[Differential diagnosis in painful dysfunctions of the mandibular joint]

The painful dysfunctional syndrome of the mandibular joint is characterized by an impaired functional equilibrium of the masticating apparatus, the main constituents of which are the mandibular joint, the masseters and dentition. The symptoms associated with the syndrome are usually non-specific and are found also in other diseases of the orofacial region. The author describes some pathological conditions which may be mistaken for painful dysfunctional syndrome, in particular if they take an atypical course with a less marked symptomatology.