicinenet.com