Why Are So Many People Misdiagnosed With TMJ Disorders? With Professor Renton (Ep 173)

Dec 4, 2025

Professor Tara Renton, a leading expert in oral and maxillofacial surgery with over 250 publications, joins to delve into the complexities of TMJ disorders and orofacial pain. They explore how traditional imaging often misses nerve irritations that MR neurography can catch. Tara highlights the connection between migraines and jaw pain, addresses the shortcomings of pain rating scales, and offers insights on holistic management strategies. She also discusses challenges with dental anesthesia in hypermobile patients and emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care.

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INSIGHT

Jaw Joint Is Uniquely Complex

The jaw is the most complex joint and integrates bilateral coordination, sliding and rotational movements.
Its complexity explains why temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common and multifactorial.

ADVICE

Measure Function Not Just Pain

Use simple validated questionnaires (jaw function, pain, PHQ-4) at the first visit to capture function and mood.
Prioritize function over numeric pain scales for diagnosis and management.

INSIGHT

Two Main TMD Types Explained

TMD divides broadly into arthrogenous (joint) and myogenous (muscle) problems, often overlapping.
Disc displacement causes clicking and locking, while muscles cause tenderness and functional pain.

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