Benjamin R. Davis, BSc, DDS, FRCD(C), Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are common and can be divided into either muscular or intra-joint conditions. With advancing age, the craniomandibular complex undergoes changes that are similar to other musculoskeletal structures. Many of these changes may explain the decrease in incidence of TMDs seen in the older population. Conservative treatment is usually effective at decreasing TMD pain and improving function. A small percentage of patients will benefit from surgery when appropriate conservative measures have failed, and an intra-joint etiology has been definitively established.
Key words: temporomandibular disorders, aging, facial pain, temporomandibular joint surgery.