Scientific Research - TMJ Research

TMJ scientific research is still in its infancy. There is no coherent body of knowledge on the etiology (causes) and pathogenesis (disease progression) of TMJ diseases and disorders, and hence little in the way of evidence-based treatment guidelines. TMJ problems should not be considered the sole province of dentists, oral surgeons or ear, nose, and throat specialists, but require the attention of experts in chronic pain, neuromuscular disorders, bone and joint disease, chronic immune and inflammatory diseases, endocrinology, genetics, bioengineering, and biomaterials.

The TMJ Association is working vigorously to improve basic and clinical science in the area of TMJ diseases/disorders. The TMJ Association has sponsored four scientific meeting in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health with the goal of building a solid scientific basis for TMJ research and to define future directions of research. At the same time the meetings were designed to bring together and enrich the pool of investigators directed to TMJ research by attracting experts from other fields and by stimulating the interest of young investigators in this emerging field of research.

We hope this section of our Web site will provide you with a better understanding of the current state of scientific research in the area of TMJ diseases/disorders.